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Home > Hockey > Hockey Hall of Famers > Hobart Amery Hare (Hobey) Baker
Hobart Amery Hare (Hobey) Baker
Hobart Amery Hare, Hobey, Baker was born on the 15th of January 1892 in Wissahickon, Pennsylvania. He died on the 21st of December 1918. He was arguably the first hockey legend born in the United States. By the time he entered Princeton University in 1910, Baker was an extremely well-rounded sportsman. The budding star led the Tigers through an undefeated season in 1911-12 that culminated in an intercollegiate championship. As a rover, he was given the freedom to improvise and display his immense ability all over the ice. Baker became well known for his end-to-end rushes and an unheard level of stamina that enabled him to dominate an entire game. He was such a one-man show at times that the Princeton squad came to be known as, Baker and Six Other Players.
He was sincerely concerned if any fouls took place in a game, even if he wasn't directly involved and would venture into the opposition's dressing room after the game to congratulate them on a fine effort. Baker left college, by captaining the Tigers to another collegiate title in his senior year of 1913-14. He also served as captain of the school's varsity football team. Throughout his entire college program, he matched his athletic achievements with exemplary scholastic results, becoming a role model for students whether or not they were involved in sports.
Following his graduation, Baker suited up for the St. Nicholas amateur team in New York City, where each player was required to pay his own way to participate. Although he caught the attention of professional clubs, Baker's intention was always to play hockey for the sheer enjoyment of it. He left the game during World War I and distinguished himself as a pilot. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his superior conduct under fire. Tragically, Baker lost his life as a result of a post-war flying accident in Toul, France.
The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is presented annually to the outstanding collegiate hockey player in the United States. Each year the Hobey Baker Stick is awarded at his old prep school in Concord, while the Princeton Tigers named their hockey arena after their most famous player. Baker is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. In 1945 he was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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