Steve Baker # 66 Right Wing

Biography:

The British Columbia Aastros were without a doubt one of the greatest teams to play in the CBHA. Like the Chicago Black Hawks of the 60's with Bobby Hull. They had an image. And make no mistake, like Hull was to the Hawks. Steve Baker was for the Aastros. This big winger was a prime time goal scorer who led these teams to greatness.

He had the swagger of a star. And he led the Aastros on to the National scene with a bang. These teams were big, tough. And led by Baker they could scorch you offensively. Like Hull, Baker was at his most dangerous when attacking. He had a quick and accurate release that more often than not found its way into mesh. He was a fixture on the power play. And was a presence either on his off wing, banging one timers at the opposition goalie. Or in front of the net, using his big body to bang in rebounds.

For a big man, Baker moved really well. And was a very good forechecker. You could never leave this player alone. Or he would hurt your team big time. That is what Baker was more than anything. A prime time offensive star. Leading a high-octane attack. With him being the king pin, just like many decades before with Hull and the Hawks. Baker's big number 66, will not be forgotten in our association. For that shirt, his play, and the look of him running down that floor in that Aastros uniform as one of the great offensive stars of the CBHA will forever be etched in our associations history.

We caught up with the great Baker...here is what he has to say to our readers.

 

Interview:

What type of player would you describe yourself as?
Leader, offensive, physical

You were a prime time offensive threat. What would you tell young ball hockey players about attaining that skill? 
Practice, practice, Came easy in the younger years as I loved the sport of hockey so much. I spent endless hours day dreaming of the NHL and shooting an empty net with targets. If I saw someone do something I liked I would practice it for hours. Like the Bossy one-timer, this practice really benefited me. One timing the ball on the run or stand still. That always gives the goalie trouble if you hit the net.

Why did ball hockey become so important to you? 
Ball hockey became so important because it blended my 3 of my favorites: Hockey, Competition and playing on a team. In the early years I was amazed that ball hockey was organized and had provincials and nationals. I owe John Polidano for getting me involved. I really enjoyed playing in all those tournaments. I am jealous I did not get an opportunity to play in world tournaments. The volunteers of the game deserve a lot of credit for putting ball hockey on the map and achieving Nationals, worlds, etc.

What was your most memorable game, or memory at the Nationals? 
After 7 Nationals I have so many memories. The one that hurt the most was losing 2-1 to PreCast in the Gold Medal game 1989. We had half our team as many regular were not there and we came so close. I am sure we could have had success with the likes of A Chris Humber, Jamie Cayford and harry Dion in the line up.

What were the best Nationals you ever played in? 
They were all great. The Travelers, The Top Guns, Fernview Rangers and Midnight Express were in a class of there own. It always seemed like Ontarios challenge was winning their provincials and then they could party at the nationals.

Steve, you played on the best team never to win the Nationals. The Aastros were an imposing team with great players. You battled valiantly against the best teams in your generation the Travelers, Topguns, Fernview, Nova Scotia All-Stars and Rowdies of BC. What did it mean to be part of that team? And always come so close? 
Being part of the Aastros was a great experience. We definitely had our ups and downs. I think we could have won provincials for another 3-4 years if everyone stuck together. I thank Brian Graham for inviting me to play on the Astros as it changed my life. One of the great things is we were able to see most of Canada through Ball Hockey and competed at a very high level. Something you do not get in Adult Ice hockey.

After all these years. What has your career in our sport done for you as a person?
My Career in sport has made me a leader, a competitor, a coach, a strategist and someone who appreciated all the time the volunteers put in.

What do you see ahead for our sport? And what does it mean to you to be inducted into our Hall? 
I see the Olympics as the next step. Wouldn't that be great? To be inducted is a great honour. To be amongst the class of the sport. It makes me feel good about the commitment I made as there were a lot of sacrifices along the way. I am very proud and honoured to be chosen.

What was your favorite Ball Hockey Team other than your own?
My favorite ball hockey team is the BC Women's Vikings. The Vikings hockey team accompanied us every year to the nationals. It is ironic actually they came and cheered for us every game as if we were the main show. They gave me so much support and it pumped you up hearing them in the stands, Most of our guys rarely cheered for them Yet the Vikings supported us all the way. The first year they came they didn't score a goal and were mercied most games. Well you know what within 5 short years they became National Champions. I would like to recognize my team mate and good friend Harry Dion for starting Women's Ball Hockey in British Columbia. Harry was also the leader and coach who lead BC to its first national Women's championship. I would like to recommend Harry as a future inductee to HOF. It's too bad Harry never coached us as we probably could have won.

Outside of Hockey what do you do?
I am married with 2 beautiful little girls and I work for the City of Richmond in the Recreation Services as an Area Coordinator. So I have a great job that fits well into my recreation background

Was there anything significant about the number you wore? 
Mario Lemieux was one of my favorite all time players. Also I just like d the way it looked. Felt like it was a part of me.

What was your greatest personal Athletic moment? 
The honour of being inducted to the CBHA Hall of fame is my greatest personal athletic moment. I am very proud of this award. At the same time my wife Marianne and our children deserve a lot of credit with all the support they gave me while I was away playing hockey. My mom and dad deserve big thanks for getting me started in hockey and driving me to the early practices and watching all the games. Their dedication to me allowed me to be a [part of the greatest sport in the world. My dad was a great role model and taught me dedication and perseverance. Lastly Jamie Cayford, Chris Green and all my teammates deserve a lot of credit with out them I would never had experience a national tournament.

Who would you like to recognize that you have not already?
I would like to recognize all my Aastro teammates and coaches and volunteers (Especially King) Harry Dion's dad our trainer. He did everything for us, waited on us hand and foot and I really appreciated him. The Aastros had a great run and I felt privileged to be a part of such a special team. I would also like to thank Dan Corsie and Roy Wheaton former Coaches and the Al GoodrichÕs, Terry Richardson's, Louis Labbe's, Fernando Alves and all the BCBHA. I have had some differences with some of them but I truly respect and thank you for the time that you put in to the great sport of ball hockey and for being so tolerant of the Aastros Hockey team. We know we were a handful and were mischievous. I would also like to thank the CBHA for many years or great tournaments and accolades. I truly felt honored to participate in your tournaments.
 

Career:

• British Columbia Aastros