Bill Baker

1968 could be considered a year when the torch was passed on the Saskatchewan Roughrider defensive line.  1968 marked the last year of Ron Atchison, one of the toughest players to ever play for the Riders and the first season of Bill Baker who was just as tough.  Baker did not get his nickname "The Undertaker" for his gentle play.  While no official quarterback sack statistics were kept during the years that Baker played, he was one of the best pass rushers in the CFL of that era.  Baker joined the Riders in 1968 after one year with the Regina Rams Jr. team and four years at Otterbein.  Baker played for the Riders from 68 until 1973, picking up Western All Star honours in 1971, 1972 and 1973 as well as All-Canadian recognition in 72 and 73.  In 1974, Baker left the Riders to join the BC Lions and played three seasons on the coast (1974-76), adding two more Western and All Canadian honours in 75 and 76.  In 1976, Baker was named the Oustanding Defensive Player in the CFL.  Fittingly enough, Baker returned to Saskatchewan to complete his career with two more seasons in 1977 and 1978 before retiring.  After his retirement, BAker served one year as the president and CEO of the CFL.  Bill Baker was elected to the CFL Hall-of-Fame in 1994.

Games Played and Fumble Recoveries
Year Team GP FR Yds Avg TD Long OFR
1968 SASK 16 1 0 0 0 0 0
1969 SASK 16 1 0 0 0 0 0
1970 SASK 16 0 0 0 0 0 0
1971 SASK 16 0 0 0 0 0 0
1972 SASK 16 1 4 4 0 4 0
1973 SASK 16 0 0 0 0 0 0
1974 BC 14 1 0 0 0 0 0
1975 BC 16 0 0 0 0 0 0
1976 BC 16 1 0 0 0 0 0
1977 SASK 16 0 2 0 0 0 0
1978 SASK 16 0 0 0 0 0 0

Baker had one blocked kick in 1973.

No quarterback sack or tackle statistics were kept during these years.