Terry Baker was the second of a rare breed – a Heisman Trophy winner who played in the CFL. At 6’3” amd 210 lbs. he was a standout three sport athlete (basketball, baseball and football) at Oregon State and became the first west coast based winner of the Heisman on November 27, 1962.

Baker had an outstanding career with Oregon State from 1960 through 1962. In 1962, he led the Beavers in passing, rushing and punting. He is the few individual to have won the Heisman Trophy and played in the NCAA basketball Final Four tournament. Also in 1962, he was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of Year.

After graduation, Baker was the first overall pick in the NFL 1963 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He saw limited action with the Rams over three years, starting just one game. Released by the Rams in 1966, GM Norm Kimball signed him to a single year Eskimos contract in March 1967.

Early struggles with quarterback Frank Cosentino left the Eskimos with a 2-4 record before a 8-1 finish with a semi-platoon system at the QB position the rest of the way led to a berth in the playoffs, where they lost to eventual Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan 21-5.

Baker elected to complete his law degree and retired from the CFL and football following his single season the league. Baker attended law school at U.S.C, and was admitted to the Oregon State Bar. He also served on the staff of the President's Commission on Campus Unrest and Kent State Task Force in 1970. He later was named president of the American Automobile Association. Named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982, Baker is currently (2013) retired and living in Portland Oregon.

[Bio by Wes Cross]

Terry Baker in Wikipedia

Terry Baker Reminisces About Heisman (Video)

Tery Baker HIghlights at Oregon State (Video)

College Football Stats for Terry Baker

Heisman Redux for Terry Baker