Rowan honors Phila. Phillies legendary announcer Dan Baker

Hundreds of fans and supporters gathered on September 22 as Rowan University honored legendary announcer and alumnus Dan Baker and unveiled his donation of more than 75 pieces of Philadelphia Phillies sports memorabilia.

A junior high school education major and member of the basketball team, Baker graduated from then-Glassboro State College in 1968 and began teaching and coaching at Philadelphia’s Landreth Elementary School. His career with the Phillies started in 1972. He is the longest-serving active public address announcer in Major League Baseball and, this July, he became the first PA announcer in Major League Baseball history to work three all-star games in his home ballpark. He's also announced six World Series.

“When I first arrived at Glassboro State College, I could not have imagined where life would take me,” said Baker. “I certainly could not have known that the education, friendships and experiences I found would provide the foundation for a career that would allow me to participate in so many memorable moments in Philadelphia sports history.”

Baker began talks with the University four years ago about his donation and worked with Rowan’s Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact Senior Director and former Philadelphia sports broadcaster Neil Hartman to select items for the display.

“What a wonderful opportunity for our students to enjoy all this Phillies memorabilia that Dan has gathered the past 54 years as the public address announcer of the Phillies,” said Hartman. “Dan's voice has been a part of some of the city's most unforgettable moments, and it all started here in Glassboro, New Jersey.”

Located on the ground floor of Rowan’s Chamberlain Student Center, the permanent collection includes jerseys from Hall of Famers Robin Roberts, Richie Ashburn and Steve Carlton and 2008 World Series champion Ryan Howard; replica World Series rings from 1980 and 2008; Baker’s Phillies watch; signed baseballs and bats from Joe DiMaggio, Ashburn, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, Jim Bunning, Jim Thome and many others; and a pair of Gartlan collectibles of Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton.

Hall of Fame Sports Memorabilia, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, artfully created the exhibit, collaborating with Baker and Hartman. Well-respected in the sports memorabilia industry and a friend of the University, the company generously donated the glass cases and wall-mounted frames that display and protect the collection. 

The ceremony also included remarks from former Phillies relief pitcher and current radio color commentator Larry Anderson and Rowan University President Ali Houshmand. 

“I can’t say enough good things,” said Anderson. “He's just been a tremendous asset to the organization. Not just the organization, but the people that he meets. Take the time to meet Dan and you'll see that kindness shine through constantly.”

Before unveiling the display, the Rowan Baseball team and its head coach, Mike Dickson, presented Baker with a team uniform and a cake as Baker was celebrating his 80th birthday that same day.

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome Dan Baker back to campus as an alumnus and a friend, but today was extra special,” said Houshmand. “Dan’s heart for people is his greatest legacy. Everyone who visits this exhibit and learns about his life will be inspired to kindness and perseverance, to how one person can make a difference for so many.” 

Speaking to the crowd of students, University employees, Phillies staff and alumni, Baker reflected on his storied career and the role his college played in it.  

“I hope that when you pass this display, you will not simply see the record of one graduate’s career. I hope you will see where one journey began, what was overcome along the way and what may be possible when you believe, persevere and follow a path entirely your own making. I will always be grateful to Glassboro State College for the foundation it gave me and proud of what that institution has become as Rowan University.”