Nate Baker

Nathaniel Barrett Baker

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 3", Weight 190 lb.
• School University of Mississippi
• High School Cordova High School
• Born December 27, 1987 in Memphis, TN USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Nate Baker pitched professionally from 2009 to 2015, peaking at Double-A. He was taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 5th round of the 2009 amateur draft, one pick ahead of pitcher Ashur Tolliver and two ahead of future All-Star Brandon Belt. He was signed by scout Darren Mazeroski.

He had a 1.69 ERA in 16 innings his first professional campaign, then posted an 8-8 record and 3.00 ERA in 25 starts for the between two clubs in 2010. With the Bradenton Marauders in 2011, he went 10-8, 3.34 in 29 games (25 starts), earning a spot in the semi-prestigious Arizona Fall League. With the AZFL's Mesa Solar Sox, his ERA soared to 8.80 in 15 1/3 innings, though he averaged more than a strikeout per frame. In 2012, he went 4-7, 4.94 in 32 games (13 starts) for the Altoona Curve, then he had a 1.80 ERA in 9 relief appearances for the Caribes de Anzoategui of the Venezuelan Winter League. He slipped to 4-4, 6.05 for Altoona in 2013, then—in a relief role—went 3-1, 2.32 in 21 games between three clubs in 2014. After a stint with the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, he wrapped up his career in independent ball, playing for the Ottawa Champions and Bridgeport Bluefish in 2015. Between them, he went 1-4 with a 4.58 ERA in 24 games (8 starts).

In total, he went 29-28 with a 3.89 ERA in 151 games (71 starts) over six years in the Pirates system. In 513 1/3 innings, he allowed 493 hits and 207 walks (1.364 WHIP), while striking out 381 batters. At all levels, including fall and winter ball, he was 31-33 with a 4.04 ERA in 200 games (80 starts). In 597 1/3 innings, he allowed 588 hits and 252 walks (1.406 WHIP), while striking out 442 batters. He was a South Atlantic League Mid-Season All-Star in 2010 and a MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2011.