Herman J. Baker, Sr.

Herman Baker, a native of Bristol, Virginia, was a standout on the football field for the Wasps. He was inducted into the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame in 1974.

Baker lettered in football in 1927, 1928, and 1929. After his senior season, he was selected as a right guard to the All-Smoky Mountain Conference and All-Virginia All-State teams and had the honor of playing with the All-State team on New Year’s Day against the National League Professional All-Stars. Known for his leadership and reliability, Baker was one of two senior football stars that were asked by Coach “Pedie” Jackson to help with spring training for the 1930 season.

While at E&H, Baker was president of the Hermesian Literary Society, a member of the commerce club, and was on honor roll 1927-29. He graduated from the college cum laude in 1930.

Baker worked for over 25 years with People’s Life Insurance as an agent, assistant manager and manager before retiring. He also worked several years in Wise County and Bristol, Virginia school systems as an athletic director and coach.

Herman Baker died on December 9, 1992 in Bristol, Tennessee.