The contract to play semi-pro ball in Upland was too lucrative to pass up for Frank “Home Run” Baker, an underpaid player for the Philadelphia Athletics.
Baker played one season for the semi-pro Delaware County team back in 1915, writes Mark E. Dixon for Main Line Today.
At the time, he was one of the biggest stars in baseball, leading the American League in home runs for four seasons starting in 1911.
Baker earned $5,000 a year after he signed a three-year contract with the Athletics at a time when other players were making $12,000 in the new Federal League.
When Baker threatened to retire from the game, Athletics manager Connie Mack gave him permission to play “local” baseball.
Baker was picked up by millionaire industrialist backer John P. Crozer, to play for the Upland team at nearly his Athletics salary.
Baker debuted in Upland in May 1915 before the team’s largest crowd ever and helped them defeat Clifton Heights 5-1.
Delco fans loved him, even gifting him a Guernsey calf for his farm.
Mack finally sold Baker to the New York Yankees in February 1916, who gave Baker a three-year contract for $12,000 a year.
Find out more about the career of Frank “Home Run” Baker in Main Line Today.
