Growing up in Trigg County during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Al Baker didn’t know he would eventually become the school’s best-ever athlete — nor one of its most critical ambassadors.
He just liked getting together with his friends, riding in the back of a pickup truck to the Trigg County Recreation Complex, and seeing what all he could get into.
Life came full circle for Baker last Friday night at the Lexie Bush Convention Center, when he shared wit and wisdom with more than 200 people at the first-ever Genesis Express “United To Serve” Banquet — a dinner organized not only to celebrate the non-profit’s success in the community, but also to uplift and recognize local leaders for their unwavering support of Trigg County pride.
Before the dinner, Baker accepted visitors at the new Intergenerational Center on Jefferson Street…and in a discussion with Your News Edge, he reflected on what being a Wildcat meant to him, and all the things that pushed him along the way — from being No. 8 in Cadiz, to No. 5 in Lexington.
Most of them, he said, came at, and through, the Complex. John Ladd. Little League baseball. The Sholar boys. The Garland twins. Green bubble gum and Fun-yuns. Ralph Thomas. Eric Bleidt. The Turnleys. Motorcycles.
But there were so many others.
If there’s any advice he could impart on a younger generation, especially now as a recruiter for Ashland Community Technical College, it’s a simple adage.
“Listen to your elders,” just as he did trying to navigate life before opting for college at the University of Kentucky, and then deciding to stay with the Wildcats through a coaching change.
In honor of speaking to his community, Baker’s sister, Sheneda, penned a short letter from the family for Alvin Douglas:
Our brother, Al, has achieved his fame, and he never brought shame to the Baker name.
Through hardships and trials, he made it through.
God’s plan for him is have more to do.
His early years were lots of fun.
Yes, he got spankings, and more than one.
For throwing golf balls, breaking an antique lamp,
And climbing trees, Al was always full of energy.
His sports career in high school and college helped him gain lots of wisdom and knowledge.
He has a wonderful wife, children and grandkids.
We’re proud of his life and the things that he did.
May God continue to bless you, Al.
Jim Wallace, Trigg County’s legendary coach and former superintendent, still remembers the first time he saw Baker suit up for Wildcats football.
It was at Ballard Memorial, during Baker’s eighth grade year.
Meanwhile, Genesis Express President George Radford said the plan is for this celebration, this dinner, to remain part of the community calendar — but that it would be difficult to top Baker as visitor and guest speaker.
Winner of this year’s inaugural awards included:
United to Serve “Woman of the Year” — Beth Sumner
United to Serve “Man of the Year” — Neal Wadlington
United to Serve “Outstanding Trailblazer of the Year” — Reggie Cavanaugh
United to Serve “Outstanding Genesis Express Member of the Year” — Bobby Acree
Baker Accolades and Facts
— Ran for nearly 5,400 yards at Trigg County, earning Gatorade High School Player of the Year, West Kentucky Player of the Year, and Associated Press Player of the Year
— Reportedly still holds the Class 1A state record in 100-meter dash at 10.7 seconds, set in 1985
— Drafted by the New York Jets in the 10th round of the 1991 campaign, but opted for other careers
— One of 11 children, whose father taught math for more than three decades
— Earned a bachelor of arts in communication from UK in 1991, and entered social work through DCBS until 1998
— Worked one years as a probation officer before moving to ACTC, and earned his master’s of arts in communications from Morehead State in 2008
— Has worked for ACTC for the last two decades in roles like recruiting and cultural diversity, and recently served as president of the Boyd/Greenup chapter of the NAACP
— Member of multiple Halls of Fame
