March 28th
Terry Baker’s final game with the Saskatchewan Roughriders was arguably his finest.
Baker averaged 46.5 yards on six punts in the 1989 Grey Cup game, in which Saskatchewan defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 43-40. His precise punts repeatedly hemmed in the Tiger-Cats deep in their territory.
Just over four months later — 33 years ago today, on March 28, 1990 — Baker was traded to the Ottawa Rough Riders for Regina-born punter Mike Lazecki, defensive lineman Scott Camper, cornerback Charles McCree and future considerations.
Baker had requested a deal.
Also a placekicker, he remained in the CFL until 2002, suiting up for Ottawa (2000 to 2005), the Toronto Argonauts (2005) and Montreal Alouettes (1996-2002).
In his final game — at age 40 — he helped Montreal post a 25-16 Grey Cup victory over Edmonton. He had a 42-yard field goal, three converts and a punt single in that game.
Baker, who joined Saskatchewan in 1987 after the Alouettes folded with the regular season looming, was the last player from the Roughriders’ 1989 championship team to dress for a CFL game.
TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS
- Don Jones — Roughriders defensive back, 1982 (65)
- June James — guard, 1996 (53)
- Antonio Hall — offensive lineman, 2006, 2009 (41)