SAINT PETER, Minn. – Brad Baker '80 HOF '98 announced that the 2025 season was his last in early March. But before his retirement was final, the 1980 Gustavus graduate and Saint Peter native led the baseball team on one final journey – to its best season in program history. 

Baker, who was honored by his peers as both the D3baseball.com Region 9 and MIAC Coach of the Year, led the Gusties to their most successful year on record, claiming the MIAC regular season championship for the third time in the last six seasons with a league mark of 17-3. 

Gustavus collected its first MIAC playoff title as well, going a perfect 3-0 in conference tournament play to advance to the program's first national tournament appearance. Baker's Gusties set single season records for wins (37), winning percentage (.804), at-bats (1,559), hits (539), doubles (101), RBI (381), runs (414), and on-base percentage (.439).

"I spent years building and leading a business I was passionate about. It was all about culture and getting the right people on the team doing the right things. We were really good at it and the business really worked," said Baker. 

"When Tom Brown called me regarding the baseball position, it was timely because it was an opportunity for me to do many of the same things all over again. It's easy to be passionate about trying to build and lead a winning college baseball team. You figure out what you need and go get it. The field, the right coaches, and the right kids that fit your culture. We did it."

"It's difficult to fully capture the impact Brad Baker has had on our baseball program and the Gustavus community," said Gustavus director of athletics Tom Brown. "As a standout student-athlete and later in his successful career at Craig-Hallum, Brad exemplified leadership, integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. He returned to Gustavus with that same passion, shaping a championship culture and mentoring countless student-athletes along the way. We are profoundly grateful for his service and wish him nothing but the best in retirement."

Gustavus baseball has boasted a winning record in each of Baker's season, starting first shortly after his graduation in 1981. A first-year head coach, Baker led the 1981 squad to a 16-10 record, before joining the ranks of Craig-Hallum Capital Group in Minneapolis.

After returning to coach in 2016, Baker has rattled off 20-win seasons in every year and collected the program's first MIAC title since 1980 – when Baker started as a shortstop and pitcher on the field – in 2019. Gustavus claimed its second title under the Hall of Famer's direction in 2023, but just missed the NCAA tournament three times, finishing as the MIAC playoff runners-up in 2019, 2022, and 2023. 

But, he saved the best for last in the 2025 season. Gustavus caught attention early, starting the season with 10 consecutive wins, including a perfect 8-0 record on the team's spring trip to Arizona, before dicing up the MIAC with 17 wins to just three losses – two of which were decided by three or less runs. The season culminated with a pair of wins over Bethel in the MIAC tournament to claim the first playoff title in program history, followed by hosting duties in the NCAA Championship.

"I used to say that I thought I could have a positive impact on these kids in our program," Baker continued, "but in reality, I think they've had an even greater positive impact on my life. I've been blessed to have had the opportunity to coach baseball at Gustavus with the coaches, in particular my brother Jeff."

Baker finished his career with an overall record of 246-136 and a .644 win percentage. The team has collected four titles, while Bryce Novak '24 and Jack Hanson '23 collected All-America and MIAC Player of the Year honors under his tenure, as well as numerous program and conference records.
 
"The impact Brad Baker has had on Gustavus baseball is second to none," said associate head coach Andrew Woitas '10. "He gave his time, talent, and treasure and has built a program that can compete on the national stage. There was no better mentor in coaching and in life, and I am beyond grateful to have worked alongside Brad the last seven years.

"Brad Baker, Jeff Baker, and Steve Swansson have left their legacy on Gustavus baseball, and the program is in a great spot for years to come."
 
Gustavus finished first in the MIAC for the third time in the last six competitive seasons with a 17-3 record (37-9 overall) and won its first MIAC playoff title this spring. The Gusties were selected to host a four-team regional in the team's NCAA tournament debut, winning its first game, before dropping to the elimination bracket where the season ended with a pair of losses. 

In the regular season, Gustavus led the MIAC in batting average (.349), doubles (96), hits (504), home runs (40), on-base percentage (.443), runs (396), scoring margin (+9.2), slugging percentage (.519), strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.57), strikeouts per nine innings (8.5), walks per nine innings (3.32), and winning percentage (.837). The Gusties' .349 batting average ranked fourth in Division III, while their slugging percentage was 11th, on-base percentage 12th, and 504 hits 13th.