Norm Baker
Key Career Moment of Norm Baker
Norm Baker, a Canadian basketball pioneer, had a defining moment in 1946 when he led the Victoria Dominoes to the Pacific Coast League championship.
Norman Henry Baker (Febru – Ap) was a Canadian professional basketball and lacrosse player.
His clutch performances and leadership solidified his reputation as one of the greatest pre-NBA era players. Baker's ability to dominate in high-pressure situations earned him widespread recognition, paving the way for future Canadian talents in professional basketball.
Unique Skill of Norm Baker
Norm Baker was renowned for his exceptional ball-handling and scoring versatility.
Norm Baker was voted Canada’s top basketball player of the first half of the 20th century. At age 19, Baker was a member of the Victoria Dominoes, the Senior National basketball Championship team in With Baker in a staring role, the Dominoes won two more national championships in and
Unlike many players of his time, he combined sharp shooting with crafty playmaking, making him nearly unstoppable in transition. His signature hesitation dribble and mid-range pull-up were ahead of their time, influencing later generations of guards.
Norm Baker's Stats
- Scored 2,000+ points in Pacific Coast League play
- Multiple-time league MVP in the 1940s
- Inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983
Norm Baker's Legacy in the NBA
Though Norm Baker never played in the NBA due to the league's infancy, his impact on basketball was profound.
He helped popularize the sport in Canada and inspired future stars like Steve Nash. A unique fact: Baker once scored 55 points in a single game-an unheard-of feat in his era. His legacy lives on as a trailblazer who proved Canadian players could compete at the highest levels of the game.
Norm Baker was the best player I ever saw before the NBA existed, said longtime basketball historian Robert Peterson.