By DAN BISER
Sports Editor

BOONE - Four years ago, 17-year-old Chris Baker led the way for the East Columbus High Gators as they made an improbable march to the state 2A baseball championship series.

Although the Gators didn’t fare well in the best-of-three state title series against a powerhouse East Rutherford team at Zebulon’s Five-County Stadium, it was still a truly rewarding and memorable season for Coach Karl Bracey’s ECHS squad.

Baker provided plenty of senior leadership as he split time between pitcher, catcher, shortstop and center field in leading the Gators from a mediocre showing in Waccamaw Conference play to the conference tournament championship and their Cinderella playoff run.

Through his all-around play and leadership, Baker was selected 2003 Columbus County Baseball Player of the Year and he signed to play baseball for the Applalachian State Mountaineers.

Now, Baker is in his senior season at Appalachian and he continues to provide plenty of leadership.

On May 9, in the opening game of a doubleheader against the Davidson Wildcats at Davidson, Baker had four hits and drove in five runs in a 23-2 Applachian State win. In the same game, the ASU outfielder broke the school record for career games by a Mountaineer player. It was his 187th game in an ASU uniform, breakiing the mark of 186 previously held byChris Behne, who played from 1997 to 2000.

“I knew I was getting close, but I wasn’t sure how close,” said Bakder by phone from Charleston Tuesday right after the team’s arrival for the tournament. “I was kind of surprised when they told me I had actually set the record., but it was nice to know that I got it. I’ve really enjoyed playing baseball for Applachian.

In the Mountaineers’ opening game of the Southen Conference Tournament Wednesday against UNC-Greensboro at Charleston, Baker appeared his 195th game while making his 178th start.

Applachian is carrying a 32-24 record and is seeded fourth in the Southern Conference Tournament.

Coach Chris Pollard’s Mountaineers have compiled their first 30-win season since 1986 and their first winning season since 1996.

Prior to Wednesday’s game, Baker was carrying a .304 seasons batting average with four home runs, 12 doubles, two triples, 32 runs batted in and 15 stolen bases.

The 5-foot-10, 175-poundBaker broke into the ASU starting line-up midway through his freshman season and ended up starting 31 games that season. He has remained a solid fixture in the Mountaineer outfield, playing mainly center field, ever since, and that “High Country Hardball,” has been a lot of fun.

“I’ve always been the type player who wants to be in the line-up every game no matter where they put me in field or in the batting order,” he said. “My coaches and teammates have showne a lof of confidence in me, and I always want to be part of the game.”

The former ECHS athlete is due to graduate next December with a degree in industrial relations. He is hoping for a shot at professinal baseball.

Baker is the son of Vallie Vandoren Baker of Clarkton. He was also a standout wide receiver/defensive back in football while at East Columbus.