NewsBaker keeps mind sharp off the field
Catcher uses crossword puzzles as daily breather
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
04/28/09 6:52 PM ET
NEW YORK -- The daily grind of Major League Baseball can create mind games for players, which is one reason Marlins catcher John Baker challenges his mind off the field by figuring out crossword puzzles.A graduate of the University of California, Baker uses the daily puzzles as a mental breather.
"I think it's important to stay grounded in baseball," Baker said. "But I also think it's important to have an escape, especially when you're going through a streak like we're going through.
"When you lose a few games in a row, when you have something that gets you out of the baseball world and into the fantasy world, some guys do different things."
The left-handed-hitting catcher tests his brain each day by working through the USA Today crossword puzzle. Since USA Today is a national paper, he can find it in every market, so he's stuck with it.
"USA Today is the paper you can get throughout the United States," said Baker, who makes his offseason home in northern California. "I can get it at home. I can get it in California. I can get it in New York, Florida, anywhere.
"At home in the offseason, I'll download it from my computer. I'll spend some time with it in the morning and after I work out. If I have a cup of coffee, I'll do it. It's become a habit."
Baker was introduced to crossword puzzles by former teammate Joe Nelson, who is now with the Rays.
It started in Spring Training of 2008. Nelson was typically the first player to arrive at camp, and Baker also arrived early. Nelson played puzzles, and Baker quickly followed.
"Some guys play video games. Some guys read," Baker said. "For me, I try to do stuff to challenge my brain a little bit."
Baker has experimented with games like Sudoku, but he says he can't find time for both.
"I get very obsessive about things," he said. "If I did play Sudoku, it would be consuming all my time."
A typical crossword puzzle will take him about 20-25 minutes, and he's continuing to grasp some of the tricks and common words and hints. Another plus, he finds, of figuring out USA Today puzzles is they aren't too difficult.
"They're easier. I deal with some of the ones in the Miami Herald, and they can be tougher," Baker said. "The New York Times one is impossible."
Baker will dabble with puzzles in the clubhouse before games. And he will get help with words from pitchers such as Chris Volstad, Burke Badenhop, Dan Meyer and Andrew Miller.
"When I'm close to the end, there will always be guys who help me with a word," Baker said.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
