28th Heisman Trophy Award: Terry Baker, Oregon State

The 28th Heisman Trophy Award made history in the world of college football when it was awarded to Terry Baker from Oregon State. This historical event occurred at the end of the 1962 football season, specifically on the 27th of December that year. The significance? Terry Baker was not only the first player from Oregon State University to receive the honor but also the first player from the Pacific Coast to be bestowed this prestigious award.

As a quarterback for Oregon State, Baker’s impressive skill set and dedication on the field had been turning heads all season. The university is located in Corvallis, Oregon, a city synonymous with a strong football culture and love for the game. Thus, the recognition of Baker as the 28th Heisman Trophy laureate led to the university and the city sharing in the radiance of this national acclaim.

Prior to 1962, the Heisman Trophy Award had been dominated by players from colleges in the Eastern side of the United States. This award was an undisputed testament to Baker’s extraordinary talent, reaffirming his contribution to shifting the focus and bringing forth attention to the football prowess residing on the Pacific Coast. The Heisman Trophy, in itself, is a recognition of the most outstanding player in college football in the United States whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.

The award’s namesake, John Heisman, was a player, coach, and remarkably, a dramatic artist. Embodying creativity, passion, and a zealous spirit, the Heisman Trophy Award mirrors these qualities, acknowledging not only the athletic abilities of the recipient but their integrity and character as well.

Let us delve into the ingenious player that is Terry Baker. Born in 1941, Baker attended Jefferson High School in Portland. He then advanced to Oregon State University where he played as a quarterback. In his playing years, Baker was known for his fleet-footed agility, strategic game plans, and sheer athletic prowess. His hard work and dedication were clear indicators of the player’s commitment to the sport, and his performances on the field left spectators in awe.

During the 1962 season, Baker led Oregon State to a 9-2 record, clinching the championship for the team in the Liberty Bowl. His performance was nothing short of exceptional, establishing records that included 1546 yards passing and 23 touchdowns, a record that stood untouched for 37 years.

It’s important to note that Terry Baker didn’t just excel on the field. He was also stellar in his academic pursuits. A dual major, he studied mechanical engineering and business administration, and graduated with a high academic standing. Baker truly embodied the meaning of a student-athlete, shining on the football field and in the classroom.

The 28th Heisman Trophy Award did not just celebrate Terry Baker, but it celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship, perseverance, and dedication to your craft. It signified the hopes and dreams of athletes from all over the nation, proving that it is not only the traditional powerhouses that breed excellence, but talent can also be found on the shores of the Pacific.

Terry Baker was an exceptional player who forever etched his name in the annals of college football history, as the first player from Oregon State and indeed the entire Pacific region, to be awarded the Heisman Trophy. This award is a testament to the skill, determination, and integrity exhibited by this extraordinary player. His win at the 28th Heisman Trophy award is a proud moment in history for both Oregon State University and the entire Pacific region. His story continues to inspire aspiring athletes who dream one day too, of holding the prestigious Heisman Trophy.