Whittier College

Johnny came to the Poets with his Huntington Park High coach. Vern Landreth in 1929. He was State High School Mile Champion and turned down scholarships to several large universities, preferring to pay his way at Whittier by working as an assistant to then comptroller of the college, Howard Hockett.

John was undefeated as a freshman in cross country, mile, and two mile SCIAC competition. He earned three varsity letters in Cross Country as SCIAC Undefeated Champ and three varsity letters in the mile and two mile events. He was undefeated in the two mile event as SCIAC Champion, setting a new school record and was three times cross country champion. He served as a captain of the track team. 

Baker was an honor student at Whittier College , a college “Knight” and a Franklin Society member. He served as track manager and graduate manager where he earned the nickname “money bags”

After graduation, Johnny was owner-operator of Whittier Sporting Goods and served as Bishop of Whittier Ward of the Latter Day Saints Church. He served in executive positions for two large companies in Arizona for many years, retiring to Lubbock, Texas with his high school sweetheart and wife of over 50 years, Lucille.