Bakes: An MVP Life




A call from the 216 area code informed me that my friend and college roommate was being traded from the home team.   He was walking off the football pitch way too early in life. He took off his jersey, walked over the end line and into the light.  There was still time to be played when Ron “Bakes” Baker was called to play in Heaven's premier league.  Ronnie played the game that we call life with honor and integrity.


Ron was a person who made friends fast.  It just seems like yesterday that he introduced himself and became fast friends with a special band of Harbor knuckleheads.  We would laugh and clown.  His accepting and good nature made for life long friends. His quick wit and fast smile made for fun times.  Ron was a true and loyal friend who knew how to have a good time.
Bakes had many interests that completely engaged and excited him.  An accomplished woodworker, Ron made legacy pieces with the art of a craftsman.  Ron, having learned from his father, was a mechanic who fixed something when it was broke.  In my last conversation with Bakes,  he shared the childlike joy of slot car racing.  Playing soccer being the constant thread through the decades,  Ron was Youngstown State’s only two time soccer MVP.  Through all of his interests,  his collection of friends grew larger.  Ron enjoyed varied interests and the friends he discovered.


When the last ball was kicked in the net and it was all said and done,  Ron was a man who loved his family.  He felt connected to his dad when he held tools in his hand.  He called his mom Saint Judy.   Ron was protective of his sisters.  With the love of his wife Kelly,  they raised their kids and a few dogs in a home that was always open to family and friends.  Ron was a man who enjoyed and loved his family.   He was his family's protector and defender.   Most importantly,  he enjoyed and celebrated the good times he shared with the ones he loved.  
Bakes, my friend, didn’t have a chance to finish the last project and put his tools away.   There was still time on the clock for him to play his game.   He lived his game with the richness of friends, an exciting assortment of interests, and love of family.  He lived and MVP life of honor, loyalty, love, and integrity.  He fought the good fight.  He played all out until he was called up to Heaven’s premier league.


I find peace today that I know I will see my friend again someday.   I will see his quick smile and hear his laugh.  We will drink coffee, maybe beer, and tell old stories.  He will show me the way to the wood shop and I will see through the window the heavenly green football pitch where my friend went to play. Bakes, my friend, you will be missed by the hometown team.

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