Cael Baker named SEC Co-Player of the Week

OXFORD, Miss —  In his very first weekend of play for the Rebels, junior Cael Baker has been named SEC Co-Player of the Week. He shares the honor with Arkansas All-American Heston Kjerstad. 

Head coach Mike Bianco’s team felt the impact of Baker as the Rebels hosted the No. 1 Louisville Cardinals at Swayze over the weekend. The Gahanna, Ohio native went 5-for-12 (.417) in the series with a double, two home runs, five RBI and a 1.000 slugging percentage. 

“Have yourself a day, Cael Baker!” He gets his second homer of the game! pic.twitter.com/IYX67Z9k6I

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) February 15, 2020

In the pivotal second game of the series, Baker dominated, going 4-for-4 with two home runs, a double and four RBI — becoming the first Ole Miss Rebel since 2008 (Cody Overbeck) to have a multi-homer outing within the first two games of the season. 

Baker spoke with the media after his game two heroics.

In the third game against the Cardinals, Baker notched an RBI that was ultimately the difference in the game, singling home Justin Bench to propel the Rebels to a 7-4 lead. Ole Miss would hold onto the lead to win 7-6. 

While at Wabash Valley College last season, Baker batted .506/.596/1.051 with 101 RBI, 25 homers, and 80 runs scored en route to being named NJCAA Player of the Year. 

The Ole Miss first baseman is a nominee for this week’s Golden Spikes Award Performance of the Week for his efforts in Game 2. Fans may vote via Twitter poll.

Complete SEC Weekly Awards

Co-Player of the Week: Cael Baker, Ole Miss

Co-Player of the Week: Heston Kjerstad, Arkansas

Pitcher of the Week: Connor Noland, Arkansas

Co-Freshman of the Week: Owen Diodati, Alabama

Co-Freshman of the Week: Christian MacLeod, Mississippi State

Evelyn Van Pelt

Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.