Randy Baier

Class of 2020

1st Basemen, Pitcher

Cadott Red Sox 1986; Tilden Tigers 1988-2006, 2008-12

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The most prolific homerun hitter in the CRBL’s long and storied history, Randy Baier was a middle of the order, run-producing force throughout two decades of play on the Tilden Tigers incredibly successful teams of the 1990s and 2000s.

A right-handed hitter, the slugging first baseman deployed a powerful swing from an upright, slightly closed stance during his 25-year career to amass an incredible cache of offensive accomplishments. In 21 separate seasons, Baier hit over. 300, exceeding .400 in six of those campaigns. Twice the righty eclipsed the .500 mark, leading the CRBL with a .509 (29 for 57) tally in 1992 and a .527 (29 for 55) ledger in 1997.

The heavy hitting Tiger also led the CRBL three times in home runs (9 in 1991, 9 in 1995, 7 [tied] in 1999), twice in RBI’s (29 in 1991 and 19 [tied] in 2008) twice in walks (23 in 1992 and 18 in 1993), and once in hits (29 in 1991).

The CRBL’s all-time home run king, Baier was incredibly consistent with the long ball, averaging over 5 bombs a season from 1990 to 2003. Throughout that 14-season tear, there were countless standout performances. Perhaps Randy’s most memorable day came in game one of a doubleheader vs. Augusta on July 16, 2000. In Tilden’s 15-14 loss, Baier mashed four homeruns while driving in 7 runs. As of 2020, the Tilden legend is still one of only four CRBL players to hit four homeruns in one contest.

Yet another historically noteworthy day came on May 10th, 1992 when Randy became one of only seven CRBL players on record to hit for the cycle, doing so against the Hallie Eagles in Tilden’s 31-8 victory.

One of the key components in Tilden’s long lasting core of veteran and outstanding players – a core that included brother and fellow CRBL Hall of Fame catcher Rick – Randy and the Tigers enjoyed an extensive amount of hardball success. In total, the home run leader played on 16 North Division winners, six CRBL champions, 22 WBA qualifiers, 10 Final 8 teams, and two WBA championship squads (1995 and 2004). True to form, Randy was named the WBA tournaments co-Most Valuable Offensive player in 1995 and then stood alone as such after the 2004 WBA tourney.

The ace pitcher for Tilden early in his career, Randy led the CRBL in innings pitched (83.2), wins (7), and K’s (77) in 1989. The right-handed thrower also led the CRBL in innings pitched (77.1 in 1990) as well as tying for the lead in saves (1) and shutouts (2) in 1995.

A participant in eight All-Star games (1989, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002), Baier was named MVP of the CRBL classic in 1992 and co-MVP of the mid-season exhibition in 1995.

During his quarter century of standout play, Randy was a two-time Honorable Mention All-CRBL pick (1995 and 2002). Moreover, he was deservedly chosen All-CRBL seven times, first as a pitcher in 1989, and the last six selections as a 1st baseman (1991, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004).

Upon induction, the Tilden Slugger’s highest rankings can be found in homeruns (1st), RBI’s (2nd), total bases (2nd), hits (tied for 4th), runs scored (5th), OPS (5th), slugging percentage (6th), at-bats (8th), doubles (8th), walks (10th), singles (10th), games played (11th), seasons played (tied for 13th), batting average (15th), on base percentage (16th) and triples (35th).