Phillies voice Dan Baker marks 80th birthday with Rowan memorabilia gift

The longtime public address announcer donated over 75 items from his personal Phillies collection for a permanent display at his alma mater.

Dan Baker, the longtime public address announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies, turned 80 on the day he unveiled a gift of more than 75 Phillies artifacts at Rowan University, where he earned his degree in 1968. The items came from his own collection and include autographed bats and balls, jerseys, and trading cards. They now sit in a permanent exhibit inside the Rowan Student Center.

Baker said he preferred the memorabilia serve a purpose on campus rather than sit unseen at home. He expressed hope that the display might inspire a current Rowan undergraduate to pursue a similar path in sports broadcasting.

The exhibit forms part of the university's tribute to Baker's broadcasting career. Beyond his long run with the Phillies, he has called six World Series games and recently became the first announcer to handle three All-Star Games at his home ballpark. He is the longest-tenured active sports announcer.

Baker survived sinus and skin cancer in 2020 and remains a supporter of Rowan students through scholarship programs. University leaders joined him at a ceremony marking the unveiling, which opened the collection to students and visitors on an ongoing basis.