Athletic Hall of Fame
The Gustavus Adolphus College Hall of Fame was established in 1978 at which time 19 "Charter Members" were inducted either as coaches or as athletes. As of the fall of 2022, 348 individuals (321 athletes, 16 coaches and 11 benefactors) have been elected to the Hall of Fame.
The former Hall of Fame room on the second floor of the Lund Center was originally partially endowed by the families of both Dwight Holcombe's (the only father/son combination holding membership in the Hall). The hardwood plaque upon which the individual plates are permanently displayed, now in the Hall of Champions, was donated by the family of former football coach and Hall of Fame member Jocko Nelson, who passed away in 1978.
Brad Baker
Baseball and Football
Inducted: 1998
A two-sport standout for the Gusties, St. Peter native Brad Baker was a four-year starter in both football and baseball and served as captain in both sports his senior year. A quarterback on the football team, Baker moved into the starting line-up in the second game of his freshman season and would go on to start 37 of the Gusties next 38 games.
A prototype option quarterback, Baker was also very adept at throwing the football. In 1979, he directed the potent Gustie wishbone attack which led the nation in total offense averaging over 500 yards per game and scoring with an average of 50 points per game. Baker was named all-conference three times, all-district once and honorable mention All-America once. Baker set the career records for passing yardage with 4834 and career total offense with 5,517 yards.
In baseball, Baker earned all-conference honors as a pitcher in 1978, a second baseman in 1979 and a shortstop in 1980. He started 107 of 110 games in his career compiling a .311 batting average and a record of 16-3 on the mound with a 3.02 earned run average.
The Gusties won three MIAC titles during Baker's career and advanced to NAIA post-season play each time. After graduating cum laude with a degree in business, Brad was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and played one year at the Class A level. He returned to Gustavus in 1981 and served as the head baseball coach for one season.
He has been employed in the investment business since 1982 and is currently serving as President of Craig-Hallum Capital Group, Inc. in Minneapolis.
Brad and his wife, Susan live in Edina with their three children Mallory, Brendan, and Brian.