Mark Allen Baker
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Mark Allen Baker | |
|---|---|
 Baker, Oxford, England, UK | |
| Born | March 27, 1957 Binghamton, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Author, historian |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | B.A., State University of New York |
| Period | 1990 – present |
| Subject | Biography, History, Social Science, Sports & Music |
| Notable works | The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937 (Drawing The Color Line) (2020), Between the Ropes at Madison Square Garden (2019),The Fighting Times of Abe Attell (2017), Battling Nelson, The Durable Dane (2016) |
| Notable awards | For Outstanding Preservation and Promotion of American History, Daughters of the American Revolution (2015); Lifetime Donor Membership to National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, Historian International Boxing Hall of Fame |
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Mark Allen Baker (born March 27, 1957), is a former business executive, and American biographer, historian, known for his work on American culture, history and sports.
Baker has written twenty-five books including biographies on three members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame: Battling Nelson, The Durable Dane , The Fighting Times of Abe Attell and Lou Ambers: A Biography of the World Lightweight Champion and Hall of Famer.[1]
Early life and education[edit]
Born in Binghamton, New York and raised in both Virginia Beach, Virginia and central New York, Baker graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School before earning a B.A. from the State University of New York at Oswego.[2][not in citation given]
Life and career[edit]
Following graduation, Baker was hired by the General Electric Corporation. His post-graduate work centered on computer graphics and digital imaging for his employer, and its Genigraphics Division (Microsoft PowerPoint). When the corporation sold Genigraphics (computer-graphics) to a group of venture capitalists, Baker stayed with the new corporation.Baker decided to leave the Genigraphics Corporation shortly after their acquisition by Pansophic Systems, Incorporated, a Lisle, Illinois software firm.[3][4][not in citation given]
Baker has also been the co-owner of numerous businesses-while employed by the Genigraphics Corporation- including "Bleachers" of Liverpool, New York - an 8,000 sq ft (740 m2). sports bar and museum. Opened in 1990, the restaurant hosted many significant events from a reception for "Stars on Ice" featuring Scott Hamilton and Debbie Thomas to a Monday Night radio show, broadcast by WAER hosted by broadcaster Mike Tirico.[5]
Writing career[edit]
While employed by the Genigraphics Corporation, Baker began writing and illustrating technical articles, trade periodicals and books.[6] This led to columns in other fields, along with contributions to books about computer graphics, golf, baseball and boxing. In 1990, Baker began publishing books under his own name in the area of Reference and Popular Culture. A decade later, he turned his attention to National and Regional History. Later, in 2016, the author began publishing in the area of Biography, Photography, along with Sports & Social Science.
The author's numerous radio appearances have included: Bridgeport, CT (WICC), New York, NY (WFAN), Santa Rosa, CA (KXXY), Syracuse, NY (WSEN, WHEN), and Tampa, FL (WNBA). As a television guest he has been seen on Metro TV, New York, NY and numerous local channels. Following his 1997 book, Goldmine's Price Guide to Rock & Roll Memorabilia, he appeared as a co-host on the VH-1 series Rock Collectors. As a speaker, Baker has attended many events including the Hemingway Days Festival & Writers Conference in Key West, Florida.[7][8]
Gaining recognition[edit]
In 2010, Mark Allen Baker began publishing national and regional history books.
The award-nominated Title Town, USA, Boxing in Upstate New York, published by The History Press examines the rich history of Boxing in central New York.[9] It is the first book to truly establish this region as the epicenter of pugilism. The book's foreword was written by Edward P. Brophy, Executive Director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.[10]
In October 2010, the author released Basketball History in Syracuse, Hoops Roots, also published by The History Press. [11] The book was an introduction to professional basketball in Syracuse and includes teams like (Vic Hanson's) All-Americans, the Syracuse Reds and the Syracuse Nationals (1946–1963).Contributions to the work include many former NBA players such as: Harry Gallatin, Bob Houbregs, Bailey Howell, Clyde Lovellette and Bill Sharman.
"Spies of Revolutionary Connecticut: From Benedict Arnold to Nathan Hale,” published by The History Press in 2014, introduced readers to the role the state played in intelligence gathering during the American Revolution.[12]
“Connecticut Families of the Revolution, American Forebears from Burr to Wolcott", Baker's second book of 2014, also published by The History Press, takes readers inside of the homes of the state's most patriotic families. [13] The work features the relatives of many American patriots including: Oliver Ellsworth, Nathan Hale, and Roger Sherman. Women, such as Eunice Burr, Lucretia Shaw, Mary Silliman, and Elizabeth Hull are also featured for their valuable contribution to the American Revolution.
Mark Allen Baker has spoken at many historical sites including the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in New London, Connecticut and even given the 2015 Keynote Address at the annual meeting of the Norwich Historical Society inside the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, Connecticut.[14]
Biographies[edit]
Turning his focus toward biography in 2016, Baker released, Battling Nelson, The Durable Dane. It is the author's eighteenth book and his first biography for McFarland & Company. [15] The incredible story of Oscar Battling Matthew Nelson is a "rags, to riches, to rags" tale. As the toughest and most durable professional boxer ever to enter a ring, Battling Nelson held the World Lightweight Championship from 1908 until 1910. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992, Battling Nelson is often recalled for his boxing trilogy with Joe Gans which is still considered one of the greatest in sports history. [16] With the release of this book, Baker holds the distinction of being the only person to serve the International Boxing Hall of Fame as an author, historian, chairperson, sponsor, volunteer, and biographer.[17]
The author's nineteenth book, The Fighting Times of Abe Attell, was published in the fall of 2017. [18] Known for his record-setting, six-year consecutive reign as World Featherweight Champion from 1906-1912, Abraham Washington Attell (1883-1970) was among the cleverest, most scientific professional boxers ever to enter the ring. Attell's success inspired his brothers Caesar and Monte to take up the sport—Abe and Monte both held simultaneous world titles for a time. This first-ever biography covers Attell's life and career. Growing up poor and Jewish in a predominantly Irish neighborhood, he faced his share of adversity and anti-Semitism in and out of the ring. He was charged for alleged involvement in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. The charges were dropped but Attell was branded by association for the remainder of his life. [19] During the third week in January 2017, The Fighting Times of Abe Attell hit #1 on Amazon's List of Hot New Releases in Boxer Biographies-the book also hit #1 New Release in Jewish Biographies in December 2017.[20]
Social Science[edit]
As a category of academic disciplines, social science has always fascinated the author.[neutrality is disputed] Between the Ropes at Madison Square Garden, The History of an Iconic Boxing Ring, 1925-2007, is the author’s twenty-first book and was published in July 2019. [21]As a cultural symbol, this historic boxing ring now rests majestically at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. Hosting championship fights, historic main events, and memorable undercards, it not only wrote boxing history punch-by-punch, it recorded world history one round at a time. Baker believes there was no better portrait of a sport or our society than the (New York) City Ring, and there never will be. [22] The International Boxing Research Organization noted, “Between the Ropes at Madison Square Garden combines a crucial aspect of boxing history with a portion of American History. It’s a book written with a narrative that unfolds in a clear and relaxed manner and should be read and relished.” [23][not in citation given][24][25]
The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, was published by McFarland & Company in 2020. [26] The title was a leverage mechanism, or tool, used as a technique to counter a social element, “the color line.” While the title certainly proved useful, it took some extraordinary individuals, both Black and White, to step into the limelight and challenge the existence of the color line. This book traces the advent and demise of the Championship, the stories of the incredible professional athletes who won it, and the demarcation of the color line both in and out of the ring.[27] From the second week in September 2020, until the end of the month, The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, occupied the Top Ten on Amazon's List of Hot New Releases in Boxing Books. The book was also an Award-Winning Finalist in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category of the 2020 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest.[28] The USA Boxing News noted, “Baker takes no prisoners in his indictment of the white Heavyweight Champions who used the ‘Color Line’ to cover up their own racist ideals, or just plain cowardice.” [29]
Personal life[edit]
As an active member of the community,[neutrality is disputed] Baker regularly contributes organic fruits and vegetables to local food banks.[citation needed] He served as a member of the Hebron (Connecticut) Charter Revision Commission (2018-2019), and was elected to the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (2019).[30][31]
Mark Allen Baker lives in New England and Florida. He has three children: Aaron (b. 1985), Elizabeth (b. 1986) and Rebecca (b. 1990).[citation needed]
Selected Books[edit]
Biography[edit]
- Battling Nelson, The Durable Dane (2016) ISBN 978-1-4766-6372-2 Search this book on
. - The Fighting Times of Abe Attell (2017) ISBN 978-1476664323 Search this book on .
- Lou Ambers: A Biography of the World Lightweight Champion and Hall of Famer (2021) ISBN 978-1476682204 Search this book on .
Sports & Social Science[edit]
- Between The Ropes at Madison Square Garden, The History of an Iconic Boxing Ring, 1925-2007 (2019) ISBN 978-1-4766-7183-3 Search this book on .
- The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937 (Drawing The Color Line) (2020) ISBN 978-1-4766-7765-1 Search this book on .
Photography[edit]
- Connecticut in World War II (Images of America) (2017, softcover) ISBN 978-1-4671-2698-4 Search this book on .; (Images of America) (2017, hardcover) ISBN 978-1-5402-2672-3 Search this book on .
National and Regional History[edit]
- Connecticut Families of the Revolution, American Forebears from Burr to Wolcott (2014, softcover) ISBN 978-1-62619-664-3 Search this book on .; (2014, hardcover) ISBN 978-1540211361 Search this book on .
- Spies of Revolutionary Connecticut: From Benedict Arnold to Nathan Hale (2014, softcover) ISBN 978-1-62619-407-6 Search this book on .; (2014, hardcover) ISBN 978-1540223210 Search this book on .
- Basketball History in Syracuse, Hoops Roots (2010, softcover) ISBN 978-1-59629-983-2 Search this book on .; (2010, hardcover) ISBN 978-1540229533 Search this book on .
- TITLE TOWN, USA, Boxing in Upstate New York (2010, softcover) ISBN 978-1-59629-769-2 Search this book on .; (2010, hardcover) ISBN 978-1540234605 Search this book on .
Reference and Popular Culture[edit]
- The Official Autograph Collector Price Guide (2004) ISBN 0-9669710-9-4 Search this book on .
- Celebrity Autographs, SECOND EDITION (2000) ISBN 0-87341-838-7 Search this book on .
- Advanced Autograph Collecting (2000) ISBN 0-87341-632-5 Search this book on .
- The Standard Guide to Collecting Autographs (1999) ISBN 0-87341-613-9 Search this book on .
- Goldmine's Price Guide to Rock & Roll Memorabilia (1997) ISBN 978-0-87341-490-6 Search this book on .
- Celebrity Autographs (1996) ISBN 0-87341-464-0 Search this book on .
- Auto Racing (1996) ISBN 0-87341-437-3 Search this book on .
- All-Sport Autograph Guide (1994) ISBN 0-87341-316-4 Search this book on .
- Team Baseballs (1992) ISBN 0-87341-316-4 Search this book on .
- Baseball Autograph Handbook, SECOND EDITION (1990) ISBN 0-87341-169-2 Search this book on .
- Baseball Autograph Handbook (1990) ISBN 0-87341-125-0 Search this book on .
Contributions[edit]
- Boxing Legends of All-Time by Robert Cassidy, Jr. and Steve Nicolaisen. Publications International, 1996. ISBN 9780785316909 Search this book on .
- Baseball Memorabilia by Mark Larson. Krause Publications, 1992. ISBN 0873411900 Search this book on .
- Mickey Mantle Memorabilia by Mark Larson and Dave Platta. Krause Publications, 1993. ISBN 0873412613 Search this book on .
- Antique Golf Collectibles by Chuck Furjanic. Krause Publications, 2003. ISBN 0873496728 Search this book on .
- Computer Graphics for Designers and Artists by Isaac Kerlow and Judson Rosebush. Van Nostrand and Reinhold Company, 1986. ISBN 9780442014308 Search this book on .
- Computer Graphics by John Lewell. Van Nostrand and Reinhold Company, 1983. ISBN 978-0442260453 Search this book on .
References[edit]
- ↑ Kurpiela, Heidi (August 15, 2019). "Class Act: Book Smart". Lakewood Ranch, FL: Observer Media Group Inc. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
- ↑ "Alumni Bookshelf". State University of New York at Oswego, NY. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ "Genigraphics, The Computer-Generated Slide Service by Genigraphics". The GE-Genigraphics Art Society. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
- ↑ "Genigraphics". Genigraphics, LLC. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
- ↑ "Mark Allen Baker Interview". Gary James. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ Lewell, John (1983). Computer graphics. NY, NY: Van Nostrand and Reinhold. Search this book on
- ↑ "VH1 Save the Music". VH-1. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ "Hemingway Days". Monroe County Tourist Development. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ Baker, Mark (2010). Title Town, USA, Boxing in Upstate New York. Charleston, SC: The History Press. p. 160. ISBN 978-1-59629-769-2. Retrieved 2014-07-18. Search this book on
- ↑ Nathan, Daniel (March 21, 1998). "The International Boxing Hall of Fame". Chicago, IL: University of Illinois Press. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ Baker, Mark (2010). Basketball History in Syracuse, Hoops Roots. Charleston, SC: The History Press. p. 192. ISBN 978-1-59629-983-2. Search this book on
- ↑ Baker, Mark (April 2014). "Spring Book Report, This Spring Sees The Publication of Five Books with Strong Connecticut Historical Connection" (Doctors). Connecticut Magazine.
- ↑ Baker, Mark (2014). Connecticut Families of the Revolution, American Forebears from Burr to Wolcott Roots. Charleston, SC: The History Press. p. 224. ISBN 978-1-54021-136-1. Search this book on
- ↑ Miner, Regan (March 21, 2015). "The Norwich Historical Society's Annual Meeting". Norwich, CT: Gannett. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
- ↑ Baker, Mark (2016). Battling Nelson, The Durable Dane. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 286. ISBN 978-1-4766-6372-2. Search this book on
- ↑ "Newly Published: Battling Nelson, the Durable Dane" (Press release). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. !--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->. December 7, 2017. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- ↑ Cooper, Joe (February 23, 2017). "Hebron author pens 18th book, two more coming in 2017". Manchester, CT: Journal Inquirer. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ Baker, Mark (2016). The Fighting Times of Abe Attell. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 268. ISBN 978-1-4766-6432-3. Search this book on
- ↑ "Newly Published: The Fighting Times of Abe Attell" (Press release). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. !--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->. December 7, 2017. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- ↑ Zotti, Roger (December 17, 2018). "Mark Allen Baker Discusses His Biography of "The Little Champ"". Amherst, NH: International Boxing Research Organization. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ Baker, Mark (2019). Between the Ropes at Madison Square Garden, The History of an Iconic Boxing Ring, 1925-2007. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 316. ISBN 978-1-4766-7183-3. Search this book on
- ↑ "Between the Ropes at Madison Square Garden, The History of an Iconic Boxing Ring, 1925–2007" (Press release). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. !--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->. July 1, 2019. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- ↑ Zotti, Roger (August 2018). "Book Review". Amherst, NH: The International Boxing Research Organization Journal. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
- ↑ Skutt, Alexander (2002). The Boxing Register. Ithaca, NY: McBooks Press, Inc. p. 656. ISBN 1-59013-020-0. Search this book on
- ↑ Choko, Alexandre (2012). The Future of Boxing. Montreal, Quebec, Canada: Future of Boxing Publishing Inc. p. 324. ISBN 978-0-9881559-0-9. Search this book on
- ↑ Baker, Mark (2020). The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 250. ISBN 978-1-4766-7765-1. Search this book on
- ↑ "Newly Published: The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937" (Press release). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. !--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->. September 11, 2020. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- ↑ "2020 Annual Best Book Awards". The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937. Beverly Hills, CA. November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
- ↑ Rinaldi, Alex (January 2021). "Book Review". Toms River, NJ: The USA Boxing News. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
- ↑ "Charter Revision". Town of Hebron. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ↑ "15th Annual Gala Induction". Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
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