MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Redbirds first baseman Luken Baker is one home run away from tying the franchise record of 74.
The record is something everyone around the Redbirds is talking about but Baker isn't phased.
"Triple A home run records aren't really the things that you strive for in professional baseball," Baker said. "It's never really on the front of my mind. I don't step up to the plate thinking alright, I have to I have to get to this record, but it is a pretty neat. It will be a cool thing to accomplish."
But Baker wouldn't mind if he never gets to break the record and instead gets recalled back to the St. Louis Cardinals without another chance.
"Records are cool, but playing at that level is way cooler," Baker said.
After spending three years at TCU, Baker was drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He worked his way through the Minors before getting his chance in the big show last year.
With the Cardinals in 2023, Baker played in 33 games. In his 86 AB, Baker had 9 R, 18 H, 10 RBI, 13 BB and 31 SO.
"It was a tough transition," Baker said. "It was the first time in my life that I've really not played baseball everyday. I think I let that get in my head a little bit you know, trying to do too much and prove that I'm supposed to be there but as I was there longer and I got more comfortable in what I was doing and my daily routine and everything, I realized that you know it's the same game, you hit the ball, you throw the ball, you catch the ball and I feel like towards the end of the season I started doing a lot better."
Baker finished the 2023 season with the Cardinals but was optioned to Memphis to start the 2024 season.
"I'm here right now, so all I can do is be where my feet are and keep trying to play well," Baker said.
Through 66 games this season with the Redbirds, the slugger has had 32 R, 52 H (19 HR), 50 RBI, 40 BB 55 SO off 225 AB.