Baer, Tommy

Thomas Baer

A player at St. John's University in the early 1940s, Baer also played 'varsity' basketball at the 92nd Street YMHA (Young Men's Hebrew Association) when the 'Y' had one of the top amateur teams in New York City. Prior to his sophomore season at St. John's, the 5'4" Baer was described by his legendary coach Joe Lapchick: "Here is a player who has all the natural ability any coach would desire in a player. He is speedy, a fine ballhandler and a proficient shooter, but his size is against him. Just imagine this tiny boy mixing it up with some of those giants most teams have. I shiver at the thought of it.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Baer attended Erasmus High School in Brooklyn before attending St. John's. After playing for the freshman team in 1938-39, Baer joined the varsity as a sophomore the following team. That year, he joined junior guard Dutch Garfinkel and played in every game as St. John's finished the regular season with a record of 15-4 and were invited to play in the NIT (National Invitational Tournament). In the first round, they played Duquesne and lost, 38-31; on the season, Baer averaged 2.4 points per game.

The following season, Baer again played in every regular season game and averaged 4.2 points per game as St. John's finished 11-6. Baer then left St. John's during World War II, but returned to the team during the 1945-46 season and averaged 2.7 points per game as St. John's finished the regular season with a record of 17-5. They then played in the NIT, but lost in the first round to West Virginia, 70-58.

Origin:
New York

Career Dates:
Baer played at St. John's University, 1940-42, and 1945-46.

Physical description:
5'4"

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