Worcestershire Retires Number 33 Shirt in Tribute to Josh Baker

Worcestershire Retires Number 33 Shirt in Tribute to Josh Baker

Worcestershire Retires Number 33 Shirt in Memory of Josh Baker

Worcestershire County Cricket Club has paid a poignant tribute to their beloved left-arm spinner Josh Baker by retiring the number 33 shirt in his honor. Baker, a talented and dedicated homegrown player, tragically passed away earlier this year at the age of 26 due to a sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.

Baker’s impact on Worcestershire was profound. In 22 first-class matches, he claimed 43 wickets, including a memorable 5-for against Sussex in 2021. He also made significant contributions in white-ball cricket, taking 27 wickets in 25 appearances.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Baker was an exceptional individual who left an indelible mark on the club. His infectious enthusiasm, unwavering determination, and kind-hearted nature endeared him to teammates, staff, and fans alike.

“Josh was not only an outstanding cricketer but an exceptional individual,” said Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles. “His passing has left an irreplaceable void at our club and in the hearts of all who knew him. Retiring the Number 33 shirt, for the first time in our club’s history, ensures his memory and contributions are never forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

As a testament to Baker’s talent, he represented England at the under-19 level twice on their tour of Sri Lanka. His performances caught the attention of Ben Stokes, who sent him a motivational text message after striking him for 34 runs in an over shortly after being appointed England’s Test captain in May 2022.

In addition to retiring the number 33 shirt, Worcestershire will also display a framed Baker 33 shirt permanently in the Graeme Hick Pavilion. A metal bench with Josh’s locker plaque will be installed at the training nets, serving as lasting memorials to his contributions to the club.

Baker’s parents, Paul and Lisa, have been awarded Life Memberships, ensuring they will forever be a part of the Worcestershire family. New Road will always remain a place of welcome and belonging for them.

Josh Baker’s legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he had on Worcestershire County Cricket Club. His number 33 shirt will serve as a constant reminder of his talent, dedication, and the profound void he has left behind.

Worcestershire to Honor Late Spinner Josh Baker with Shirt Tribute

Worcestershire to Honor Late Spinner Josh Baker with Shirt Tribute

Worcestershire County Cricket Club will honor the memory of their late left-arm spinner Josh Baker by wearing his No. 33 on their playing shirts for the remainder of the season. Baker, who had made two County Championship appearances this season, passed away suddenly on May 2 at the age of 20.

Baker was a highly promising cricketer who had represented England at under-19 level. He signed his first contract with Worcestershire in 2022 and had already made a significant impact on the team. In 22 first-class matches, he took 43 wickets, while in 25 limited-overs appearances, he claimed 27 wickets.

The day before his passing, Baker had taken 3 for 66 in the first innings of Worcestershire’s four-day 2nd XI Championship match against Somerset. The match was called off early on the final day as a mark of respect.

Players wore black armbands during the most recent round of the County Championship, which began on May 3. Worcestershire declined to comment on the nature of Baker’s death, asking for “the respect of privacy” on behalf of his family.

After consulting with the family, Baker’s teammates have decided to honor his memory by wearing his squad number on the front of their shirts, under the club crest.

“It is clear from the outpouring of love we’ve seen, following last week’s awful news, that Josh touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles in a statement released on Wednesday.

“Wearing Josh’s number on their shirts is a way for the team, and all involved with Worcestershire cricket, to pay tribute to his memory and keep his spirit alive on the field.”

“Josh’s mum and dad, Lisa and Paul, have asked us to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of love and support that they have received since Josh’s passing.”

“As we all continue to navigate through this very difficult time, we encourage our members, supporters, and the cricketing community to join us in honoring Josh’s memory and celebrate the life of a remarkable young man who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

Worcestershire will wear the commemorative shirts for the first time on Friday, when they play Kent at Canterbury in Division One.

Tragic Loss: Worcestershire Spinner Josh Baker Dies at 20

Tragic Loss: Worcestershire Spinner Josh Baker Dies at 20

The tragic loss of Josh Baker, the promising Worcestershire left-arm spinner, has sent shockwaves through the English cricket community. At the tender age of 20, Baker’s life was cut short, leaving an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and teammates.

Baker’s cricketing journey began at New Road, where he rose through the age-group ranks before signing his first professional contract with Worcestershire in 2021. In his brief but impactful career, he showcased his exceptional talent, claiming 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 wickets in 25 white-ball appearances.

Beyond his bowling prowess, Baker was also a burgeoning allrounder. He demonstrated his batting abilities with two half-centuries, including a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in 2023. His most memorable moment came in Worcestershire’s final match of the 2023 season against Yorkshire. With the club on the brink of promotion, Baker scored the crucial run that secured the second batting point and sent the visitors into raptures.

Baker’s popularity extended beyond his on-field performances. He was known for his infectious enthusiasm, warmth, and professionalism. His teammates and coaches alike praised his unwavering spirit and dedication to the game.

In a poignant tribute, Worcestershire’s chief executive, Ashley Giles, said, “Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family. We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh’s family and friends.”

Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, also expressed his condolences, recalling a memorable encounter with Baker in 2022. Despite being hit for 34 runs in an over by Stokes, Baker received a message from the England skipper on WhatsApp, encouraging him to not let the experience define his season.

The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) echoed the sentiments of the cricket community, expressing their heartbreak and offering support to Baker’s family and teammates.

As the Worcestershire cricket family mourns this immense loss, plans to pay tribute to Baker will be made in consultation with his family. The club has requested privacy during this sensitive time.

Josh Baker’s legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him. His talent, spirit, and unwavering determination will forever be etched in the annals of English cricket.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart