WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. ââ'¬" Versatility is defined as the ability to adapt to many different functions or activities. If you are looking for a photo to put by the definition, look no further than sophomore Mallory Baker. In 43 games as a freshman, she started 24 at first base, 16 in right field and two as the designated player. Not to mention that she also came to West Lafayette as a skilled catcher. She can bunt and hit home runs and also offers a steady glove defensively.
In 2016, Baker hit .235 with 14 RBI, 12 runs and six extra base hits, but also drew 15 walks and laid down three sacrifices. She reached base via hit, walk or hit by pitch in 28 of her 43 appearances. In the field, she made good on 95 percent of her chances.
"Mal is a very versatile athlete," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "Look to see her compete for time in the outfield, at first base, and also catching. She has great barrel control and will allow us to put runners in motion when she is hitting. She has really stepped up this season as a leader on the team and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow and mature into that role."
The 2015 Miss Indiana Softball loves making diving plays or assisting her teammates in throwing someone out. She loves the feeling of beating the pitcher every single pitch at the plate. Being involved in most every play and being a conference leader on the field are the things she likes most about catching and first base.
She calls her game dynamic and describes herself as saucy, impressionable and ferocious, but there is so much more to Baker than that. From her dreams of being a famous prom dress designer and of visiting Cancun to her love of Kris Bryant, Mylie Cyrus and cookie dough, there is a surprise around every corner. In 2017, expect to see her keeping opponents on their toes as well.
Get to know Mallory a little better below.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: Sweet
Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla
Dogs or cats: Cats
Cooking or eating: Cooking
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city: Big City
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: Battlefield in Charleston, South Carolina
Place I dream of visiting someday: Cancun, Mexico
Person I look up to most & why: My Mom because:
1. She literally does it all.
2. She's hilarious.
3. She doesn't try to be perfect and never expected us to be either.
4. She tolerates my venting, complaining, and worrying
Best feeling in the field (defensively): Making a diving play or assisting my teammate in throwing someone out.
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Beating the pitcher every single pitch.
Favorite thing about my positions: 1st base & Catcher: I like being involved in mostly every play and being a confident leader on the field. While catching, you are the only player to have vision of the whole field, so you must be loud and assertive with your play calls.
Three words that describe me: Saucy, Impressionable, Ferocious
One word to describe my game: Dynamic
Team I am most excited to play in 2016: IU, rivalry!!
My most memorable sports moment: Winning the 2015 State Championship for Indiana
Celebrity crush:Kris Bryant
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Emma Stone
Person I would like to have dinner with: Mark Wahlberg
Best non-athletic talent: Being a left handed, ginger
My stupid human trick is: Making a clover with my tongue
Dream job: Famous prom dress designer
Song I have to listen to before a game:Any type of mashup
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium (now Bittinger Stadium): Our locker room
My favorite place to play in the Big Ten, besides home: OSU
Place I am most excited to play in 2017:Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: Mom, Angie Baker
Favorite things Favorite sweet treat: Cookie Dough
Favorite ice cream flavor: Amaretto
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite sport besides softball: Volleyball
Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite Athlete: Kris Bryant
Favorite TV show: Shameless
Favorite Movie: Why Him
Favorite Book: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
Favorite Musical Artist: Miley Cyrus
Favorite type of pizza: Monical's Special Italian
Favorite Actor & Actress: Emma Stone and Will Ferrell
Favorite Food: Bang Bang Shrimp
Favorite place on campus: The Union
Favorite city: Charleston, SC
Favorite outdoor activity: Laying out
Favorite animal/furry friend: Tiger, cat
Favorite class at Purdue:TLI 253
Favorite Purdue professor:Mike Kirchner