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Head coach David Pierce had enough, so redshirt junior infielder Joe Baker was dismissed from the Texas Longhorns baseball team on Monday. A school spokesperson said it was for a “failure to adhere to team rules.”
As a freshman, Baker was a key contributor, starting 32 games and appearing in 37 contests. The McKinney product posted a .294 batting average and .377 on-base percentage while earning recognition as the All-Tournament designated hitting after 6-of-17 in the Big 12 Tournament.
The following season, he earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors in mid-April, but was also suspended for one game due to a public intoxication arrest. A shoulder injury required surgery and ended his 2017 campaign after only seven games.
Baker’s role decreased decreased during Pierce’s second season, as he only appeared in eight games, with one start. The 5’9, 180-pounder had two hits in six at bats before his career ended due to his off-field troubles.