For over 43 years, listeners who tuned in to the Huskie Radio Network heard the unmistakable voice of play-by-play announcer Bill Baker. 

One of NIU’s most revered radio personalities, Baker served as the play-by-play voice of NIU football and basketball from 1980 to 2023.

Baker completed the final act of his illustrious broadcasting career Dec. 23 at the 2023 Camellia Bowl, where NIU defeated Arkansas State University 21-19 to secure its first bowl victory in over a decade.

As the Huskies reveled in their victory on the field of the Cramton Bowl stadium in Montgomery, Alabama, Baker delivered his final on-air farewells as the “Voice of the Huskies.”

Accompanied by longtime broadcast partner Mark Lindo, Baker said his anticipated goodbyes to the city of Montgomery and Arkansas State – and even granted listeners his signature “goodbye, Toledo!” for good measure – before bidding adieu to his audience one last time.

Many words could be used to describe Baker’s distinguished run in the radio booth. Today, I’ll keep it short and sweet with just two: Thank you.

Thank you, Bill Baker, for being the narrator for many of the greatest plays and moments in NIU sports history. From that electric 97-yard kickoff return touchdown in the 1980 season opener to the magical 2013 Orange Bowl appearance to the miraculous “worst-to-first” MAC title run in 2021.

Thank you for consistently donning the headset and calling 520 football games and more than 1,200 men’s and women’s basketball games.

Thank you for being there through some of the highest highs and lowest lows in NIU sports lore.

Thank you for being one of the few constants in the ever-changing saga of NIU Athletics for almost two generations.

OK, confession time. My time at NIU has only spanned roughly 2.5 years, which seems like a speck in Baker’s 44-season run in the radio booth. My understanding and appreciation for Baker’s NIU legacy probably pales in comparison to the more experienced NIU faithful. With that being said, I’ll step aside to let Baker’s broadcasting companions speak on what he means to them.

Andy Garcia, former sideline reporter and Baker’s successor as the “Voice of the Huskies,” credits the broadcasting warhorse for teaching him what it takes to be a radio voice at NIU.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, my family,” Garcia said in a YouTube video tribute to Baker. “I’ve been able to talk to you about different things that’s happened in my life, good and bad. Not just broadcasting, not everything that’s happened on the air, but everything behind the scenes as well. I’ve learned so much from you about on-air, but mostly off the air as well.”

Rodney Davis, the color analyst for NIU men’s basketball, has cherished the bond forged between himself and Baker during their time together on the air waves.

“To be able to know your family, as well as you knowing mine, that means a lot, so this is a friendship I know will continue on,” Davis said in the video. “And again, thanks a lot for all you’ve done, not only for me, but for the university. You’re going to be highly missed.”

Now, I cede my closing lines to the marquee man himself in the form of his final sign-off.

“For everybody involved, once again, Bill Baker, one last time,” Baker said. “I guess I’ve got to get it in. Goodbye Toledo! (He laughs) Goodbye, Montgomery. Goodbye, Arkansas State. As for the rest of you, we’ll see you later. Take care. Bye, bye.”