For those of you who are a little down, lack self-confidence or need a little friendly advice, go see Michael Baker. One warning is in order, though. If you do see him, get comfortable, because he will give you an earful.

Wide receiver Michael Baker (WVU Sports Communications photo)

Sitting at his locker with a coat hanger in his hand, he transforms into a preacher at his pulpit.

"Success," he barks as he raises his slightly bent coat hanger, "is to laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

"Make sure you get that down," he exhorts.

Spinning around in his chair, he turns to sophomore defensive back Aaron Beasley. "Beasley, you write that down too."

Okay, so some of his lecture material came from Ralph Waldo Emerson. The point is, it's not every day you hear Emerson and Thoreau quoted in football locker rooms.

Ever the teacher, when referred to as the old guy on the team, he shakes his head. "Huh-uh. Don't call me old. I would rather be called a veteran, not old."

Still, this veteran believes his responsibility is to help the younger guys learn the ropes.

"I believe I have to do my part to help the younger guys on the team," says the senior. "I will do whatever I can to help out. Whether it's getting fired up and emotional on the football field, or helping someone with a problem, I will do whatever it takes.

"This team can be as good as it wants to be. We just have to stay focused and stay away from all of the negative stuff. If we can keep the team together and have no `I| guys, then we have nothing to worry about."

Now that's no bull.

"I am outgoing, honest, approachable and I am willing to learn," Baker says. "I'm a firm believer in academics. I try to learn something new every day. You can't help but learn something new every day."

It didn't take Baker long to learn how to play football. A standout prep player at Camden County High School near his hometown of Waverly, Ga., Baker achieved just about every prep honor you could imagine. After culminating his high school football career, he weighed offers from just about every school in the South including Florida State and Clemson.

He decided on West Virginia because the Mountaineer coaches were straight with him.

"I really appreciated their honesty," the receiver says. "They told me I would fit in here and they stressed academics, that getting an education is just as important as playing football. That really impressed me."

Getting a good education sounds strange coming from a guy who had to sit out his freshman year because of NCAA academic requirements. But then again, Mike Baker is the perfect example of how the system isn't always right. It is also a perfect example of how much perseverance and drive lies beneath his sternum.

During his first semester of college, with the stigmatisms and burdens of being labeled an academic casualty, Baker made the Athletic Director's Academic Honor Roll. He has since repeated that feat and is well on his way to earning a degree in physical education.

"There was a time when I didn't take school work seriously," admits Baker, "but I realized that you can have fun learning in class just as easily as you can by going to a party."

That's Mike Baker at his best. Smiling, having fun, getting on his teammates, teasing the managers. You don't have to see him to know he's around. You can hear him from a mile away.

"Baker's here," equipment manager Dan Nehlen yells, shaking his head. Immediately all of the managers, half-asleep, become alert, preparing for their impending doom.

"That's just me, I love to have fun," he says. "That's how my grandmother raised me, to be a good person and enjoy life. My grandmother (Suzy Mae Walker) is my biggest idol. I respect her so much for what she has done for me. She taught me to respect others, to respect people's needs and to choose my friends carefully. I owe all that I am to that women."

His grandmother also taught him self-respect.

"I really believe in myself," he says. "I am arrogant, self-confident, or whatever. I believe that part of having self-respect is to look good, to dress nice at church or to look good on the football field. I honestly believe I play better when I look good."

No problem. Tucking his jersey under his pads, everything on Baker looks meticulous, including his spatted black shoes and matching black socks.

The problem has been staying healthy. Bothered by nagging injuries throughout his career, Baker was KO'ed for the 1992 season with a broken foot against Maryland, easily the low point of his career.

"That was the toughest pill to swallow," Baker reflects. "I was in the best condition of my life, I was ready for a big season and then that happened. But I wasn't going to give up. I just took a redshirt that year and fortunately, I got a second chance."

And what a second chance. Catching 29 career passes before this year, Baker nearly has half that amount already this season. Baker grabbed eight passes for 126 yards including a 40-yard touchdown against Maryland.

"What a relief," Baker says about his Maryland performance. "Scoring that touchdown was nice. It's been two years since I got one (touchdown) and it showed everyone that I can score. I certainly plan on having a few more of those."

Now that's a certainty.

It's also a certainty that Michael Baker has gotten far more from college than just an opportunity to play football. And you can bet he is going to spend a lot of time telling people that. If you happen to be one of those fortunate enough to hear Baker talk, just pull up a chair, sit back and relax. It will take a while.

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