1962 Profiles: Cookie Gilchrist and Art Baker

COOKIE GILCHRIST
Fullback
No. 34

"The best scorer in the Big Four last year. Cookie plays tackle and linebacker on defense."

-1961 Topps CFL No. 106

"Gilchrist is from Tarentum, Pennsylvania. He played with Sarnia and Kitchener in the O.R.F.U. and then with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for two years. He went to Regina for one season before coming to the Argos in 1959.
A great scorer, he can play fullback or tackle. Gilchrist is a fine athlete."

-1962 Topps CFL No. 134

"The most recent signee of the Bills, Gilchrist had a fabulous Canadian pro record with Hamilton, Regina and Toronto. He's considered one of the all-time great pros north of the border.

Gilchrist averaged over seven yards a carry as a running back. He's also rated as one of the best linebackers on defense and is a top place kicker. He has a sprinter's speed despite his size and the power of a bulldozer. Cookie is one of the most colorful players in football."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium

ART BAKER
Fullback
No. 33
Syracuse
"Those who are paid tackle him claim Art Baker runs harder than any other AFL fullback. Added determination can make him a standout and improve on his 1961 per carry average of 3.3. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, he was a powerful line smasher at Syracuse and was also immovable on defense, being drafted No. 1 by the Eagles, who desired him for their defensive platoon.
Art went on the wrestling circuit after the '61 season."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The former Syracuse fullback, in his rookie season in the AFL, drove for 498 yards in 152 rushes to rank seventh among the leading ground gainers. In addition to his hard running ability, Baker contributed to the Bills' offense by his machine-like blocking, paving the way for big runs by fellow backs.
He averaged five yards per carry in three collegiate seasons with the Orange."

-1962 Fleer No. 12

"The Bills' leading 1961 ground gainer (3.3 average). Over the last four games, however, he averaged seven yards per carry. Baker is one of football's most powerful runners.

He made three All-America teams during three starring years with Syracuse University. He carried a five-yard average in college and was rated one of the Orange's best defensive players. Drafted No. 3 by the Bills, he was drafted No. 1 by the Philadelphia Eagles for his defensive prowess. He starred for the East in the first Coaches' All-America Bowl game in Buffalo in June of 1961.

A National Intercollegiate wrestling champion (191 pounds) in college, Baker began his off-season career as pro wrestler after the 1961 AFL season."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium