Jeffrey Glen Baker (born June 21, 1981) is a German-born American former professional baseball player. He bats and throws right-handed. He played in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins. Primarily a second baseman and first baseman, Baker also has experience in the outfield and at third base. Early life Jeff Baker was born on June 21, 1981 in Bad Kissingen, West Germany, while his father, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Larry Baker was stationed there. The family soon returned to the United States, and lived in El Paso, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona, and West Point, New York. Baker began playing baseball while his father was stationed in the Middle East, namely the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Larry Baker was responsible for teaching his son the game, and coached him until Jeff graduated from Gar-Field High School in Dale City, Virginia. Baker was the 1999 All-Met Player of the Year. He then attended Clemson University, where he played college baseball, before playing professionally. Baseball career College Baker enrolled at Clemson University, where he played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers from 2000-2002. He played as third baseman as well as shortstop. Baker set the school record for career home runs with 59 home runs, a feat he accomplished in three years. Colorado Rockies Baker was drafted by the Rockies in 2004 after playing college baseball at Clemson University. He was a three-time Baseball America All-American and a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award in 2002 (the award was won by Clemson teammate Khalil Greene). Baker made his Major League debut in 2005, as the Opening Day third baseman for the Colorado Rockies, playing a total of 12 games. He had been added to the Rockies lineup as a replacement for injured third baseman Garrett Atkins and on the return of Atkins, Baker was assigned to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Rockies Triple-A affiliate. In 2006, Baker played a full season for the Sky Sox, hitting .305 with 20 home runs and 108 runs batted in (RBIs), playing primarily in right field. He was named to the Baseball America All-Minor League team. He was then called up to the Rockies in early September and was rewarded with significant playing time in right field. Baker has served as a super-utility type player for the Rockies during the 2007–08 seasons.