COD Alum Dillon Baker Signs Pro Contract with Florence Y’alls

The College of the Desert Athletics Department is thrilled to announce that former Roadrunner short stop Dillon Baker has signed a professional baseball contract with the Florence Y'alls of the Frontier League.

A Tampa, Florida native and Carrollwood Day School graduate, Baker joined COD in 2022 after a season at Shoreline Community College in Washington. As a Roadrunner, he quickly became a key piece of the program's resurgence.

In 2022, Baker helped COD capture its first conference championship in 51 years and was named Second Team All-Inland Empire Athletic Conference. He played in 44 of 45 games, finishing in the top 25 in the state in multiple offensive categories, including doubles (16), runs (45), RBI (47), and hits (60). Baker posted 17 multi-hit games, including eight games with three or more hits. One of his standout performances came on April 19 against San Bernardino Valley, when he went 4-for-4 with three doubles and four RBI in a 15-4 victory.

Baker's playoff heroics also left a lasting mark. In an elimination game against Long Beach City College, he launched a clutch 3-run home run that propelled COD to the Super Regionals.

Following his time at COD, Baker transferred to the University of Miami (OH), where he competed at the NC2A Division One level. He helped the RedHawks improve from a 21-35 record in 2023 to 27-27 in 2024, advancing to the Mid-American Conference Tournament.

"College of the Desert played a huge role in getting me ready for the demands of NCAA Division I," Baker said. "At Miami, I was fortunate to be part of an incredible group of teammates as we made our tournament run. Honestly, without the foundation I built at College of the Desert, I don't think I'd be where I am today."

Now, Baker takes the next step with the Florence Y'alls, based in Florence, Kentucky, just outside of Cincinnati. The Y'alls, led by manager Chad Rhoades, finished the 2024 season with a 44-51 record.

Baker's journey from COD to Division I and now the professional ranks is a testament to his determination and passion for the game. The Roadrunner community celebrates his achievement and looks forward to watching his continued success.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Michael Leone Photography (f8leone@yahoo.com).