Longtime CBS Chicago sports anchor and reporter Ryan Baker is leaving the station after nearly 20 years for a new role in the nonprofit sector.
Baker announced he will become president and CEO of First Tee Greater Chicago, an organization that mentors young people and teaches life skills through golf. His final day at CBS Chicago will be June 25.
A familiar and trusted presence in Chicago sports media, Baker joined CBS Chicago in 2008 after previously working at WMAQ-TV from 2003 to 2008. During his time at CBS, he served as a sports anchor and reporter and hosted Sports Sunday, Bears Game Day and Game Night Live.
“Ryan Baker’s impact on the Chicago sports landscape is truly immeasurable,” said Jennifer Lyons, regional president and general manager of CBS Chicago and CBS Detroit. “For decades he has been a trusted voice for fans and a respected presence in our newsroom, as well as a committed member of the Chicago community. We are grateful for his many contributions to CBS Chicago and wish him continued success.”
Baker was born in Chicago Heights and raised in South Suburban Phoenix, Illinois. A graduate of Thornridge High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
His broadcasting career began in Champaign at WCIA-TV and WICD-TV before taking him to KFMB-TV in San Diego and WKMG-TV in Orlando, where he served as sports director from 1995 to 2003. He later returned to Chicago with WMAQ-TV before joining CBS Chicago.
Over his 35-year career, Baker has covered some of Chicago’s biggest sports moments, including World Series championships by both the White Sox and Cubs, as well as three Stanley Cup titles by the Blackhawks. He also reported from Athens during the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Baker’s next move continues a longtime commitment to community service. At First Tee Greater Chicago, he will lead the organization’s efforts to expand its reach and support young people across the area.
“Having grown up in the south suburbs watching Channel 2 every night and idolizing the legendary Johnny Morris, it’s been an indescribable dream come true to sit in his sports anchor chair for the bulk of the last 18 years at WBBM-TV,” said Baker. “However, I’m ready for the next chapter and challenge in my life as I continue to serve the community as the CEO of First Tee Greater Chicago. I depart with nothing but sincere gratitude to my talented colleagues and terrific station managers. But most of all, thank you to the Chicagoland viewers who’ve trusted and supported me for over two decades.”
CBS Chicago said it will recognize Baker’s contributions in the coming weeks as he prepares for his next chapter.
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