I don't know if it has ever occured to anyone that it may have been Baker trying to retire because of osteoarthritis keeping him from playing. It could have been an "in character" retirement. Neither Early nor Unknown would just give up and walk away. Blaze of glory! Fire and ice.
I just see it now how the fuddy duddy parents during Eisenhower times would have their lids flipped by youngurns that were Beatniks. Their way of speaking would drive me nuts…daddy-o.
Back in the late 80s and 90s, there were quite a few really creative shows on public access. Now all its used for is political pandering and fighting. But it used to be a really great place to find hidden gems.
This truly art imitating life. There are REAL people like this out there. I should know...I've met em, yeah, yeah! Like a sadistic Dwight Yoakam. Not unlike Dwight's role in Sling Blade.