By Oscar Pinto
As students scurry past the B building to get to class, they pass a memorial wall commemorating Columbus alumni who have passed away. The list of names is unfortunately long, but under the graduating class of 2025, one name stands—Patrick Baker.
Patrick Baker was an outstanding student whose life and legacy continue to inspire everyone at Columbus. A freshman offensive lineman with immense potential, Patrick’s journey was tragically cut short by a heart condition before he could play his first varsity game. His story is one of talent and a spirit that touched everyone around him.
A Rising Star on the Field
Patrick began his football journey at Columbus on the freshman team, quickly standing out due to his size and skill.
His offensive line coach, Jason Hill, recalls Patrick’s potential: “I think he could have been a great football player here and probably been a top recruit in the country.”
Patrick’s dedication and talent earned him a rare promotion to the varsity team after just one season.
Coach Hill fondly remembers Patrick as a “Gentle Giant,” noting his exceptional ability to balance strength and kindness:
“He was always a big kid—bigger than most kids his age. His uncle played football here and was a very notable football player, a very good person, and a gentle giant off the field,” he said.
The Heart of the Team
Patrick wasn’t just a talented athlete; he was also the heart of the team. His sense of humor and positive energy made a lasting impact on his teammates.
“He was always smiling. You know, we could have been running, we could have been doing conditioning, doing drills and he would just either crack a joke or smile and just kind of lighten the mood for everybody,” Hill said.
Despite his playful nature, Patrick was disciplined and hard-working and could balance the two.
“He had a great work ethic. He was a great young man, always positive, always smiling. You know, he had a very big heart, very caring,” Hill said.
A Sudden Turn
Patrick’s life took an unexpected turn in December 2021. After recovering from COVID-19 and getting the vaccine, he passed a physical with no apparent issues. However, during the Christmas break, his mother, Char, noticed something unusual:
“I noticed him come in the house and he was out of breath and stuff, which was unusual for an athlete like him,” she said.
One night, Patrick complained of stomach pain and was taken to the hospital. Doctors first said that he had like a little stomach virus, but when they checked his heart, they saw the left side of his heart was failing.
His condition worsened rapidly, leading to a transfer to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for potential heart surgery.
A Courageous Fight
Patrick underwent surgery to put a device on his heart to help pump blood, displaying an unwavering spirit throughout his recovery. Despite the challenges, he maintained an positive attitude.
His mother remembers, “He had like an upbeat spirit about everything.”
However, complications arose, and Patrick’s condition deteriorated. His mother stayed by his side throughout, emphasizing his resilience and positivity even in his weakest moments.
“I noticed he was super weak and so I told them that he was not going to do any more therapy until he gathered his strength. I told them that I'll assist because I was there 24 hours a day,” she said.”
Patrick was a momma’s boy, being very close to her, and did not have an issue discussing anything with her - from school to friends, to teachers, and even girls. And his mother was by his side through it all.
“He would never go to sleep until he heard my voice… And so, I spoke to him that Wednesday and he was like, ‘Mommy, come back. My anxiety is through the roof.’ He's never mentioned anything about his anxiety, but he was like, ‘My anxiety is through the roof. Come back.’ I said. ‘Grandma's gonna spend Thanksgiving with you, and I'll be there the first thing of Friday morning.’”
Patrick shared one final “I love you” that night with his mother. Then, that Friday morning at about 1 in the morning, his grandmother called and said Patrick went into cardiac arrest. At that time, Patrick Baker passed away.
A Lasting Legacy
Patrick’s passing left a deep void in the Columbus community, but his memory lives on. Hill has always had a soft spot for Patrick and it was not easy to hear about his passing.
Coach Hill and the football team honor his legacy by keeping his spirit alive.
“There’s some towels that they had at his funeral. I actually would fold it and keep it in my pocket at every game. So this year in the playoffs when we beat Western, I put my hand in my pocket and I felt the flag or the towel, and I knew he was there with us,” Hill said.
His teammates continue to remember Patrick through various tributes, like stickers on helmets and social media posts.
“They’ve done a good job just not forgetting him and always trying to remember him for who he is,” Hill said.
JJ Gomez, one of Patrick’s teammates and pictured holding a sign for him after the state championship in 2022, expressed his sentiments: “If Pat was here right now I would want to tell him that he wasn’t just a friend or teammate, but a brother I never had, and he showed how to be happy and smile even through our toughest moments.”
Coach Hill spoke at Patrick’s funeral, one that was attended by family, faculty, teammates, and friends alike.
“Speaking at his funeral was probably, if not, the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. To speak on behalf of a young man with so much potential life ahead of him was tough. But I was honored as well because again, we were celebrating him as well,” he said.
A Tribute to Patrick
Coach Hill’s approach to coaching even changed due to Patrick’s impact.
“I miss him. I would also say I thank him, for always being there and I know he's still watching over us. And he changed my way of coaching, so I appreciate him and I'll never forget him,” he said.
His legacy at Columbus is a heart forever in the game, inspiring all who knew him to cherish life, spread positivity and keep his memory alive.
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