Hobart Amory Hare Baker was born in 1892 to a Main Line high society family in Bala Cynwyd, but in his short tragic life, he made his own indelible mark on the world, writes Clayton Trutor for Main Line Today.

Baker’s father made a fortune in the upholstery business and his mother came from an old Philadelphia family.

His father also made a name for himself in football at Princeton University.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Hobey also attended Princeton but took his own unique path.

Hobey Baker is considered hockey’s first American star. He was among the country’s leading scorers and is thought to play a pivotal role in transforming Princeton’s hockey team.

After graduation, he continued to play for amateur club teams even though he was offered a National Hockey League contract.

Then in 1917, he enlisted in World War I as a pilot. Baker’s life unfortunately was cut short though when he went for a last flight before heading home at the end of the war.

The engine failed and he fell to his death on December 21, 1918, one month before his 27th birthday.

He is buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, and today his legacy is kept alive through the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation.

Read more about Hobart Baker’s hockey legacy and life in Bala Cynwyd in Main Line Today.

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