Joshua “Bear” Baker: The hard-hitting leader of Chino Hills
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Joshua Baker, better known as “Bear” by his teammates, entered his senior year as a powerful force on the Chino Hills High School football field. At 17, Bear has spent three of his high school years on the varsity team, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Huskies’ defense. With a commanding presence as #42, the linebacker racked up awards including All-Baseline League 1st team, All-Baseline League Honorable Mention, the Coaches Award, and Rookie of the Year. As Bear headed into his final season, he carried aspirations of a CIF title and dreams of playing college football.
When you hear of a football player named Bear, one might assume that nickname originated on the football field, but it’s much simpler than that. Mom, Angeline, shared, “When we brought him home from the hospital, we put the carrier on the dining table and I said ‘It’s just us now Papa Bear’, and from that day on it was Bear.”
Bear was drawn to football at a young age. “I’ve watched football since I was young and would always love to see the NFL players play,” he shared. At just ten years old, inspired by the sheer energy and thrill of the game, Bear decided to lace up and join the world of football himself.
Over the years, Bear found his ideal role on the field as a linebacker. “A linebacker’s job is to stop the offense by halting the run and pass and lining up the defense. They’re the second line of defense. he explained. He admired the strategic importance of the position and thrived on the dynamic play style it required. “I like how my position is a mix of run and pass defense. It’s a do-it-all kind of feel I enjoy,” he added.
Off the field, Bear has balanced a rigorous academic load, maintaining a stellar 4.3 GPA. A standout in the classroom, too, Bear humbly attributes this to natural talent. “I’ve always been blessed with the ability to be good at math, and that’s made it enjoyable for me,” he shared. At home, Bear finds support from his family, which includes his 15-year-old brother, “Boogie”, his mom Angeline, and his dad Anthony. They share their space with two beloved dogs: Zeus, a German Shepherd, and Dakota, a Husky-German Shepherd mix, who keep the household lively and full of love.
He also found time for friends, family, and even other hobbies like playing guitar and snowboarding. He managed this workload with determination and an understanding of his priorities. “One big challenge I faced was balancing football, school, and my social life. But I make it work by always being focused on what needs to get done,” he noted. That determination, combined with his sense of duty and discipline, propelled him forward and earned him respect across the school and community.
One of the toughest periods of Bear’s high school career came right before the 2023 season when he suffered a dislocated elbow during practice. His coach, defensive coordinator Dan Binyon, recalled, “Bear pushed himself in every way to get back to playing status within a few weeks. He missed two games but came back with an arm brace, ready to play.” In the final eight games, Bear recorded multiple double-digit tackles, sacks, and even an interception. His grit and resilience, even in the face of a painful injury, left a lasting impression on his coaches and teammates alike.
Bear attributed much of his resilience to his father, who was a steady source of advice and motivation during challenging times. After his injury, his father’s words guided him through recovery: “You can give up now and live with that regret, or you continue forward and eventually prosper through hard work and patience.” Those words resonated deeply, helping Bear to push past the physical and mental hurdles he encountered.
Preparation played a critical role in Bear’s game-day readiness. “One way I like to prepare for football games is to watch a ton of film,” he shared. For Bear, understanding his opponents’ plays, tendencies, and weak points was an integral part of his game strategy. “I like to know my opponent inside and out,” he said, reflecting on his commitment to outsmarting his rivals on the field. Coach Binyon confirmed Bear’s dedication: “What’s most impressive is how much film Bear watches. His focus on both the physical and mental aspects of football is top-notch.”
As a leader of the Huskies, Bear didn’t just rely on his knowledge of the game. He had an innate ability to motivate his teammates and bring out the best in them. Binyon said, “Watching Bear run our defense during games is incredible. He calls all the plays, makes all the checks, and lines everyone up. He’s like a coach on the field.” Bear’s command of the defensive playbook allowed him to make split-second decisions on game night, adjusting defensive schemes and anticipating opponents’ plays.
Bear’s dreams extended beyond high school football. His goal is to earn a Division 1 scholarship and to one day play in the NFL. His top college choice is Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he hopes to study civil engineering while continuing to pursue his love for the game. “Playing college football has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Bear said. “If I ever get the chance or opportunity to play professionally, I’d take it in an instant.” His idol, Kobe Bryant, exemplified the level of focus and determination Bear aspired to achieve. “Kobe’s work ethic and mindset were just so different. He was laser-focused on his sport, and it had a big impact on how I viewed my own game,” he added.
When asked about his motto, Bear smiled and said, “Life goes on.” For him, the phrase represented resilience, gratitude, and the understanding that challenges are temporary stepping stones. “It reminds me to be grateful for what I have rather than jealous of what I don’t,” he explained. It was a principle that had helped him through tough times on and off the field.
Reflecting on his journey, Bear’s favorite moment in his football career so far was an overtime victory against Etiwanda in his junior year. “It was my best game to date, and to win was huge,” he said. The Huskies fought hard, and Bear’s tenacity shone through, helping his team to secure a well-deserved victory. “The emotions were at an all-time high,” he recalled.
With just months left before his high school years come to a close, Bear is determined to leave a legacy. He wants to be remembered as someone who never gave up, a friend who supported his teammates, and a leader who inspired others. “I’d like the community to know that I’m always willing to help,” he said. “I’m someone you can come to for anything, no matter if I’ve known you my whole life or if we’ve never even spoken.”
As the sun sets on Joshua “Bear” Baker’s high school football career, his contributions to the Chino Hills Huskies left an everlasting mark. His dedication, strength, and sportsmanship made him a true leader both on and off the field, leaving a lasting legacy that inspired his team, coaches, and community. Bravo, Bear, a true Husky, through and through!
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