Steve Baker, the voice of the Miami Redhawks for three decades, will miss the team’s NCAA Tournament run due to health issues and shoulder surgery. Baker began his radio career by accident when a colleague fell asleep during a midnight album feature, leading him to start as a disc jockey at a local rock station. In 1985, he was given the opportunity to call Miami versus Maryland in the NCAA Tournament First Round, and his voice became synonymous with the Redhawks over the ensuing decades.”It has been such a great ride for me,” Baker said, reflecting on his career narrating the team’s greatest moments. Despite more losses than wins in the past decade, Baker remained with the team. However, as the Redhawks are poised for March Madness, Baker will not be there.”Doing okay. It’s obviously a real disappointment,” Baker said, explaining that health issues and shoulder surgery have sidelined him this March. “It’s not about me missing games, it’s not about any of that. It’s about these guys.”While Baker may not be in Dayton on Wednesday, he will be watching the game. “I’m going to be glued to a TV. I’m going to enjoy this one just like all the other fans out there. It’s been a while since I’ve done that,” Baker said.

OXFORD, Ohio —

Steve Baker, the voice of the Miami Redhawks for three decades, will miss the team’s NCAA Tournament run due to health issues and shoulder surgery.

Baker began his radio career by accident when a colleague fell asleep during a midnight album feature, leading him to start as a disc jockey at a local rock station.

In 1985, he was given the opportunity to call Miami versus Maryland in the NCAA Tournament First Round, and his voice became synonymous with the Redhawks over the ensuing decades.

“It has been such a great ride for me,” Baker said, reflecting on his career narrating the team’s greatest moments.

Despite more losses than wins in the past decade, Baker remained with the team. However, as the Redhawks are poised for March Madness, Baker will not be there.

“Doing okay. It’s obviously a real disappointment,” Baker said, explaining that health issues and shoulder surgery have sidelined him this March. “It’s not about me missing games, it’s not about any of that. It’s about these guys.”

While Baker may not be in Dayton on Wednesday, he will be watching the game.

“I’m going to be glued to a TV. I’m going to enjoy this one just like all the other fans out there. It’s been a while since I’ve done that,” Baker said.