Dylan Baker, who got his start at a very young age, is the next London-born broadcaster destined for success.
London sports have long been shaped by iconic voices covering the city’s beloved teams. From the godfather of sports, Pete James, who covered Knights hockey for over 40 years, to Mike Stubbs, the current voice of the team, these legendary broadcasters have become synonymous with sports in the city.
But in recent years, a new voice has been rising through the ranks, a talent seemingly destined for big things. And Dylan Baker’s broadcasting skills and presence have been maturing and evolving right before Londoners’ eyes and ears.
He got his start at just 11 years old.
His story begins in August 2018, when he launched a podcast with his father. Together, they interviewed some of the biggest names in Canadian baseball media, including current Blue Jays play-by-play voice Dan Shulman, Mike Wilner and Scott MacArthur. Releasing weekly episodes focused on the Blue Jays and Major League Baseball, Baker began sharing his insights and passion for the sport with listeners on Spotify and YouTube.
In April 2019, while still in elementary school, he boldly sent an email to the London Majors, hoping to join their broadcast team as they expanded the Intercounty Baseball League’s first live-streamed coverage.
He neglected to tell his parents. So, when Baker told them he had an interview with the Majors on a Friday morning, one that would require him to miss school, their surprise was understandable.
That same year, Dylan joined Noah Smith in the broadcast booth at Labatt Park for every Majors home game – and select road games – all while continuing to play minor baseball himself.
Expectations for a 13-year-old broadcaster were modest, and understandably so. But he blew them away. He had the broadcasting instincts and professionalism that you’d expect from a college student.
Since that Friday morning at Labatt Park, when he should have been in class, Baker has become a fixture in the Majors’ broadcast booth. He’s now been part of seven seasons of Majors TV, covering championship runs and historic moments on the field.
He’s become one of the most recognizable voices in the Intercounty Baseball League, continuously honing his craft with guidance from his broadcast partner, Smith, and other professionals in the industry.
Impressed by Baker’s skills, Majors co-owner Roop Chanderdat invited him to join the broadcast team of the GOJHL’s Komoka Kings, the junior hockey team Chanderdat owns.
Despite never having played hockey growing up, Baker seamlessly transitioned into calling the fast-paced action on the ice, proving his versatility and dedication to the craft.
“The future is very bright for this young man,” says Chanderdat. “His success doesn’t come by accident; he’s very hard-working and prepared, and he takes pride in getting better each day. We’re here not only to develop players but everyone in our organization who wants to get to the next level.”
Among those who have recognized Baker’s talent is Mike Stubbs. Stubbs has worked alongside Dylan during CHL Memorial Cups, OHL games, and other events throughout the city. His words speak volumes about Baker’s potential.
“Dylan is the kind of person who takes advantage of what life offers,” Stubbs said. “He’s carved his path as a broadcaster from an incredibly early age. He’s one of the brightest young stars in the business, and people in the London area are going to be able to say, ‘I remember when I used to watch him with the Majors and Komoka Kings.’”
Now finishing his third year at TMU in a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Media, Baker will take on a new challenge this winter as he trades in his perch at the top of the Komoka Wellness Centre for the radio booth of the Guelph Storm of the OHL, one of the most storied franchises in Canadian hockey.
He’ll be taking over for a legendary voice, Larry Mellott, who retired at the end of the 2025 season. He called the action for the Platers and Storm for over five decades.
While most college students look to find a career path once they’ve graduated, it seems Baker may have already found his. London Majors fans need not worry, as Baker plans to return to historic Labatt Park next summer for at least one more season in the booth. But the future is calling, and Baker has big things ahead.
