Dirk Baker comes from a long line in his family who have always given back to the community.

From volunteering for the Red Cross to spending two years in the Peace Corps, the longtime Worcester State baseball coach has been a part of volunteering to help a cause in any way. And this spring, he is literally letting his hair down so that others may do the same.

Baker, who guided the Lancers to the MASCAC regular season championship and the runner-up spot in this year's conference tournament, is participating in the "Locks of Love" program on behalf of the American Cancer Society. The disease has impacted many people in Baker's life, including friends, neighbors, and former players in his program. He wanted to do something to give back to them and to provide something that most of us in life take for granted.

"I read about a hockey player doing this a few years ago and thought it would be a great thing to do," Baker says of his participation in the program. "My uncle, grandmother and grandfather all passed away from cancer, and it has affected many friends and neighbors. I hope that my participation will raise awareness and get others to become involved in the program."

Locks of Love accepts hair donations that are in turn used to create wigs and other items used by cancer patients of all ages. The organization also accepts financial donations towards its cause and also accepts donations from people of all ages. Lindsey Seavey, the daughter of MASCAC Media Relations Director Jim Seavey, grew her hair out about a foot longer than usual to donate to the program at age six, three short months after her grandfather passed away from cancer in 2007.

Baker has certainly become a fixture in community outreach throughout the Worcester community during his tenure with the Lancers, donating his time and finances to outlets that assist with food banks, clothing drives and raising awareness of various causes. And while he is directly assisting with this great program, he is also paying tribute to three members of the Worcester State community who passed away recently: former Lancer standout Kevin Lyons (Class of '65), Patty Bisceglia and Detroit Tigers icon Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, whose father played at the College.

For more information on Locks of Love, go to http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html.