Glimpsing Into The Legend of Jim Baxter: The Maverick Of Scottish Football
Football legends are born once in a generation, and for Scotland, Jim Baxter is that legend who left an indelible mark on the sport. Jim Baxter was widely regarded as the maverick of Scottish football who broke boundaries and played the game with an unparalleled level of intelligence and verve.
Born on September 29, 1939, in Hill of Beath, Scotland, Jim Baxter started his football career with the Raith Rovers FC, where he honed his skills as a midfielder. His sheer talent with the ball caught the attention of Rangers FC, where he went on to become an icon of Scottish football.
Jim Baxter was a gifted player, and his on-field performances attracted a legion of fans. His skill is still remembered and revered by football enthusiasts all over the world. In this blog post, we take a look at Jim Baxter’s life, his achievements, and why he was considered the maverick of Scottish football.
Early Life and Football Career
Jim Baxter was born into a working-class family and started playing football at a young age. In 1957, at the age of 18, he signed his first professional contract with Raith Rovers FC. His impressive performances on the field captured the attention of Rangers FC, and he was signed for a then record fee of £17,500, which was a substantial sum of money in those days.
At Rangers, his talent shone brightly, and he became one of the brightest stars in Scottish football history. He scored over 100 goals for Rangers, won three Scottish League titles, and played a crucial role in their European Cup Winners’ Cup win in 1972.
The Maverick of Scottish Football
Jim Baxter was known for his unique style of play, which was characterized by his incredible touch, technique, and ability to beat defenders with ease. He was a complete midfielder who could influence the game with his dribbling, passing, and shooting skills.
Baxter was a free spirit on the field, known for his flamboyance and individuality. He played with a joy and an expressive style that endeared him to his fans. He had the ability to perform tricks, including keepy-uppies, on the field that would leave the opposition in awe.
The Scotland International
Jim Baxter’s performances with Rangers did not go unnoticed, and he was called up to the Scottish national team in 1962. Baxter would go on to play 34 times for Scotland, scoring 10 goals in the process.
He became a national icon in Scotland, and his performances for the national team are still remembered to this day. His most memorable game for Scotland came in 1967, when they played against the reigning world champions, England, at Wembley. Baxter’s performance in that game has been hailed as one of the greatest individual performances in the history of Scottish football.
Retirement and Legacy
Jim Baxter retired from professional football in 1970, at the age of 30, due to injury problems. He had played over 200 games for Rangers and had established himself as a club legend. After retirement, he struggled with alcoholism and passed away due to pancreatic cancer in 2001 at the age of 61.
Jim Baxter’s legacy is still felt in Scottish football, and he remains one of the most loved players of all time in Scotland. Baxter’s impact on Scottish football can be seen in the way he played the game, with unparalleled flair and skill.
7 FAQs about Jim Baxter
1) What teams did Jim Baxter play for?
Jim Baxter played for Raith Rovers FC and Rangers FC during his professional football career.
2) What was Jim Baxter known for on the field?
Jim Baxter was known for his unique style of play, which was characterized by his incredible touch, technique, and ability to beat defenders with ease.
3) How many goals did Jim Baxter score for Scotland?
Jim Baxter scored 10 goals for Scotland in 34 appearances.
4) When did Jim Baxter retire from professional football?
Jim Baxter retired from professional football in 1970, at the age of 30, due to injury problems.
5) What was Jim Baxter’s most memorable game?
Jim Baxter’s most memorable game was against England at Wembley in 1967.
6) Why was Jim Baxter considered the maverick of Scottish football?
Jim Baxter was considered the maverick of Scottish football due to his unique style of play, flamboyance, and individuality on the field.
7) What was Jim Baxter’s impact on Scottish football?
Jim Baxter’s impact on Scottish football can be seen in the way he played the game, with unparalleled flair and skill. He remains one of the most loved players of all time in Scotland.
Conclusion
Jim Baxter was a true maverick of Scottish football who left a lasting legacy with his incredible skills and passion for the game. He was a complete midfielder with unmatched flair and individuality on the field. His performances for Rangers and Scotland inspired a generation of football enthusiasts and will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
As fans of the game, it’s important to celebrate the legends who have contributed to making it what it is today. So, let’s embrace the spirit of Jim Baxter and continue to enjoy the beautiful game.