ALCATRAZ Bill Baker,
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- Former USP-Alcatraz prisoner #1259AZ William Garnet 'Bill Baker', shares 'real stories of life on 'the Rock' as a 'Rock-Con' in the late 1950's. Alcatraz escapes, escape attempts, daily routines, celebrity prisoners, Al Capone, the 'Birdman of Alcatraz', Frank Morris, the Anglin brothers, 1962 escape, former prisoner friends, life after prison, returning to Alcatraz Island, prison life, and much more! Spend some quality time with the 'real-deal' - 'Bad Boy' Baker was finally released from USP-Leavenworth at the age of 78 five years ago! Hear, first-hand, vivid recollections of unforgettable Alcatraz experiences in this 41-minute video recorded on Alcatraz at the annual 'Alcatraz Reunion in August 2017. Former Alcatraz prisoner William 'Bad Boy' Baker has some real stories from 'the Rock' to share - as a matter of fact, a lot of great stories to share! Having spent over half of his adult life incarcerated - 30+ years in total - and the other half leading an exciting and prosperous life 'on the run' - there is no shortage of insightful prison-life memories!
Arriving at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary at the tender age of 23 - as an 'escape risk' - 'Bad Boy' Baker would learn a new life 'trade' from another 'Rock-Con' - the fine-art of corporate payroll-check counterfeiting. These skills would serve Bill well on 'the outside'... until he got caught - again and again!
Join us, as we witness this colorful former 'Rock-Con' relive his formative experiences at America's first 'Super-Maximum Security' Federal Penitentiary - with some of the most notorious criminals of the time. Hear first-hand recollections of daring escape attempts during his stay on Alcatraz - including the drowning death of best friend Aaron Burgette.
Spend time 'face-to-face' with this seasoned 'Convict' - on Alcatraz - and gain a clear understanding of what prison-life on 'the Rock' was truly like. Learn Bill Baker's perspective on the most amazing Federal prison break in American history - the 1962 Frank Morris led 'Escape from Alcatraz' - made famous by the Hollywood movie of the same name - which starred Clint Eastwood.
Listen as Bill Baker explains why this experienced 'escape-artist' declined to make an escape-attempt himself from America's 'in-escapable' prison. One fellow con and friend, John Bayliss, a.k.a. 'Jack-Rabbit,' made two un-successful attempts and the young Bill Baker learned from his failures. "That damn water was just too much!"
In 2013, former Alcatraz prisoner Bill Baker, a.k.a. #1259AZ, returned to 'the Rock' fifty years after his release. Still on federal parole, he carried with him a manuscript recalling his 'stint' at USP-Alcatraz, aptly titled - 'Alcatraz 1259'. Bill had been released from his final 'stay' in a Federal prison, USP- Leavenworth in Kansas, just two years earlier at the age of 78, and now, was embarking on a very surprising - and legal - epilogue to his unique Alcatraz story!
Enjoy your time with 'Wild Bill' Baker - one of our favorite former Alcatraz prisoners! We think you will enjoy his recollections! Please 'subscribe' and 'like'- if you do! More to come!
See you on 'the Rock'.
I am on the edge of my seat listening to this man. What a story teller. He is no different than ANY older guy you'd see at the grocery store, on holiday, or meet the teacher night.
Had the opportunity to meet Bill Baker in San Francisco recently. He autographed his book and told me a story from his time in Oregon where I am from. Respect for this guy BIG TIME.
My Great Uncle was prisoner 527 at Alcatraz. 1939-1942.
@Ian Craig Uncle Chet! My profile picture is his Alcatraz mugshot
What is name 😮
@@omartirado7247 Chester Herman Reed. #527
I could listen to you forever, respect to you sir
I disagree with him on many of his beliefs. My brother was a lieutenant in corrections and went into that career, truly believing in rehab being possible for some prisoners. The prisoners themselves woke him up to reality really quickly. They nearly killed him during a prison riot at SPSM in Michigan. In another incident, they dropped a cast aluminum mop wringer on him from two tiers up, separating his shoulder, slicing off part of his ear... meanwhile in another area they were stabbing another guard with a wooden broom handle they had been sharpening for weeks. And as far as forcing a horse to drink. Nope, that isn't on the guards either, you cannot help anyone that doesn't want it. Not a criminal, not a drug addict, not an alcoholic.
Kristine B thanks for commenting. Rehabilitation efforts were abandoned by the B.O.P. after the Kennedy administration. Also, not fair to stereotype prisoners - they are not all the same - just like in the real world. Bill has raised almost $2 million for our park through his book sales. Hardest working person on Alcatraz - at 86!
@@alcatraztherock6126 glad to see the book sold well
@@alcatraztherock6126 This is going to be a snarky comment. I apologize in advance. It’s a good thing he got old and was able write a book, because he said that’s the only reason he stopped stealing other people’s hard earned money.
He's telling a once in a lifetime story and the girl cross legged on the table is playing on the phone...I'd love to have that opportunity..
That's why the snipers should still be at AZ.
Bri Berg if you actually look at her you can see she’s scrolling through something probably instagram
Disrespectful being on your phone. This guy deserves respect and to be paid attention to.
Be polite to the old person down the street, ex con or Vietnam veteran either way they have a story to tell !!! 2021
Wow, I was surprised to hear him talk about my father -Roland Simcox-, R.I.P. Dad...Retired Lounge owner...ive heard a few stories my dad told me while spending time there with you. I would love to come and meet you sometime Bill Baker, it was nice to hear your speech about your experience in Alcatraz...
Damn that's crazy and that's not a common name either, Simcox. So your father was Roland. How long did he end up doing?? I bet you walked a tight line having him as a father. Still I'm sure he was a great father, and can tell you loved him dearly. Unless of course this is all made up...... but I don't think that's the case. I believe you. But to hear the old man say that your pops was the cock of the walk in a place full of the who's who of bad asses, I respect that. Sometimes it takes violence to instill peace. Then your name proceeds you, and respect seems to follow.How it's always been, and probably always will. I hope I never have to be put in those kinds of predicaments, cause I damn sure ain't no badass. Wow it's sobering just entertaining that notion. I'm scared to think what would happen. Hey you have a good day JS.
@Delvin Walton try again- theres lots
He had 10 kids??
I worked there for a short time as a volunteer and a former inmate named Luke told me the same thing about Simcox, he said people did not mess with him.
How your dad died MrJames simcox what was his crime.
Fascinating! You’d never guess he was an old con if you saw him on the street. The only tip-off to his true criminal thinking is when he blames the guards instead of the prisoners themselves for the failure of rehabilitation.
Thank you! See you on 'the Rock'!
There is always two sides….
@@mikerowland1701 actually, i think there is three and we argue to find the truth, but I got your point and something I used to say and think myself but ever since Ive heard and it it makes sense to me.
travelled from liverpool to chicago, drove route 66 to santa monica ended up in sf met bill in alcatraz,he asked about my accent then was telling me about the beatles on the ed sullivan show. nice man, nice memory.
Joseph Currie - Bill back home in Toledo, Ohio - Alcatraz is still closed. Buy his book ‘Alcatraz 1259’ on Amazon. Great read!
bought it on the rock bill signed it september 2018
@Gina Pilkington brilliant time, stayed in motels in small towns like winslow arizona el reno oklahoma, tucamcari new mexico.loads more.thought we seen real america people treated us very nice, love to do it again
Was always in the prison bands, played "Freebird' w a band on Alcatraz 2 years ago!
Absolutely fascinating stuff. Bill is sharp for his age. Thanks for uploading this.
That was so interesting, I love hearing stories from the older generations, it’s living history! What a neat guy, glad he found something that’s lucrative, that won’t get him locked up again. God bless you Mr Baker.
I saw him today
This guy is a plethora of Alcatraz knowledge. One of the best books I've read on Alcatraz is Alvin Karpis' 'On The Rock: Twenty Five Years in Alcatraz'. As the longest serving inmate in Alcatraz, he had a photographic memory and was excellent in remembering names, dates, and events. It's a must read for anyone interested in the subject of Alcatraz and it's infamous inmates throughout its history.
I Fought Piranhas thank u for sharing the info. i will have to read the book. sounds interesting.
Creepy
"plethora" is an adjective, not a noun.
He may HAVE a plethora of something... but he can't BE a plethora of something.
I'll bet you're just thrilled that I told you that. Aren't you? You could admit it. It's ok.
@@Seemsayin I get this was some time ago. But, what?
@@22bioshock But, nothing. I made an observation. I said something about it. So what?
If the person I replied to had a problem with my comment, or had a question, I certainly would have accommodated him/her. What does this have to do with you? If you have a problem with me, then just say so. Don't beat around the bush with vague innuendo, as thought I'm supposed to get it. If you think I'm an asshole... just say so.
I saw him at San Francisco and he signed my cup :D
I am Iranians I will see Alcatraz
@@rez_f5586 I hope so. It's amazing.
I got his book signed by him
i met him & shook his hand, he signed my book, he was nice :))
is he still alive?
hayzelle rodriguez...That´s so neat, would have loved that chance. He seems really nice, at least from video. What was his offense to go to his first prison? Mob gangster?
@@jamesb12356 As of September 2019 he was still listed as living. As of today, havn´t found anything??
Did you check your pockets afterwards? 🤣🤣
@IC Media Oh wow, that´s really neat. Good for him, may he live to see 100. I wonder if he knew(at the time) that the Anglins and Morris were going to escape.
I met him last week on the rock. What a legend.
So glad he is talking like this
“If you're gonna catch criminals, you got to be a bit of one yourself.”
― Caleb Carr
He did good the old fella. The truth.
Awesome Archive!
"The smartest and the dumbest " I've always thought that the average prisoner is clever in an unconventional sense and the ones who are clever enough to escape any prison are extremely intelligent in an unconventional way.
Hughie Davies Bill is definitely no dummy ... has sold almost 200K copies of his book! Living well!
Absolutely fascinating.
Thanks for your comment - see you on 'the Rock'! Ian Craig, NPS Volunteer/Interpretation, Alcatraz Island, GGNRA
Please visit: www.AlcatraZtheRock.com
That was quite interesting! Love Alcatraz history
Immediate hot take upon the first 2 mins is why it feels like a positive reunion instead of a condemning reunion. Like, the speaker is elated to bring him up instead of using a tone of disapproval toward his legacy. I’m fine with the event, but the tone should be of reform and condemning the selfish and often lethal methods taken to become a prisoner here.
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Great upload!
Reading his book now :) went to Alcatraz last Tuesday
Great video. So great to hear a first hand account
Thanks for commenting! Bill is home in Toledo, Ohio now - with his bride!
I like that he can name other incarcerated than the notorious ones that are exploited on the tour.
I’d really like to know who was in A Block because that corner consumed me with such sadness and emotions that I had to walk away and chill before I returned back in the prison.
I took muliple pictures but even through editing, didn’t pick up anything unusual.
Wow, awesome talk by this man. Glad to see he has settled down finally with a house, lady, and dog. Will have to look for that book.
EdmundKemp Alcatraz 1259 , available on amazon
You can Agree or disagree w the guy his past or present , imo it has been interesting to listen to his story
thank you for sharing this 😊
Met this guy too
he says rehabilitation never worked, but yet you go to places like Finland, sweden, denmark, switzerland, norway, where the prisons more closely resemble college dorms or even a hotel, and they have amenities , and luxuries , privileges... rehabilitation, and training is the biggest focus. and the re-offending numbers are much lower than in the us and other countries with '' harder '' prisons and more prisoners..... these countries who americans call ''soft'' on prisoners,---- but yet these countries have way lower crime rates and much lower re-offending rates than the US and other places where punishment is harsher
@IC Media thanks, glad to help, i always wanted to go explore it , this is one of my bucket list items ;-) i hope to go out there , it will be a few years though as right now i am focused on getting back home to florida, but yes i do hope to make it out to the rock in the next 5 to 10 years for a tour and visit
Our prisons seem to be hell on earth experiences.definitely need change.
People become animals in these places
@@scotsman6712 agreed !
I hve to disagree...
Ive always had a problem with the for profit jails that provide outsourcing for states. Not sure where we are at with hat but that just seems so wrong. Private prisons make a profit - an estimated $374 million annually - how can they cut costs that much and there be no impact, not to mention that beds have to be fikked to make money
I always liked to hear about the oldtimers. Never missed a chance to do
so. You can't help but compare yourself against the oldtimers. Can't
help but wonder how they would have operated these times.
Ed Tom Bell
he is the 'real deal' - and honest (now!)
Bill is doing well, at home in Ohio
Hey bill its dre ..from oxford wisconsin...im glad u ok
I just got his book. Fascinating storyteller. One thing I'm confused about is in his Alcatraz photo it says Jan. 1956 but it sounds like he said he got to Alcatraz in 1957.
You would think they could have given the old guy a chair !
joe wood gave him a custom high director’s chair w ‘ROCK STAR’ printed on back- didn’t want to use it. Alcatraz Town Hall!
They did but somebody stole it.
It is interesting to see that this guy says that rehabilitation never works. I worked in a prison for 30 years and this was always the general consensus of the staff. The success of the programs was almost zero. The only thing that changes a criminals way of thinking is when that person realises that crime is purely a one way ticket to prison ..... usually when they get old enough to wake up to the fact.
One trip to prison you would think would be enough . however thats never the case
@@tasmaniandevil7610 and for some one is. But the recidivism rate is high but the odds are stacked against them.
He talks about his crimes as if he is proud. Still fascinating!
B ‘Catch me if you can’ story
Unbelievable what a interesting man
I heard that alcratraz was very safe as long as you did not get in anyone’s face just do your time .
4:25 Hey, is that George DiVincenzi on the left? He's one of the few former Alcatraz guard still alive today
Yes, that's George, now 93!
Interesting facts. Prisons intrigued me. How they are run. How the prisoners acted in them, are they like they are in the movies.
I would of loved to visit Alcatraz and hear this ex prisoner, Bill Baker's story. You could tell though that those cute little kids laying on the floor were starting to get restless at 31:25 and probably hungry too ! LOL. I Myself saw Alcatraz from the shoreline when I was a little kid in the late 1970's. But this was before you could go in for a tour. So cool. I was alway's into gangster and criminal lore. Thanks for the upload. :)
Thanks for your comment - see you on 'the Rock'! Ian Craig, NPS Volunteer/Interpretation, Alcatraz Island, GGNRA
Please visit: wwwAlcatraZtheRock.com
I love the old guy.
Today I saw him he was signing books!
What an eye opener, would never have believed it if it was told to me by someone else.👍🏻
You'd never know he was an inmate at a place like this, or that he spent such a large part of his life incarcerated he just seems like a kind grandpa you'd meet at the farmer's market or something.
I know what it is like to be in prison I did 11 years and have been on parole for the last 35 years and if you didn't command respect or show respect you where going to eaten alive .the best way to do time is keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth shut the life expectancy of a snitch was about and hour.
dave keim thanks for sharing! Con-grats!
On parole for 35 years! Ive never heard of such a thing...do tell please
He’s honest here, but it’s hard to respect someone who says he would still be ripping people off if it wasn’t for his age and that he was able to write a book and make money.
I call BS when he said a normal person would make three, four or five dollars for an hour way back then for sewing gloves of all things.
Fast forward to 1979 I was making 2 dollars and 10 cents an hour at a fast paced legit job working my ass off.
25 cents per hour way back then was damn fair for criminals.
That guy holding up the sign in front of the camera is really annoying.
tinman3012 noted
we will cover those parts up w more historical photos on next revision. Thanks!
I bet he didn't expect to be standing up there all these years later.
How would he
Back in a time when gangsters were the real deal 👍
Thanks Gate Crasher!
Real thugs and murderers wow you have low standards !
a car and a house a wife and the dog?, he's doing better than homeless people
he had do some work for it . most books dont sell
If he died he died free..
what an analogy. I think most of us know what a homeless person is .of course he is.
If you go - be sure to ask for Ian C - he works on Sunday - he is an amazing docent!!
He looked like Nicholas Cage in his Alcatraz mugshot
Watching this was very interesting except for the disrespectful girl right in the front ON HER PHONE!!!
man with the sign stop carrying the signer on just hanging on the wall and take a seat
Yeah, get a tall easel forcrisake!!
Thomas Norman noted, was for the live audience
I enjoyed the sign guy.probably a pro.
there are programs for those who wanted to change their life don't blame it on the staff for not having a heart to make you change your life you have to do that working at these prisons is a thankless job if these police officers at these prisons are paid well more power to them
they are paid shit for what has to be an extremely stressful position.
I saw the thumbnail and thought it was a black and white of Pete Townsend
the average prisoner: todays IQ is between 68 to 80
They were happy when they took an IQ test and it came back negative.
@@cantgetright742 LOL XD
im guessing state is much lower than federal -even back then
He is very smart person his experience wise man
Actually he is a smart dummy. Truly smart people don’t wind up in prison.
@@mattkaustickomments but so many have
@@robertrichardson9953 so how smart are you then. not smart enough to beat the system. a smart criminal is one who doesn't get caught and unfortunately there's plenty of them not locked up
I was a corrections officer in Northwest Indiana.
thats not an easy job im sure and the majority cant imagine what it's like or value what staff deals with. to some degree it seems like the system bred bad guards. Regardless, it would be hard day in and day out not to have it get the best of you from time to time.
Long lives Bill !!!
Long live a lowlife thug ! Wow your sick
gowd sake people make mistakes man. lowlife ? he went and educated people of his life and everything he went through
The guy walking around with the sign was annoying as can be.
We will cover those parts w more historical photos on revision. Thanks!
He,s one cool dude would love a chat☺️
GOOD DOCUMENTARY ! SUNDAY 7/17/22 JULY 17, 2022
6:33 frank morris "escape from alcatraz" wardens card I.Q. 157
Thanks Scott! Although West may have been the architect of the plan ...
Thank you so much for highlighting my comment!
God bless all of you in here guys and gals
Alcatraz the Rock ty brother -I know he worked with two men that were related (brothers) but did not know about west- incidentally, hello to to you young man..and how is it going?
Alcatraz the Rock love this video very much thank you for bringing happiness to this old man
Dude flexing in the red shirt with murder 1 sunglasses forgot leg day...toothpicks, lmao
there will always be crime. the prison library is where Malcom X aka Little, learned not to end up there again. w/ the help of NOI guys who were w/ him in Charlestown prison in Boston.rehab yourself, absolutely. screws don't have to worry about their jobs encouraging inmates to become less ignorant. crime has always existed
He still sounds like a inmate
you wouldent understand
@@robertyoung7823 what would you expect him to sound like.
He forgot to mention that many prisoners don't make a *sincere* attempt at rehabilitation, either. It's not easy and takes a ton of effort for so many people, and even with if their intentions at the start are to rehabilitate, it is difficult to keep that up for the time required. His sole reason for rehabilitation failing is because guards are the ones responsible for it and they would rather have prisoners stay in prison, not be paroled and rehabilitated, which is absolute garbage. Yes, might feel that way, but no one is worried about there not being enough prisoners in the U.S.
He absolutely admitted to prisoners not making a serious attempt at rehabilitation. Go back and listen. Plus, he included himself in that as well.
She could as least give the old guy a seat to sit on and tell his bit of history !! No respect !! ?
Treating him like a convict lol
@@jerengarfield8977 he's done his time. Not a convict. He's a member of society
james00779 wanted to stand, tough AZ OG!
Jack Rudolf Hensley my uncle HENSLEY, RUDOLPH "JACK" (NMI) 257
Please tell me the secret to having a home, car, wife and dog after 4 years of freedom? i have been free as long as you have been jailed and I'm still homeless. Am i really that fucked up? Should i rob a bank? make some bad checks? Please let me know. By the way the guy holding the photo of the prisoner up need to put in for an easel. It would save him from getting tired.
Is Mr Baker still alive>
Yes, alive and well! Hoping to return to #Alcatraz in July for book signings on the island. Fingers crossed - he is 88 years young!
@@alcatraztherock6126 I purchased Mr Baker's book, and was doing a little research. His health is good to hear, and wonder 'generally' what area of the country does he reside nowdays?
wow came from first hand experience
I saw Frank Morris son's in IRAN THEY MADE IT THEY MADE IT THEY MADE IT THEY MADE IT THEY MADE IT
Needed to coat themselves in heavy coats of grease or vaseline to defeat the cold
Bill reminds me of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell.
Nope. Bill has integrity and has paid for his deeds.
Him and Whitey Bulger were the last two Alcatraz inmates alive but now it's just him
Actually, there are at least three still alive
Bill baker?? Isn’t it will baker
MAC Gaming Yes, William Garnet Baker , goes by Bill. We call him ‘Bad Boy’ Baker - because he was!
Or was it the guard that killed him?
A criminal is becoming a hero. What are we telling our kids?
TONY M - former criminal, now a taxpayer!
No one is calling him a hero
house car wife dog could he not put the wife before the house not so close to the dog?
Dog is faithful for life
@@scotsman6712 💯 % agree 😉😊 lol
Something I have learned from watching this is that even if something bad happens in you’re life there is always a way you can turn things around!!🫶🏻🤍
6:41
Whitey bulger
Master at Chess
Military tactics
The real MACHIAVELLI
He was a nobody in his alcatraz days
Sir Did You Accept Jesus Christ As Savior And Lord?
Why is there a child there...!
Better to learn these lessons from this nice old man than to live that life...id definitely take my son to see
Now People in the World Are Coming Up America Must Repent And Ask God For Forgiveness And Start A New Life In Jesus Christ Name Amen
Portuguese understands Spanish in fact there’s strong similarities between the two languages. A very easy transition to either languages they share most of the vocabularies. This guy is full of BS
Interesting mainly women asking questions.
Bit of a book promotion more than a retrospect of life 'on the rock'. Charming enough speaker, but he should polish his speel a bit, it was halting and hesitant at many times, like he didn't know what to say next.
he was 78 at the time. not bad for 78
was he lovers with capone?
wtf
i hope the old guy finds jesus christ before it is eternally too late he hasent already...
Stephen Rumer omfg ofcourse you gotta bring Jesus in to this
I think Jesus Christ was transferred to Leavenworth, if I'm not mistaken!
Wow my hero a criminal skunge
robin dewling why are u even here if u feel so negative about this speaker?hes trying to shed some light and help others.
He was made a offer he couldn't refuse I don't agree with that part basically crime has paid for him in the end some people work their whole life and don't get to own a house they could have went down the same route as him but didn't it's still interesting to hear from a former prisoner there but they shouldn't be glorified
Bet the reason why alkatraz was so quiet was it was mostly white Caucasians
"theyre job is to lead a horse to water and make him drink". no, your job as an adult is to act as an adult and take responsibility for your own life. what a sad and pathetic old man. ive been to prison, i made choices to never go back. others have made their choices to go back. my life is no ones responsibility but my own.
He is hardly pathetic, he finished his last term at age 78 - then spent a year and a half writing his book. Worked four 12-hour days a week on Alcatraz signing books, sold nearly 200,000 copies in 6 years, paid a whole lifetime of taxes!
Got married on the island four years ago, bought a nice house on a cul-de-sac in Toledo,Ohio - where they are sheltering-in-place (like good citizens) at age 87. Sends money every month to friends still locked up in federal prisons, and takes care of his adopted family. Hardly pathetic. He is a hero!