In memory of Tom Baker, originator of the Special/Crystal

[tacticalveterinarian]

I'm still in shock after hearing about the recent passing of Tom Baker. For those that don't know, he was the originator of the "Special" and created the first Crystal when bred to a Mojave. I met him years ago when I purchased a Special male directly from him. He was always friendly, extremely knowledgeable and a genuinely a great guy! He will forever be remembered as someone who smiled and was fun to be around. His collection was probably one of the best hidden secrets in the BP world! His last text to me was cracking jokes and congratulating me on hitting some combos- even though he had already produced them years before me! That was just the type of guy he was...RIP Tom, you left too soon.

I encourage everyone to post photos of their Special/Crystal combos so that his legacy will live on forever...

[Karnage Reptiles]

Don't have a special/crystal BP but R.I.P Tom.

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[Dave Green]

Tom was a great guy, there was something very special about him. He was one of my favorite people to run into at a reptile show. He was always smiling and having a good time and he drew you into that. If you met Tom he made you feel like a long time friend, I don't think he had acquaintances just friends. R.I.P. Tom.

This was the first snake I got from Tom, a Pastel Crystal that is still one of my favorites.

[MidSouthMorphs]

RIP Tom, such a great guy in this hobby and such a strong advocate. You will be missed my friend.






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[h00blah]

Tom was awesome. I drove down to meet him the morning of my sister's wedding just so I can buy a Pastel Special female from him. He was awesome, down-to-earth, and told me the origin story of the Special gene. It was a great conversation, and he always had the BEST special combos! We definitely lost a great friend and breeder. Rest in peace Tom!

Here's your girl granting me my second clutch of my first ever season. She gave me no problems and eats like a champ.


She was bred to an Enchi Lesser, and she gave me a variety of cool morphs (no normals!)





Great thread idea.

[tacticalveterinarian]

Thank you everyone for sharing your memories and photos!

[wolfy-hound]

I don't know if I ever got to meet him, but I just purchased a mystic crystal and I'm quite excited for all the awesomeness that he will bring to my collection. This is my Dresden.

[darkranger69]

i don t have any special in my collection. but the crystal combos look amazing thanks to Tom. R.I.P.

[tacticalveterinarian]

A friend also mentioned that Tom was the originator of the Epic gene as well! I don't have any experience with the Epic- anyone have Epic or Epic combos to post?

Tom's list of "world's first" isn't even accurate, I assure you in the last few years he produced 25+ new combos that aren't listed.

http://www.worldofballpythons.com/breeders/tom-baker/

[MarkS]

I just found out about this a few days ago. I feel so very sad. I remember we used to spend a lot of time chatting on Ralphs old forum, he was such an interesting guy to know. Tom was a great guy and I will miss him.