Prominent handicapper Bud Baedeker, who launched the popular publication Baedeker's Guide in 1938, died Feb. 28 in New York City. He was 90.A Chicago native, Baedeker began selling his selections curbside at racetracks, calling his publication Baedeker's Guide after the famed travel guides published by his ancestors in Europe.Baedeker swept the card on opening day at Hollywood Park in 1950 and soon Baedeker's Guide was sold at Southern and Northern California tracks.Baedeker's survivors include his widow, Helen; sons Bob and Rick and daughters Kathy and Therese; and a brother, Jack, who was Bud's partner at one time.Bob Baedeker continued the business and serves as a television racing analyst. Rick, who also worked in the business, has served as president of Hollywood Park since the fall of 1999.A graveside memorial will be held March 4 at 1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Cemetery, 8301 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, Calif. Donations may be made to The Arms of Mary Foundation, P.O. Box 6787, Ventura, Calif., 93006.
