Jim Baumer was a professional baseball player who played as a first baseman and outfielder. He began his career in the minor leagues in the early 1950s, playing for various teams before being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955. Baumer made his major league debut with the Pirates in 1957, but he struggled to establish himself as a regular player and was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959.

Baumer played for the Cardinals for two seasons before being traded to the Houston Colt .45s (later renamed the Astros) in 1962. He played for the Colt .45s for two seasons before being traded to the Milwaukee Braves in 1964. Baumer played for the Braves for one season before being traded back to the Astros in 1965.

Baumer played for the Astros for three more seasons before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1968. He played for the Cubs for one season before being traded to the San Diego Padres in 1969. Baumer played for the Padres for two seasons before being traded to the California Angels in 1971.

Baumer played for the Angels for two seasons before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in 1973. He played for the Athletics for one season before being traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1974. Baumer played for the Indians for one season before being traded to the Texas Rangers in 1975.

Baumer played for the Rangers for two seasons before being released in 1977. He retired from baseball after the 1977 season, having played for 11 different teams over the course of his career.

Baumer was known for his versatility as a player, having played both first base and outfield throughout his career. He was also known for his ability to hit for power, having hit 20 or more home runs in a season three times during his career.

Overall, Baumer had a solid career as a professional baseball player, playing for over 20 years and earning a reputation as a reliable and versatile player. While he never became a star player, he was a valuable contributor to many different teams throughout his career.