Scottish footballer widely regarded as one of Scotland's greatest ever players, known for his exceptional passing ability and ball control as a left-half midfie
James Curran Baxter was born on 29 September 1939 in Hill of Beath, Fife, Scotland, and began his career with local junior side Crossgates Primrose before signing with Raith Rovers in 1957. His elegant, unhurried style on the ball and natural footballing intelligence quickly marked him out as an exceptional talent, and Rangers signed him in 1960. Baxter became one of the finest players Scottish football has ever produced during his five years at Rangers, helping the Glasgow club win ten trophies between 1960 and 1965 and earning the nickname "Slim Jim" for his lean physique. He famously played keepy-uppy with the ball during Scotland's celebrated 1967 victory over reigning World Cup holders England at Wembley, a moment of casual showmanship against the world champions that remains one of Scottish football's most cherished memories. A leg fracture in December 1964 sidelined Baxter for four months, during which his heavy drinking began in earnest, and his form and fitness never fully recovered afterward. He moved to Sunderland in 1965 and later Nottingham Forest, before an ultimately unsuccessful return to Rangers in 1969 and 1970 closed out his playing career amid his ongoing struggles with alcohol. Baxter earned 34 caps for Scotland and was widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation. His alcoholism severely damaged his liver in later life, requiring two transplants at age 55, though he continued drinking afterward. Baxter died of pancreatic cancer on 14 April 2001, aged 61, and his funeral was held at Glasgow Cathedral, with his ashes buried at Rangers' Ibrox Stadium; a statue was later erected in his honour at his hometown of Hill of Beath.
Legendary performance against England at Wembley in 1963
He juggled the ball in front of England fans after Scotland beat the World Champions 3-2 at Wembley in 1967 — the most famous act of sporting cheek in Scottish football history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Elegant left-footed playmaker with exceptional passing ability and ball control
Lasting Impact
Considered one of Scotland's greatest ever players and a Rangers legend
Career Honours
- Scottish League 3x
- Scottish Cup 6x
- 34 Scotland caps
- Scottish League 1961
- Scottish League 1963
- Scottish League 1964
- Scottish Cup 1962
- Scottish Cup 1963
- Scottish Cup 1964
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossgates Primrose | — | — | — | — |
| Raith Rovers | 1957–1960 | — | 62 | 3 |
| Rangers | 1960–1965 | — | 136 | 18 |
| Sunderland | 1965–1967 | — | 87 | 10 |
| Vancouver Royal Canadians | 1967–1967 | loan | 12 | 2 |
| Nottingham Forest | 1967–1969 | — | 48 | 3 |
| Rangers | 1969–1970 | — | 14 | 1 |
 Scotland | — | — | 34 | 3 |