Zacharie Baton

Early life and education Zacharie Baton was born in Arras, Pas-de-Calais, on 20 September 1886, as the son of Alphonse Charles Zacharie Baton, a locksmith.

Playing career Early career Baton began playing in the youth ranks of his hometown club Racing Club d'Arras, eventually reaching the first team in 1902, aged 15.

Throughout the following years, the French press constantly praised his performances and he became a unanimous player who was very rarely criticized, an impressive feat for that time.

International career In late 1906, Baton received his first call-up for the French national team thanks to his president Billy, who became France's second-ever coach following the withdrawal of Robert Guérin, while Baton became France's third goalkeeper after Maurice Guichard and Georges Crozier. He made his international debut on 1 November 1906, in a friendly match against England amateurs at the Parc de Princes in Paris, conceding 15 goals in a resounding 0–15 loss, which still is the heaviest defeat in the history of the French national team.

In his second and third appearances for France, Baton helped his side achieve victories 2–1 away victories over Belgium and Switzerland, the latter on 8 March 1908. Baton earned his fourth and last international cap against Belgium on 12 April 1908, which ended in a 1–2 loss. He is thus the third worst goalkeeper of UIAFA's France, only behind Guy de Gastyne (14 in 4 matches) and Maurice Tilliette (20 in one match).

Racing Club d'Arras After completing his military service in September 1909, Baton left Lille and OL to return to his homeland and to his childhood club, Racing Club d'Arras, where he interestingly gave up his place in goal to his "pupil" (it is clearly stated that he was the one who trained him), Louis Bournonville, becoming an outfield player, specifically at the half-center position, which at the time was the only position that was both defensive and offensive. (Some sources wrongly state that he lost a leg instead of the arm.)

In 1928, Arras hosted the "Zacharie Baton challenge" in athletics, which proves that he was not (yet) forgotten in Arras. It is often said that Pierre Chayriguès was the first world-class French goalkeeper, but some recent historians, such as Pierre Cazal, have stated that Baton is an equally worthy holder of this title.

Honours Olympique Lillois Coupe Dewar: Runner-up (1): 1907