Following five RaboDirect PRO12 appearances from the bench Baker, 21, started from the outset as Ospreys beat Cardiff Blues 34-9 on Friday night.
The young No.8 enjoyed the occasion but admitted there is still plenty to work on in the coming months, as Ospreys go in search of a top-four finish.
"Trying to replace someone like Ryan is going to be really hard, but there's a few of us here and we are all going to have to do our best for the side," he told the South Wales Evening Post.
"We have a good crop of youngsters here who will do their best to fill the boots of the boys who are leaving.
"I class myself as quite young. I'm only 21, so I have time on my side. I'm actually really pleased to have got to where I am so early, because it usually takes time in professional rugby.
"You just have to keep working and be patient. It's a short career, but you have to play a waiting game."
Despite his lack of experience with the Ospreys, Baker already has two international caps to his name after taking part in Wales' tour to Japan last summer.
Much of the Welsh pack were on tour with the Lions at the time and one of them, Taulupe Faletau, is the man standing between Baker and further representative honours.
"You can't say it's just one thing that makes him a good player," added Baker. "It's everything - his carrying, his workrate, his tackling, his lines of running. He is just a class player.
"Challenging him? I'll try my best each game. If I get picked by Wales, great, but my main priority right now is to do my best for the Ospreys.
"We have a must-win match against Glasgow and we know we have to perform as a side."
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