Neil Walker (baseball)
Encyclopedia
Neil Martin Walker is an American professional baseball
second
and third baseman
with the Pittsburgh Pirates
of Major League Baseball
. He was drafted by his hometown Pirates in the first round of the 2004 MLB Draft
.
(1972–77), was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
and attended Pine-Richland High School
in nearby Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
. He graduated in 2004 as a catcher on the baseball team and a wide receiver for the football team. Walker, who also played on the Rams' basketball team until his senior year, was a two-time Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Male Athlete of the Year. His baseball jersey, #24, was retired from Pine-Richland during a pre-game ceremony before the Pittsburgh Pirates' July 22, 2010 game.
's list of Top 100 prospects, and No. 3 in the Pirates' organization behind Andrew McCutchen
and Brad Lincoln
.
Walker was invited to the Pirates' 2007 spring training as a non-roster invitee, where he was converted from his drafted position of catcher
to third base
. He was sent back to the Pirates Double-A affiliate Altoona Curve
where he spent the majority of the season. On May 15, 2007, he became the first Curve player to have a four-hit game, going 4-for-4 with a home run, double and two RBI against the Portland Sea Dogs
. Walker hit a pair of two-run home runs on May 27, 2007, helping the Curve end a 10-game losing streak against the Bowie Baysox
. He hit a grand slam
and drove in five runs on June 28, 2007 in the second game of a double-header against the Trenton Thunder
.
Walker was promoted to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians
for the 2008 season, where he played 133 games, compiling a .242 average with 16 home runs, 80 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
. In 95 games, he hit .264 with 69 RBI and 5 stolen bases. He received his first Major League call-up on September 1, 2009 and served as a pinch-hitter for Pirates starter Charlie Morton that night against the Cincinnati Reds
. His first career hit came five days later against Jason Motte
of the St. Louis Cardinals
, a single to right field. He never became an every day regular player and finished the season hitting .194 in 17 games.
with the Pirates in Bradenton, Florida
before being reassigned back to the Indians. He hit .321 with six home runs, 26 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 43 games with Indianapolis and on May 25, 2010, he was called back up to the Pirates when first baseman
Steve Pearce
was placed on the disabled list
with a sprained ankle.
He made his first Major League start of the year that night against the Cincinnati Reds, playing at third base
. He hit an RBI double in the 8th inning off Reds starter Mike Leake
. But his role on the team was initially in question, as Andy LaRoche
had been the Pirates every day third baseman. With high-priced free agent signing Akinori Iwamura
struggling, Pirates manager John Russell decided to give Walker a try at second base
- a position where he had only played 23 career games at any level.
But the position change stuck and Walker quickly established himself as the new second baseman. He hit his first Major League home run on June 1, 2010 off Chicago Cubs
starter Ted Lilly
, a two-run shot that propelled the Pirates to a 3-2 victory. "This goes back to being 5 or 6 years old at Three Rivers Stadium
, sitting in peanut heaven," Walker said after the game. "Getting drafted by the Pirates, this is just a Cinderella story. It's incredible."
Walker missed hitting for the cycle by only a triple
on June 25, 2010 against the Oakland Athletics
. He doubled and scored a run in the first inning, singled in the third and then hit his 3rd home run off Athletics starter Ben Sheets
. However, he was forced to leave the game after being nearly knocked unconscious by teammate Ryan Church’s knee when the two accidentally collided going for a fly ball. He then missed the following seven games with concussion-like symptoms before returning to action on July 3.
Walker scored a career-high three times in a 12-6 win over the Houston Astros
on July 17, 2010. He hit 3rd in the Pirates batting order, going 3-for-5 with 3 runs and 2 RBI. He set another career high three days later, recording five hits in one game against the Milwaukee Brewers
, finishing the night 5-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Walker became the first Pirate rookie since fellow Pittsburgh native John Wehner
in 1991 to have a five-hit game. His hitting tear was finally ended on July 23, 2010 against the San Diego Padres
, after recording six straight multi-hit games. He was batting .593 in that time (16-for-27) with four runs scored and eight RBIs.
Walker kicked off August with three hits while driving in a career-high four runs in a 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds
on August 3, 2010. Walker played a pivotal role in a series win over the St. Louis Cardinals
, driving in three runs against Cy Young
hopeful Adam Wainwright
on August 24 and then repeating the feat the very next day against Jake Westbrook
. Following his performances against St. Louis, Walker then went on an 18-game hitting streak, from August 23 through September 12. The streak was the longest by any Pirate hitter in 2010 and the longest by any Pirate rookie since Rennie Stennett
also recorded an 18-game streak in 1971.
Walker finished the 2010 season batting .296 with 12 home runs and 66 RBIs. His 54 RBIs after the All-Star Break
tied with Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols
for the 3rd best mark in the National League.
He was named the second baseman on Baseball Americas 2010 All-Rookie Team. He was also named the second baseman on the 2010 Topps
Major League Rookie All-Star Team
.
to the outfield, Walker finally settled in as a Major League second-baseman.
New Pirates manager Clint Hurdle
was also full of praise for Walker, who reported early to training camp with the pitchers and catchers, saying ""He was really thrown into the fire last season, having to learn the position at the major league level, which is challenging and very difficult, but, to his credit, he pulled it off."
Walker hit his first career Major League grand slam on opening day, April 1, 2011 in the 5th inning off Chicago Cubs
starter Ryan Dempster
, joining Roberto Clemente
as the only Pirates players to hit a grand slam on opening day. On May 20, Walker's bobblehead night at PNC Park, he drove in a career-high 5 RBI's against the Detroit Tigers
in a 10-1 Pirate win.
" by Big Boi
and "Show Me a Good Time
" by Drake
.
Walker was one of only two Major League players during the 2010 season, to still live with his parents. The other was Oakland Athletics
pitcher Tyson Ross
. "He's really not thrilled about that. We try to give him his space," said his mother Carolyn, although Walker himself said he loves life at home. However, Walker announced at Pirate Camp prior to the 2011 season that his mom finally kicked him out of their North Hills
area home.
Walker idolized Bill Mazeroski
as a youth and received instruction from the great Pirates second-baseman during spring training, which provided invaluable help when Walker was called upon to play the position after Akinori Iwamura
's struggle.
Walker is a Roman Catholic. He participates in Baseball Chapel services at PNC Park
with other Christian
teammates and has lead the effort to provide weekly Mass
to fellow Catholics on the Pirates as well has Catholics from the visiting team. Walker states that Mass and chapel services are an important part of his life because they "combat the negative qualities" found in livng the lifestyle of a Major League Baseball player.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
second
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
and third baseman
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. He was drafted by his hometown Pirates in the first round of the 2004 MLB Draft
2004 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 7 and 8. It was conducted via conference call with representatives from each of the league's 30 teams...
.
Early life
Walker, the son of former major league pitcher Tom WalkerTom Walker (1970s pitcher)
Robert Thomas Walker is a former professional baseball pitcher. Walker pitched all or part of six seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1972 until 1977, for the Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and California Angels....
(1972–77), was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
and attended Pine-Richland High School
Pine-Richland High School
Pine-Richland High School is a high school located in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. It is the only high school in the Pine-Richland School District and is located in Pine Township, Pennsylvania.-History:...
in nearby Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Gibsonia is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Allegheny County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, north of the city of Pittsburgh. It had a population of 2,733 at the 2010 census. Its ZIP Code is 15044.-Geography:...
. He graduated in 2004 as a catcher on the baseball team and a wide receiver for the football team. Walker, who also played on the Rams' basketball team until his senior year, was a two-time Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Male Athlete of the Year. His baseball jersey, #24, was retired from Pine-Richland during a pre-game ceremony before the Pittsburgh Pirates' July 22, 2010 game.
Minor leagues
Walker was signed by Pittsburgh Pirates' scout Jon Mercurio. After three minor league seasons, Neil started 2007 rated No. 74 on Baseball AmericaBaseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
's list of Top 100 prospects, and No. 3 in the Pirates' organization behind Andrew McCutchen
Andrew McCutchen
Andrew Stefan McCutchen is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball.-Early years:...
and Brad Lincoln
Brad Lincoln
Brad Eric Lincoln is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Amateur career:...
.
Walker was invited to the Pirates' 2007 spring training as a non-roster invitee, where he was converted from his drafted position of catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
to third base
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
. He was sent back to the Pirates Double-A affiliate Altoona Curve
Altoona Curve
The Altoona Curve are a minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, named after nearby Horseshoe Curve . The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club...
where he spent the majority of the season. On May 15, 2007, he became the first Curve player to have a four-hit game, going 4-for-4 with a home run, double and two RBI against the Portland Sea Dogs
Portland Sea Dogs
The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Established in 1994 and based in Portland, Maine, the Sea Dogs play in the Northern Division of the Eastern League....
. Walker hit a pair of two-run home runs on May 27, 2007, helping the Curve end a 10-game losing streak against the Bowie Baysox
Bowie Baysox
The Bowie Baysox are a minor league baseball team located in Bowie, Maryland. They are the class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play in the Eastern League...
. He hit a grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
and drove in five runs on June 28, 2007 in the second game of a double-header against the Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
.
Walker was promoted to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
for the 2008 season, where he played 133 games, compiling a .242 average with 16 home runs, 80 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
2009
Walker spent the majority of the season again with the Pirates Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis IndiansIndianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians are a minor league baseball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates major-league club. The Indians play at Victory Field, located in downtown Indianapolis...
. In 95 games, he hit .264 with 69 RBI and 5 stolen bases. He received his first Major League call-up on September 1, 2009 and served as a pinch-hitter for Pirates starter Charlie Morton that night against the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
. His first career hit came five days later against Jason Motte
Jason Motte
Jason Louis Motte is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.-Career:Motte graduated from Valley Central High School, Montgomery, N.Y., in 2000 where he was a catcher...
of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, a single to right field. He never became an every day regular player and finished the season hitting .194 in 17 games.
2010
Walker spent most of spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
with the Pirates in Bradenton, Florida
Bradenton, Florida
Bradenton is a city in Manatee County, Florida, United States. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's 2007 population to be 53,471. Bradenton is the largest Principal City of the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2007 estimated population of 682,833...
before being reassigned back to the Indians. He hit .321 with six home runs, 26 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 43 games with Indianapolis and on May 25, 2010, he was called back up to the Pirates when first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
Steve Pearce
Steve Pearce (baseball)
Steven Wayne Pearce is a Major League Baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-High school and college career:...
was placed on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
with a sprained ankle.
He made his first Major League start of the year that night against the Cincinnati Reds, playing at third base
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
. He hit an RBI double in the 8th inning off Reds starter Mike Leake
Mike Leake
Michael Raymond Leake , is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds. He bats and throws right-handed...
. But his role on the team was initially in question, as Andy LaRoche
Andy LaRoche
Andrew Christian LaRoche is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent....
had been the Pirates every day third baseman. With high-priced free agent signing Akinori Iwamura
Akinori Iwamura
Akinori Iwamura is a Japanese Major League Baseball infielder, who is currently with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League...
struggling, Pirates manager John Russell decided to give Walker a try at second base
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
- a position where he had only played 23 career games at any level.
But the position change stuck and Walker quickly established himself as the new second baseman. He hit his first Major League home run on June 1, 2010 off Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
starter Ted Lilly
Ted Lilly
Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Lilly III , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He bats and throws left-handed...
, a two-run shot that propelled the Pirates to a 3-2 victory. "This goes back to being 5 or 6 years old at Three Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1970 to 2000. It was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's Major League Baseball franchise and National Football League franchise respectively.Built as a replacement to...
, sitting in peanut heaven," Walker said after the game. "Getting drafted by the Pirates, this is just a Cinderella story. It's incredible."
Walker missed hitting for the cycle by only a triple
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
on June 25, 2010 against the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
. He doubled and scored a run in the first inning, singled in the third and then hit his 3rd home run off Athletics starter Ben Sheets
Ben Sheets
Ben M. Sheets is an American baseball starting pitcher who is currently a free agent. He is a four-time All-Star, but has been hampered with injury problems throughout his career.-Prep and college:...
. However, he was forced to leave the game after being nearly knocked unconscious by teammate Ryan Church’s knee when the two accidentally collided going for a fly ball. He then missed the following seven games with concussion-like symptoms before returning to action on July 3.
Walker scored a career-high three times in a 12-6 win over the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
on July 17, 2010. He hit 3rd in the Pirates batting order, going 3-for-5 with 3 runs and 2 RBI. He set another career high three days later, recording five hits in one game against the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, finishing the night 5-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Walker became the first Pirate rookie since fellow Pittsburgh native John Wehner
John Wehner
John Paul Wehner is a former Utility player in Major League Baseball and a current broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates...
in 1991 to have a five-hit game. His hitting tear was finally ended on July 23, 2010 against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
, after recording six straight multi-hit games. He was batting .593 in that time (16-for-27) with four runs scored and eight RBIs.
Walker kicked off August with three hits while driving in a career-high four runs in a 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
on August 3, 2010. Walker played a pivotal role in a series win over the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, driving in three runs against Cy Young
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
hopeful Adam Wainwright
Adam Wainwright
Adam Parrish Wainwright is a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was drafted 29th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 2000 amateur draft. He made his major league debut for the St...
on August 24 and then repeating the feat the very next day against Jake Westbrook
Jake Westbrook
Jacob Cauthen "Jake" Westbrook is an American Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher currently with the St. Louis Cardinals. He is known as a sinker ball pitcher and has also hit a grand slam home run....
. Following his performances against St. Louis, Walker then went on an 18-game hitting streak, from August 23 through September 12. The streak was the longest by any Pirate hitter in 2010 and the longest by any Pirate rookie since Rennie Stennett
Rennie Stennett
Renaldo Antonio Stennett Porte , is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball. Stennett played with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants . He batted and threw right-handed...
also recorded an 18-game streak in 1971.
Walker finished the 2010 season batting .296 with 12 home runs and 66 RBIs. His 54 RBIs after the All-Star Break
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
tied with Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols
José Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
for the 3rd best mark in the National League.
He was named the second baseman on Baseball Americas 2010 All-Rookie Team. He was also named the second baseman on the 2010 Topps
Topps
The Topps Company, Inc., manufactures chewing gum, candy and collectibles. Based in New York, New York, Topps is best known as a leading producer of baseball cards, football cards, basketball cards, hockey cards and other sports and non-sports themed trading cards.-Company history:Topps itself was...
Major League Rookie All-Star Team
Topps All-Star Rookie Rosters
This is a year-by-year list of the Topps All-Star Rookie teams. Note that players selected for a particular team appear in the following year's set release...
.
2011
After playing nearly every position on the diamond from catcherCatcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
to the outfield, Walker finally settled in as a Major League second-baseman.
New Pirates manager Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle
Clinton Merrick Hurdle is a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose 10-year career was spent with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring from playing baseball, Hurdle became a manager...
was also full of praise for Walker, who reported early to training camp with the pitchers and catchers, saying ""He was really thrown into the fire last season, having to learn the position at the major league level, which is challenging and very difficult, but, to his credit, he pulled it off."
Walker hit his first career Major League grand slam on opening day, April 1, 2011 in the 5th inning off Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
starter Ryan Dempster
Ryan Dempster
Ryan Scott Dempster is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Dempster bats and throws right-handed. He has been both a starter and a reliever in his career.-Professional career:...
, joining Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder. He was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. Clemente played his entire 18-year baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in...
as the only Pirates players to hit a grand slam on opening day. On May 20, Walker's bobblehead night at PNC Park, he drove in a career-high 5 RBI's against the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
in a 10-1 Pirate win.
Personal
Walker's batter walk-up songs - 2010: "ShutterbuggShutterbugg
"Shutterbugg" is the debut solo single by American rapper Big Boi. It is the first single released in promotion of his debut solo album, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. The song features singer Cutty on the song's chorus. The song was co-produced by Scott Storch and Big Boi himself...
" by Big Boi
Big Boi
Antwan André Patton , better known by his stage name Big Boi, is an American rapper, song-writer, record producer and actor, best known for being a member of American hip hop duo OutKast alongside André 3000. His work in the duo has produced six studio albums. During the duo's hiatus, he and André...
and "Show Me a Good Time
Thank Me Later
Thank Me Later is the debut studio album of Canadian recording artist Drake, released June 15, 2010, on Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records...
" by Drake
Drake (entertainer)
Aubrey Drake Graham , who records under the mononym Drake, is a Canadian recording artist and actor. He originally became known for playing Jimmy Brooks on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation....
.
Walker was one of only two Major League players during the 2010 season, to still live with his parents. The other was Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
pitcher Tyson Ross
Tyson Ross
Tyson William Ross is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. He attended Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, which is located mere miles away from where he currently plays...
. "He's really not thrilled about that. We try to give him his space," said his mother Carolyn, although Walker himself said he loves life at home. However, Walker announced at Pirate Camp prior to the 2011 season that his mom finally kicked him out of their North Hills
North Hills (Pennsylvania)
The North Hills is a term generally used to collectively describe the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The independent suburban municipalities that are always included in the North Hills are Ross Township, Borough of West View, Shaler Township, West Deer Township, Frazer Township,...
area home.
Walker idolized Bill Mazeroski
Bill Mazeroski
William Stanley Mazeroski , nicknamed "Maz", is a former Major League Baseball player who spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Pirates...
as a youth and received instruction from the great Pirates second-baseman during spring training, which provided invaluable help when Walker was called upon to play the position after Akinori Iwamura
Akinori Iwamura
Akinori Iwamura is a Japanese Major League Baseball infielder, who is currently with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League...
's struggle.
Walker is a Roman Catholic. He participates in Baseball Chapel services at PNC Park
PNC Park
PNC Park is a baseball park located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is the fifth home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the city's Major League Baseball franchise. It opened during the 2001 Major League Baseball season, after the controlled implosion of the Pirates' previous home, Three Rivers Stadium...
with other Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
teammates and has lead the effort to provide weekly Mass
Mass (liturgy)
"Mass" is one of the names by which the sacrament of the Eucharist is called in the Roman Catholic Church: others are "Eucharist", the "Lord's Supper", the "Breaking of Bread", the "Eucharistic assembly ", the "memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection", the "Holy Sacrifice", the "Holy and...
to fellow Catholics on the Pirates as well has Catholics from the visiting team. Walker states that Mass and chapel services are an important part of his life because they "combat the negative qualities" found in livng the lifestyle of a Major League Baseball player.