Larry Walker 1997 NL MVP

Lore & Background

Widely considered a five-tool player of prodigious athleticism and instincts, Walker hit for both average and power, combined with well-above-average speed, defense and throwing strength and accuracy. He was recognized as the top Canadian athlete in 1998 with the Lou Marsh Trophy. Other honors include five MLB All-Star selections, seven Gold Glove Awards, three Silver Slugger Awards, and nine Tip O'Neill Awards. His career SLG of .565 ranks 12th all time. Walker is one of only 19 hitters in history to accomplish a .300 batting average, .400 on-base percentage (OBP), and .500 SLG with at least 5,000 plate appearances, and one of six whose career began after 1960. Considering advanced metrics, he is one of only three players in history to rank within the top 100 of each of batting runs, base-running runs, and defensive runs saved; the others are Barry Bonds and Willie Mays.

In Their Own Story

The sun dipped behind the Flatirons as the seventh-inning stretch approached at Coors Field. Walker stood in the on-deck circle, bat resting on his shoulder, eyes locked on the pitcher's mound. The air was thin, crisp enough to taste metal. When he stepped into the box, the crowd hushed, knowing history wasn't just happening; it was being written with every crack of the maple against the leather.

Reader's Guide

Raised in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Walker spent his youth playing street hockey with consuming NHL goaltender aspirations. That dream never materialized; however, the Expos saw his baseball potential and signed him in 1984. By 1990, Walker became their starting right fielder, propelling them to the majors' best record in 1994 when that year's strike stopped their first serious World Series run. He signed with the Rockies as a free agent following the season, and, during a six-year period starting in 1997, was the major league batting leader three times while finishing second in the NL twice. In 1997, he also led the league in home runs, OBP, and SLG, while joining the 30–30 club, registering 12 outfield assists and leading his position with four double plays turned; he won the NL MVP Award that year. Desiring a trade to a contending team, Walker was sent by the Rockies to St. Louis in the middle of their 105-win season of 2004 where he made his first World Series appearance while tying or setting three Cardinals postseason records. He announced his retirement from playing baseball after Game 6 of the 2005 NL Championship Series.

Did You Know?

• Walker is one of only three players in history to rank within the top 100 of each of batting runs, base-running runs, and defensive runs saved; the others are Barry Bonds and Willie Mays.
• In 1997, Walker became the only player in major league history to register both a .700 slugging percentage and 30 stolen bases in the same season.
• Walker was the first player in more than 60 years to record a batting average of .360 in three consecutive seasons (1997–1999).
• He was named the 13th-greatest sporting figure from Canada by Sports Illustrated in 1999.