Tom Walker (1970s pitcher)
Tom Walker | |
---|---|
Pitcher | |
Born: Tampa, Florida, U.S. | November 7, 1948|
Died: October 23, 2023 Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | (aged 74)|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
April 23, 1972, for the Montreal Expos | |
Last MLB appearance | |
July 23, 1977, for the California Angels | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 18–23 |
Earned run average | 3.87 |
Strikeouts | 262 |
Teams | |
|
Robert Thomas Walker (November 7, 1948 – October 23, 2023) was an American
Career
After graduating from
Brush with death
In 1972, while playing winter ball in Puerto Rico, Walker and several other players helped Roberto Clemente load a plane carrying relief supplies to survivors of the Nicaragua earthquake after Christmas. He offered to accompany Clemente on the trip to the Central American nation, but the plane was full and Clemente told him to stay behind and enjoy his New Year's Eve. A few hours later, Walker returned to his condo and saw the news reports that Clemente's plane had crashed off the coast of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.[1] There were no survivors.
Personal life
Walker and his wife, Carolyn, lived in
In July 2015, Walker was elected to the Texas League Hall of Fame.[2]
Walker died in Gibsonia from pancreatic cancer on October 23, 2023, at age 74.[6][8]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e Singer, Tom (January 3, 2013). "Living legacy: Walker carries spirit of Clemente; Father of Bucs infielder nearly took fateful plane trip that claimed life of legend". Major League Baseball. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Class of 2015: Eight Elected to the Texas League Hall of Fame". Texas League. Minor League Baseball. July 1, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-59534-119-8. Retrieved June 8, 2016.
- ^ Durso, Joseph. "Orioles Send McNally to Expos; Allen Balks at Trade to Braves," The New York Times, Thursday, December 5, 1974. Retrieved May 3, 2020
- ^ "Angels Turn Triple Play". Lakeland Ledger. Bloomington, Minnesota. Associated Press. July 24, 1977. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- ^ a b Cook, Ron (October 25, 2023). "Neil Walker on his recently passed father, Tom: 'He really lived an incredible life'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates' Second Baseman on the Gift of Life"
- ^ "Tom Walker Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Crasnick, Jerry (July 16, 2012). "Neil Walker actually living his dream". ESPN.