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| Baseballers of Lesser Note: Bob Walk | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 17 2011, 01:13 PM (1,761 Views) | |
| Erick Von Erich | Aug 17 2011, 01:13 PM Post #1 |
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I'm Big E and I tell it like it is
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Hallo there, and welcome to the fourteenth installment of (Professional) Baseballers of Lesser Note. In which we spotlight some of the distinguished gentlemen who have partaken in the professional gentleman's sport of baseball throughout the various eras encompassing the aforementioned sport. This week we look at Bob Walk. Posted Image What'd He Do? 14 Seasons, 105-81 record/ 1,666 IP/ 848 K's What Can You Tell Us About Him? "Walk" just seemed like a bad name for a pitcher. Born and raised in California, Robert Veron Walk first came to the big leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies after tearing through their minor league system. He proved to be a hit as, in 1980, he had an impressive rookie year by going 11-7 as a starter and even getting the nod for Game One of the World Series. Walk became the first rookie since Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1915 to win the first game of a Series, as the Phillies went on the championship. What Happened to Him? Yet Walk was quickly shipped to Atlanta in a deal for Gary Matthews in the offseason. His Atlanta years were less-than-successful, as he seemed to bounce back between the minors and majors due to injuries and inconsistency. Not showing the promise he displayed in 1980, Walk was eventually released by Atlanta at the end of 1984 Spring Training. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as the '84 season began. And THAT is when things got interesting.... Walk was moved between starter and reliever, spending most of the next two years in the minors, making only 11 appearances for the Pirates. It wasn't until 1986; and new manager Jim Leyland; that Walk became a significant part of the Bucco pitching staff. Pitching behind guys like Rick Rhoden and Rick Reuschel, Walk slowly moved into the rotation as a reliable 3rd or 4th starter. In 1988, he was part of an intriguing cast of "new Pirates", which included guys like Andy Van Slyke, Bobby Bonilla, Jose Lind, Doug Drabker and some guy named Bonds. That year, Walk received the lone All-Star Selection of his career, as he finished 12-10 with a 2.71 ERA. 1989 was a small step back for the Walk and the "new Pirates". 1990 was when they broke through and Walk was there for their back-to-back-to-back NL East Pennant winning squads. Despite a few bullpen appearances, he maintained his spot as the third, fourth, or even fifth starter--- now pitching behind guys like Drabek, Zane Smith or John Smiley. 1991 was an interesting year for walk, as he hit his only career home run and posted a 1.93 ERA with a save in that year's NLCS. Through it all, Walk became a favorite of Pittsbrugh fans. With Drabek, Smith and even youngster Randy Tomlin gaining all the headlines and big bucks, an aging Walk entered 1992 as something of a leftover. Maybe it was his rough appearance or calm nature, yet his popularity continued to grow. In Spring Training of '92, there was a story... almost a "legend"... that Walk had entered an auto racing competition on an off day. He rented a car from an agency, peeled off the rental sticker, entered the competition and WON. Walk finished 1992 with a 10-6 record, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen. When Danny Jackson was acquired in July, Walk seemed to the forgotten man on the staff. The Pirates once again faced the Atlanta Braves in that year's NLCS. Walk made a bullpen appearance in mop-up duty in Game 2, as the Bucs were clobbered 5-13. Things looked bleak as the Pirates fell behind in the series, one game to three. Game Five was looming and a Braves series victory seemed imminent. In a surpise move, Leyland went with BOB WALK as the starter for that game. Walk responded by, arguably, pitching the Game of his Mudderfuckin' Life. He threw a complete game three-hitter, giving up only one run as the Pirates staved off elimination and forced Game Six. It was a huge turning point for a club that had been reeling. They went on to dominate Game Six and force a 7th game. But the less said about Game 7 the better. However Walk was actually one of the relievers warming up as the game went into the 9th. Walk returned to Pittsburgh for a final season in 1993. With Drabek, Smith and Jackson departing, he moved up to #2 behind only Tim Wakefield. His first half was impressive, as he notched 10 victories before the All-Star break, but was not selected for the NL squad. It was mostly downhill after that, as Walk finished 13-14 with a 5.68 ERA. At the end of the season, he "retired" and started 1994 as the Bucs' new color commentator. Yet there were rumors that year that the Pirates were going to sign him in May. Due to contract stipulations, if they waited until after May, Walk would be eligible to re-sign at a lower rate. The signing never happened, as Walk flourished in his new role as color man and he has remained there ever since. While he is a fan of the team, he's not shy about critizing them for minor things, such as how throwing to the wrong base eventually costs them a run. He was even interviewed for the clubs' vacant managerial position before the 2001 season. He had a spell where he would visit fans in the bleachers to share coffee. He's also a fairly funny guy with some wonderful sarcasm. Around 2004, the Pirates were getting their brains beat in, at home, losing to the Chicago Cubs with a score of roughly 15-1. The Pirates scored two worthless runs in the bottom of the ninth and Walk deadpanned: "hmm, nobody's up in the Pirate bullpen". There's one Bob Walk story that will never be published. In 2004, I was eating lunch in downtown Denver at a food court. As I finished my meal, I rose up out of the booth I was sitting in...and in the booth to my immediate right was a familiar looking feller. I thought: "hmm, is that Bob Walk? Nahhh". As I walked over to toss my tray, I looked back... this guy was wearing a simple white t-shirt and eating his lunch from a brown-paper bag. I said to myself: "I'll be damned. That HAS to be Bob Walk". I walked over to him, asked if his name was Bob. He confirmed that it was. I simply said: "Bob Walk, right?! I'm a big fan of you and the team. Glad you guys are in town. Good luck, tonight". I shook his hand and we both went about our days. That night, during the Pirates broadcast, Walk took the time to acknowledge "a nice young man I met at lunch today". He apologized he wasn't able to talk more and sorry if he came off impolite. But he appreciated the handshake and was glad to know Buc fans are everywhere. I was a complete stranger, yet Walk took the time to give me a "shout-out" on TV, with no way of knowing that I'd ever see or hear it. Still gives me chills to know that one of my favorite players from my favorite team wanted to talk baseball with me over lunch at a food court. If we ever meet up again, Bob, Panda Express or Chick-Fil-A is on me. |
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| torturedsoulv1 | Sep 13 2011, 08:52 PM Post #2 |
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true maharajah Jinder Mahal
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I thought Bob Walk won more games than the stats you put But I seem to say that with alot of the Baseballers of Lesser Note Forgot he was with the Braves after the Phillies, thought it was just Phillies then Pirates |
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| Scrooge McSuck | Sep 13 2011, 08:56 PM Post #3 |
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I'll get you next time, toilet!
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That is an awesome story. :) |
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