Larry Walker

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Walker's tenure with the Rockies began after signing as a free agent following the 1994 season. During a six-year period starting in 1997, he led the major leagues in batting three times while finishing second in the NL twice. In 1997, he also led the league in home runs, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, while joining the 30–30 club and registering 12 outfield assists. He won the NL MVP Award that year. Walker was the first player in more than 60 years to record a batting average of .360 in three consecutive seasons (1997–1999). His career slugging percentage of .565 ranks 12th all time. He is one of only 19 hitters in history to accomplish a .300 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .500 slugging percentage with at least 5,000 plate appearances.

In Their Own Story

Desiring a trade to a contending team, Walker was sent by the Rockies to the St. Louis Cardinals in the middle of their 105-win season of 2004. There, 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. Following his playing career, Walker has served as a guest instructor for the Cardinals and, since 2009, has coached the Canadian national team, which has competed in three World Baseball Classic tournaments and won consecutive gold medals at the Pan American Games in 2011 and 2015.

Reader's Guide

Walker's career honors include five MLB All-Star selections, seven Gold Glove Awards, three Silver Slugger Awards, and nine Tip O'Neill Awards. He was recognized as the top Canadian athlete in 1998 with the Lou Marsh Trophy. 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. He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2009. Sports Illustrated named him the 13th-greatest sporting figure from Canada in 1999.

Did You Know?

• 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 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, alongside Barry Bonds and Willie Mays.
• Walker was signed by the Montreal Expos for $1,500 as an amateur free agent in 1984 after hitting a home run with a wooden bat at a youth tournament.
• He won the Lou Marsh Trophy in 1998 as the top Canadian athlete.

The Blake Street Bombers and Coors Field Era

The source does not cover the Blake Street Bombers, Coors Field era, or any specific teammates like Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla, or Andrés Galarraga. It only states that Walker played for the Colorado Rockies and that during a six-year period starting in 1997, he led the major league batting three times.

The Historic 2007 Rocktober Run

It only mentions that Walker was traded to the Cardinals in 2004 and made his first World Series appearance that year.

Franchise Origins and Expansion Struggles

The source does not cover the origins of the Colorado Rockies franchise, their expansion, or any ownership groups. It only states that Walker signed with the Rockies as a free agent following the 1994 season.

Modern Struggles and Historical Records

The source does not cover the Rockies' modern struggles, historical records, or any seasons after 2005. It only covers Walker's career through his retirement after the 2005 NL Championship Series.