11-year-old Parker Walker to represent the USA
in Puerto Rico this spring
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
Every little leaguer has a dream to make it to the pros. For one 11-year-old, he is one step closer.
This sixth grader in Mrs. Raymond’s class at Southern Aroostook Community School will be a member of team USA, playing baseball in Puerto Rico this spring.
THE PLAY – Parker Walker gets ready to field a pop up.
Parker Walker of Island Falls, son of Steve and Melissa Walker, read a “Sports brief” in the Houlton Pioneer Times and decided to try his skills at the Coast to Coast Baseball clinic in Topsham.
“I wanted to see if I was good enough for the team’’ he said. “Also, anytime I have a chance to play I want to be there.”
A dedicated baseball player, Walker is adept at playing several positions —second base for his Southern Aroostook junior high baseball team and in the summer he pitches, catches and plays shortstop for the Island Falls Bull Dogs Little League team and on the Katahdin Valley All-star squad.
Not knowing what to expect, Walker was anxious when he arrived at the camp.
“I was very nervous and a little overwhelmed,” he said. “There was only a small group that showed up at this camp compared to their other ones. So, I felt a lot better and more relaxed [after hearing that].”
At the tryout, Coast-to-Coast Baseball staff evaluated a player’s skill in four areas — hitting, fielding, arm strength and speed.
“We warmed up and did some throwing exercises,” Walker said of the workout. “We fielded ground balls and did some hitting work. Then we went through pitching mechanics.”
The Coast-to-Coast Baseball coach/owner was impressed with young Walker.
“He liked the way Walker fielded the ball,” said his father. “He said he had soft hands, meaning once Parker caught the ball it stayed in his glove without popping out. The coach was impressed with Walker’s ability at such a young age.”
Walker will join 15 other players his age on the Puerto Rico trip. However, being the only Aroostook County player made Walker hesitant about the commitment.
“I was excited and nervous all in one,” he said. “But, I was not sure that I wanted to go on the trip. But once I thought it through, I could see this is a trip of a lifetime.”
And, Southern Aroostook Athletic Director Murray Putnam realizes that too.
“Mr. Putnam told me what an honor this was for me, as well as the school,” Walker said. “This shows what a good baseball program and little league program we have in our school and local area.”
Walker and the other ambassadors of the USA will travel to Puerto Rico March 30-April 5.
“We will practice during the day and play doubleheaders at night against Puerto Rico teams,” said Walker. “We will have some time to explore the Island and meet some of the people to learn about them and the area that they live.”
The Walkers will be holding several fundraisers through the coming months to help offset expenses. The family would appreciate any donation toward Walker’s trip. For more information, call the Walkers at 463-2245.
“Parker has always worked very hard at baseball,” said his mother Melissa. “With baseball being his first love, he takes it very seriously.”
