2010 Male Player: Steve Walker

Steve Walker

For 20 years, every weekend during the summer was tournament time for Steve Walker as he and his teams competed to qualify for USSSA State, Divisional or World Tournament Berths around the country. This was the norm for this outstanding lead-off batter, which led teams like Brauns or Annie's Army to eight world tournament berths in 12 seasons. He also helped teams like Parksite, Sparta Merchants and Busch to World tournament play.

This fleet-a-foot right center fielder, with a lifetime batting average of .650 credits Roger Waldron for leading him to the slowpitch game and his favorite team Braun's, where he played the majority of his career for his best coach, Annie Braun. With most league locations in Southern Illinois playing without fencing during his younger stages of his playing career, Steve sped to over 200 homeruns with the majority being of the inside-the-park variety, while being selected as an All Star 12 times and a three-time Most Valuable Player.

Steve's most memorable softball experience occurred in 1995 with the Busch team, which took 2nd place in the State Tournament, while being the oldest player on the team and playing with his son-in-law Tony Dugan.

Steve was an all-around high school athlete, as he played football, basketball and baseball all four years at the varsity level and was awarded the Joe Garagiola Award following his senior baseball season. That competitive spirit and continued commitment to his teams, teammates and the sport of softball over his 27-year playing span has now led him to Rockford and the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame.