Stacy Walker, a cornerstone of Lloydminster’s baseball scene, is being inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.
“Baseball has always been a passion of mine, and to receive an accolade like this is a huge honour and very humbling,” said Walker, who will officially be inducted on Aug. 17 at a ceremony in Battleford, exactly one month after his 53rd birthday.
Walker’s life in baseball began in Colonsay, Sask. inspired by his grandfather, Johnny Folk, a former player for the Colonsay Monarchs.
In 1995, Walker moved to Lloydminster and joined the Lloydminster Meridian Twins of the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League (NSRBL) as a centerfielder. His speed, strategic base running, and defensive skills made him a standout player.
“I would like to thank the City of Lloydminster, the sponsors, volunteers, media, parents and spouses for building such a strong program, which should continue to flourish into the future,” said Walker, who now lives in Calgary.
By 1998, Walker had taken on the roles of player, head coach, and manager for the Twins.
Under his leadership, the team won their first NSRBL title in 2000, marking the first championship for a Lloydminster men’s team in 50 years.
This victory was the beginning of success for the Twins, who under Walker’s guidance, won additional NSRBL titles in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Walker’s influence extended beyond the NSRBL, and in 2002, he led the Twins to victory in the Senior AA Tier 2 Provincial Championship, earning the team the titles of Saskatchewan Baseball Team of the Year and Walker the Manager of the Year.
He continued to play a vital role in the team’s success through the 2007 season and made a notable return as the starting centerfielder in 2017 at the Provincial Championships in Unity, Sask.
“We always had our eye on the prize, worked on every aspect of our game, played the game the right way and played for each other. We loved being at the diamond together no matter what year or what team it was,” said Walker.
In addition to his achievements with the Twins, Walker dedicated his time to coaching youth baseball. From 2008 to 2012, he coached his sons’ teams to six Provincial Championship titles, and in 2010, they won the Western Canadian National Championship. His daughter was also impacted by his coaching, winning Alberta Softball Provincial titles in 2014 and 2015.
“I built all my teams with the same formula. Take the talent and build discipline and ruthless work ethic to be better,” he said.
“All the teams I was a part of had two mottos burnt into their baseball brains. 1: We played the game the right way. We respect everyone and fear no one! 2: Chemistry wins championships,” said Walker.
Walker’s induction into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and the impact he has had on baseball in Lloydminster and beyond.
Tickets are still on sale to attend the induction, if you are interested in attending call 306-446-1983 or email saskbaseballmuseum@sasktel.net
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