1999 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | GARY N. WALKER
Gary N. Walker, the son of long-time Milligan College coach and director of athletics Duard Walker, grew up as a child living on Milligan’s campus surrounded by family and friends who love Milligan. He was a talented athlete able to participate in sports on the very campus where he was raised!
Walker played baseball at Milligan from 1978 to 1981, during which time he set numerous Milligan records, won countless conference and regional awards, and even holds a mark for the longest home run hit on record to be measured (485 feet against Mars Hill in April, 1978).
Walker’s single-game records include most RBI’s (seven), most home runs (three) and most walks (five). He also holds single-season records for home runs by a freshman (nine), most runs (51) and most RBI’s (52). In the career category, Walker batted .403 and holds records for runs scored (127), RBI’s (164), triples (15) and homers (36).
Walker was a captain of the Buffs baseball team in 1980 and 1981. The 1980 season marked the first time the position was held by a non-senior, and in 1979, Walker was the first-ever sophomore to be named the team’s MVP. Walker indeed enjoyed a remarkable career, winning the home run title all four years of his career, earning All-District, All-Area 5, District 24 Outstanding Designated Hitter, All-Conference and All-American in 1980. Following his senior season in 1981, Walker was an All-Conference selection once again and also earned himself a Gold Glove.