Paving the way for North Central baseball players to continue their playing careers beyond the confines of the College, Bob Walker ’75 became the first Cardinal to be drafted by a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization.
When selecting a college, Walker knew he wanted to stay in the area having grown up in nearby Downers Grove and attending Downers Grove Sough High School.
“Growing up, I wanted to be a baseball player,” said Walker. “My expectations going in to my freshman season were to be on the team, do well, play a lot, and have fun. In high school I was a full-time shortstop, and never pitched, but at North Central, I ended up pitching again and it worked out well.”
Walker helped the 1973 Cardinals to their first winning season since 1955 on their way to North Central’s first-ever College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) title in program history with a 14-2 conference record and 24-7 overall record. The 1973 pitching staff combined for a 2.72 ERA, which still ranks first in program history.
While Walker was a sophomore, he set the Cardinals record for most wins in a season with eight, which still ranks in the top five today. His 0.85 earned-run average (ERA) still sits atop the Cardinals’ single-season pitching records.
In 1974, Walker recorded a 1.37 ERA that season which still ranks fourth best for a single season. He tossed a no-hitter on May 4, 1974 against Wheaton College becoming the first ever North Central player to do so.
The following season, Walker threw another no-hitter as he held North Park University hitless in a 4-0 win on April 26, 1975. He became the first Cardinal to earn multiple First Team All-CCIW selections.
In 1975, Walker was picked in the MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles in the 35th round (675th overall pick) to become the first North Central baseball player to be drafted into the MLB.
“I didn’t know what to expect and I wasn’t sure if I was going to get drafted or not. I was selected in the later rounds but it got me a plane ride to Blue Field, West Virginia, to play rookie ball. I loved the chance and opportunity to keep playing and it felt great to do so. It was a dream come true,” said Walker.
“My best times at North Central were being a part of the baseball team,” Walker said. “When you arrive, you see the juniors and seniors that have been there for a while. Seeing their talent and looking up to them was great.”
