Elliott: Walker sweeps Baseball Canada room ... almost
Hall of Fame candidate Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) is running at 66.7% in Hall of Fame poll tracking. At the Baseball Canada diner he polled 84.2% (32-for-38).
By Bob Elliott
Canadian Baseball Network
The best from Canada’s Junior National Team, the best from Canada’s senior team and the best ex-pros gathered at the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel for the annual Baseball Canada banquet and fundraiser.
Yet who was the best ... the best player in the room. We caught up with some of the 83 ex-players, coaches and players to ask the question.
We didn’t get them all but we tracked down 38 players, ex-players and coaches. Hall of Fame candidate Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) almost swept the ball room:
LHP Andrew Albers (North Battleford, Sask.) Kentucky/Orix Buffaloes.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Look at what he accomplished. His numbers speak for themselves. He’s one of the few five-tool players to have played the game.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “He has had an impact on guys my age. I grew up watching him.”
RHP Chris Begg (Uxbridge, Ont.) Team Ontario/Niagara University/Coach Canadian Junior National Team.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He’s a Hall of Famer if you start to analyze it. He’s going to make Cooperstown -- maybe not this year, but next year for sure.
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “It will be a big deal, especially for the older guys who knew him as a pro. I would say it is pretty significant.”
C-OF Blake Buckle (Milton, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays/Canadian Junior National Team.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Because of how big he is for Canadian baseball.”
Cross checker Bill Byckowski (Georgetown, Ont.) Georgetown Eagles/Cincinnati Reds.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Walker by far. Stats don’t lie. Hhe and Fergie Jenkins best two Canadian all time
Scott Crawford (Georgetown, Ont.) Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“With Larry there, he’s the answer. He is the greatest all-round Canadian player ever and one of the best in baseball history playing 1,988 games, hitting 383 homers, stealing 230 bases and winning seven, Gold Gloves. He could do it all. Even though only 66% of the voters agree currently.”
Dean Dicenzo (Ancaster, Ont.) helped save the Hamilton Cardinals of the InterCounty League a year ago and now coaches with the Ontario Terriers.
Coach Dean Dicenzo (Glanbrook, Ont.) Hamilton Cardinals/Ontario Terriers.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He was a five-tool guy as a younger player. He always represents Canada always with class, has been great ambassador for Canadian baseball, and when he talks to you he’s down to earth, and ‘Oh and probably a Hall of Famer.”
C Owen Diodati (Niagara Falls, Ont.) Great Lake Canadians/Canadian Junior National Team.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Walker was before my time but from what I’ve seen he could hit as well as anyone. Based off of what I’ve watched and read he’s a Hall of Famer without a doubt. Our coach Greg Hamilton told me something Larry Walker would say that has really helped me as a hitter, ‘Just see it and hit it.’ Even to one of the best hitters in the game, sometimes it’s best to keep things simple.”
LHP Jeff Francis (North Delta, BC) North Delta Blue Jays/Colorado Rockies.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He had a tremendous mix of talent and baseball knowledge.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “I hope it is a huge deal. I was only 10 years old when Fergie Jenkins was elected to Cooperstown. I had never heard of him. But after that it was a big deal for Canadian baseball.”
Pat Hentgen, Blue Jays minor league pitching coach.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Obviously Walker! Playing in the American League I didn’t see him in person as much as I would’ve liked. Players talk and all I ever heard was all-round player. He can do it all. Those thoughts always enter my mind when thinking of Larry Walker.
“As a pitcher I appreciate the defensive side of the game and Larry brought it every night on the field, base paths and in the batter’s box. Talking to him briefly this past weekend he brought a simple approach in the batter’s box. All I kept thinking about was playing with Dave Winfield. When I played with Dave as a rookie in 1992 his approach at the plate had similarities with Larry. They both told me the same exact thing: don’t over think and swing at strikes “
Coach Mike Johnson (Sherwood Park, Alta.) Sherwood Park A’s/Canadian Junior National Team.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He simply could do everything. Regardless of where he played, the numbers he put up were amazing.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “It will be huge news for the baseball community and it will be a well deserved recognition ... and a long-time coming.”
Coach Rick Johnston (Peterborough, Ont.) Ontario Terriers/The Baseball Zone.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“If there was someone else better than Walker, I didn’t see him. It’s not why, it’s what ... couldn’t he do?”
Team Ontario grad RHP Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) will pitch for Canada in Brazill. Phhoto: Adam Morisseette.
RHP Chris Leroux (Mississauga, Ont.) Team Ontario/Sportsnet.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He’s almost in Cooperstown. Your opinion is wrong if you pick anyone else.”
Coach Honsing Leung (Toronto, Ont.) Toronto Mets.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Walker always had this aura about him when I watched him play growing up and it hasn’t changed since he’s been retired. Massive figurehead with just every talent available. One of a very few five-tool guys. Every time he enters a room, I see people, including myself, mesmerized into what he’s saying/doing.”
Coach Ryan McBride (Whitby, Ont.) coach Toronto Mets
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He’s one of the best hitters ever. Like ever.”
Scouting director Tom McNamara, Seattle Mariners.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Walker was a terrific player for 17 years in the majors.”
Coach John Milton (Milton, Ont.) Richmond Hill Phoenix/Ontario Terriers.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“I would say Walker. His ability to hit to all fields, not to mention his ability to hit for power to all fields. He was a plus defender early in his career, but was never a defensive liability.”
Dustin Molleken (Regina, Sask.), right, celebrates with the C Emerson Frostad (Vancouver, BC) after the last out of a game against South Korea in, Panama in 2011. Photo/Andres Leighton/AP).
RP Dustin Molleken (Regina, Sask.) Prairie Baseball Academy/Somerset-Atlantic League-IND
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He is going IN! He should have been in Cooperstown four or five years ago.”
Coach Chris Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.), Ontario Blue Jays.
Best player in the room (after walking to the seating chart to double check, making sure not to miss anyone he went with his sons): Josh Naylor and Bo Naylor.
“I might be a little biased. I think Josh is underrated in the write-ups and doesn’t get enough credit. Bo is the total package with his hitting skills and agility.”
OF-1B Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.), Ontario Blue Jays/San Diego Padres.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He set the tone for Canadian players.”
C Noah Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays/Cleveland Indians organization.
Best player in the room: Tyler O’Neill.
“He had a phenomenal season.”
Coach Greg O’Halloran (Mississauga, Ont.) Etobicoke Rangers/Ontario Terriers.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“I was with the Marlins for a four-game series against the Expos. Our Chuckie Carr slides in high on Montreal second baseman Mike Lansing. So, next half inning, John Wetteland hits Carr and the benches empty. Walker comes running in from right field and says, ‘Who wants to fight?’ I said to him, ‘The Vancouver Canucks SUCK!’ He asks, ‘Where are you from?” I say Toronto and he says, ‘Well, I can’t fight you.’ And off he went.”
Scout Pete Orr (Newmarket, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays/Milwaukee Brewers.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He was good at everything -- other than pitching. He stole bases. He had power. He hit for average. He could field. And man could he throw. I think he should be in Cooperstown. I not saying this just because I know him and like him. He was the greatest hitter from our country.”
Former Oakville Roytals’ OF Dalton Pompey , Photo: Alex Trautwig/Major League Baseball/Getty Images.
OF Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.) Oakville Royals/Toronto Blue Jays.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He was the best player from my generation.”
OF Tristan Pompey (Mississauga, Ont.) Toronto Mets/Florida Marlins.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Walker’s numbers belong. Just like Carlos Delgado belonged in Cooperstown.”
Coach Chris Robinson (Dorchester, Ont.) London Badgers/Great Lake Canadians.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He belongs in the Hall of Fame, people who follow the game know that.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “He was that good he should have an impact. Young players know who Larry Walker is regardless.”
INF Jamie Romak (London Ont.) London Badgers/SK Wyverns.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“His all around game is being brought to the forefront with today’s metrics. His stats are indisputable. His case is getting stronger every year.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “We have a close baseball fraternity in this country. With how involved he is with the national team, the next generation would be able to be around a Hall of Famer who grew up in Canada just like them. It’s inspiring.”
OF Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) Victoria Mariners/Colorado Rockies organization.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He looks like he could still lace them up. He’s the best, a tremendous individual. He may have played for the Expos, the Rockies and the Cardinals, but everyone likes him best in a Team Canada uniform.”
Former Calgary PBF Firebird RHP Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.). Phhoto: Eddie Michels.
RHP Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) Calgary PBF Redbirds/Atlanta Braves.
Best player in the room: Tyler O’Neill.
Coach Mike Steed (Burlington, Ont.) Thunder Bay Border Cats/Ontario Blue Jays.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“It’s an easy choice. He helped put Canada on the baseball map.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “If he doesn’t get in this year, he deserves to get in next year.”
Coach Andy (Mileage) Stewart (Brockville, Ont.) Brockville Bunnies/Toronto Mets.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He should be addressed as Soon to be Hall of Famer Larry Walker. Come on man. Look at his years of service, his hits, homers, RBIs, defence, the cannon of an arm and 230 stolen bases. Wow. And not a bad guy either. He had 1,231 strikeouts and close to a 1,000 walks (931). But this is old news ...”
Mike Tevlin (Toronto, Ont.) The Baseball Zone/Ontario Terriers.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“Overall Larry Walker was the best. Soon to be Hall of Famer. He could do it all.”
Coach Sean Travers (Mississauga, Ont.) Ontario Blue Jays
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“He’s a guy who should be in Cooperstown. Now, if you asked me who was the best rapper in the room ... it would be a different answer.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “It should be a big deal, but I don’t know if we do a very good job promoting our own in Canada.”
Coach Larry Walker (Maple Ridge, BC) Coquitlam Reds/Team Canada.
Best player in the room: Luke Willson (Windsor, Ont.).
“There is zero explanation needed. The guy is a stud!”
Former Vancouver Cannon Rowan Wick (North Vancouver) of the Chicago Cubs. Photo: Amanda Fewer.
RP Rowan Wick (North Vancouver, BC) Vancouver Cannons/Chicago Cubs.
Best player in the room: Adam Loewen.
“First he pitched in the big leagues, then he made it to the big leagues as a hitter and then he got back again as a pitcher. How many guys have done that?”
Minor league director Charlie Wilson (Toronto, Ont.) Blue Jays.
Best player in the room: Maple Ridge’s BC’s Larry Walker.
“His performance is beyond the qualifications.”
What would it mean to Canadian baseball community if Larry Walker was selected to Cooperstown: “It would have a great impact, but not so much across Canada I would say as when the Montreal Expos or the Blue Jays made postseason play.”
TE Luke Wilson (Windsor, Ont.) Ontario Terriers/Detroit Lions.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“I grew up watching him on TV and admiring how well he represented our country in such an awesome way.”
C Andy Yerzy (North York, Ont.), Toronto Mets/Arizona Diamondbacks.
Best player in the room: Larry Walker.
“It’s hard not to go with Larry Walker. He’s a five-tool player and a Hall of Famer in most people’s eyes -- including mine. He’s won a NL MVP and a ton of silver slugger awards.”
Calvin Ziegler (Heidelberg, Ont.) Tri City Giants/Canadian Junior National Team.
Best player in the room: Jeff Francis.
“He was always a good person and a 17-game winner for the Rockies.”