In defence of Walker: He ranks among elite right fielders in history

Maple Ridge, B.C., native Larry Walker is in his ninth year on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.

By Tracy Ringolsby

Inside the Seams

Maple Ridge, B.C., native Larry Walker is well-known for his offensive abilities.

He established himself as one of the game’s best baserunners. But what cannot be overlooked is that Walker is among the elite defensive outfielders in Major League Baseball history.

Walker had a career .986 fielding percentage as a right fielder, which would rank him third among Hall of Fame outfielders. He trails only Tony Gwynn (.987) and Frank Robinson (.986, a minute improvement on Walker).

For a detailed look at how Walker compares in fielding percentage to Hall of Famers who played right field, follow this link.