Walker falls short of Hall of Fame vote but Canadians confident in 2020 chances
Larry Walker will have to wait for his final year on the ballot to potentially claim a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Those who know Walker aren’t concerned that time is running out for the 1997 National League MVP from Maple Ridge, B.C., and they’re excited about what his potential Hall of Fame nod could mean for Canadian baseball.
“He brought attention to the game in Canada while he was playing and if he gets into Cooperstown — when he gets in, I should say — it’s going to bring more attention to baseball in Canada again,” said Scott Mathieson, a pitcher with Japan’s Yomiuri Giants who grew up in Vancouver.
“It could lead to more kids signing up for baseball again, wanting to be like Larry Walker. We’ve had a lot of good Canadian players but he’s one of the best ever.