Fred Walker was a rare breed of pitcher for he could also hit the ball—with authority.
The Brownfield native also took part in a rare baseball feat while playing for Island Falls: two successive no-hitters, one of which he pitched. “Lefty Narcus threw the other no-hitter,” said the 80-year old Walker, an avid fisherman and hunter who shot a deer last fall.
“Vil never forget that feat.”
A graduate of Fryeburg Academy and Bowdoin College, the solidly built, 5-11, 180-pound Walker never had a major league tryout despite a stellar collegiate career. He became a math high school teacher in Dedham, Mass., instead.
Walker wasn’t confined to the classroom, however, also selling cars at one time with his brothers and also working as manager of W. T. Grants.
Asked what were his best pitches, Walker said: ‘‘A hop and a fastball.’’ He also had good control and was patient on the mound. “I never got excited,” said the even-tempered Walker, married for 53 years to Christine.
They have two daughters, June and Lois, and both were active in sports. Lois was a pitcher in softball and June was a basketball coach.
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