Neil Walker Interview: He’s Fool Proof

RumBunter:  You spoke of being the Cal Ripken of Pittsburgh, what about Cal’s game did you admire?

Walker:  Cal’s game is something that anyone would admire, the biggest thing is obviously his string of games, when you are playing everyday with an off day scattered in it is very hard not to get sick, have bumps and bruises that can keep you out. The fact that he

played as many games in a row as he did is absolutely amazing.

RumBunter:   You had some solid quotes about JR (“People didn’t think JR was a communicator, but they didn’t see what we saw every day in the clubhouse, the way he dealt one-on-one with guys. I always felt he had my back.”—Trib Review) So tell us how important a manager is to a Major League player….

Walker:  I think a manager is a important position in MLB, it’s easy to let the game get to you and humble you, and if you have a manger that instills confidence in each and every guy it makes playing less stressful and brings guys together.

RumBunter:  Does a manager make a difference for major league players?

Walker:  Having someone that knows the when to push, knows when to back off, and knows how to get the most out of his players is very important.

RumBunter:  Everyone saw your first Pirates homerun,  did you know it was gone?

Walker:  My first home run was obviously a moment that will be ingrained in my memory for as long as I live. Ted Lilly was dominating all game, me in particular, and when I was able to get my 4th at bat off him, he left a ball up a little bit and I took advantage. I didn’t think it was gone, I was just hoping Cutch would score from first, anytime a ball is hit in that left center gap, I just assume it’s not a homer so I was hauling major butt around the bases. So when it was gone I can’t begin to tell you the feeling that overcame me, plus I was happy to get the first one out of the way, but what better way to do it, in my home town, and to win a game.

RumBunter:  What did your dad say?

Walker:  My old man had a bottle of champagne waiting for me when I got home. My mom, him and I celebrated a great moment.

RumBunter:  What did you do with the fake seam busting baseball you were given by your teammates that night?

Walker:  The fake ball I got I threw in the batting cage, my teammates tried to fool me but i’m fool proof.

Neil Walker is the real deal Pirates fans.  The. Real. Deal.

The other Walker interview:

Clipped from: rumbunter.com (share this clip)

We will continue the Walker interview on Wednesday.  My posts will be pretty sporadic until Wednesday as we are traveling again.  In the meantime, check out our article on Walker that you might have missed with a great piece on Walker by Joe Starkey.

Clipped from: rumbunter.com (share this clip)