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| Brian Walker |
"I really enjoy working with young players and helping them improve," said Walker. "I try to teach all of my pitchers a simple, repeatable delivery that works for them. I want them to throw lots of strikes and still be as powerful as possible."
Walker grew up in Florida and went to high school and college there. He attended the same high school (Westminster Christian School) as Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees, although A-Rod is older than Brian and they were not on the same team. Westminster Christian was ranked 4th in the country while Walker starred as a lefthanded starter there, and they won the state championship in Florida. He's met A-Rod a couple of times over the last 10 years.
In college, Walker starred for the University of Miami and compiled an outstanding record of 26-5 over his four years there. He helped the Hurricanes win 2 College World Series titles and then was drafted in the 4th round of the MLB draft by the Mets in 2001.
"I was with the Mets for 5 years in their minor league system and made it as high as their top Single A team in the Florida State League," said Walker. "I enjoyed being with the Mets but then moved on to coaching at the college level with the University of Delaware."
Walker served as the head pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Blue Hens for 5 years prior to joining ASBA this summer. He is very proud of the fact that his teams won championships at every level that he played-- high school, college, and pro ball. "My teams won titles in high school and college (Miami twice) and then in my first year of pro ball. Our Brooklyn Cyclones team won the championship in the New York-Penn League. That was back in 2001, and yes, the Cyclones are still around," chuckled Brian.
At All Star Baseball, Walker was named Business Manager at Downingtown in early November. He enjoys managing the facility and also likes keeping his lessons going with a group of area players who are improving with his coaching.
"For pitchers, I preach body control to get strike zone control," noted Walker. "I really work with each player on consistent body control. Also, pitchers have to be able to locate their pitches and change speeds. I teach a variety of change-up pitches and work with the young pitchers on other secondary pitches like the slider, too."
Walker coaches players on hitting, as well as the finer points of pitching. "I really enjoy seeing the improvement and the development of the players from week to week, and month to month. The kids really work hard and you see great results together."
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