Prayers

My prayers go out to the family. I was coaching Mt Tabor back in 2002 and we played West in the playoffs. We knew that the winner would probably win the next round and go to the state championship. Erik pitched and beat us 2-1 in extra innings. He was such a great competitor and in fact I think we pitched around him all game because we respected what he could do. Erik just went out and played the game the way it is supposed to be played. He pitched the whole game, and I remember talking to him after the game and he was as humble of as a person that you could ever meet. I will remember that game forever, and I will remember the class that Erik Walker showed. This worlds lost is Heavens gain. The bullpen up in Heaven just got stronger.

 

Campus Begins to Mourn As Former Niner's Body is Recovered
Former Charlotte Pitcher Was Model Representative
Charlotte49ers.com
October 26, 2006

Charlotte, N.C. - Officials have confirmed the recovery and identity of the body of former Charlotte 49ers pitcher Erik Walker (Clemmons, N.C.) from the New River on Thursday afternoon. He had just turned 23 on October 15. Walker had been missing following a boating accident, in which his canoe overturned on Saturday.

Walker had begun a promising minor league career after being drafted by Tampa Bay with the third pick in the 20th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

He started his path in the Devil Rays organization with the Hudson Valley Renegades last summer. He was 3-1 with a 0.48 ERA in 37 2/3 innings pitched in his first professional season. Major League Baseball radio will devote an hour with Devil Rays officials and others, including Charlotte baseball coach Loren Hibbs, in memory of Walker on its national radio show Friday afternoon.

Walker had returned to campus in the fall to continue towards his degree, which he was scheduled to receive next spring.

"The University is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Erik Walker," said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip Dubois.

"He was an outstanding representative of us as a Charlotte 49er and as a UNC Charlotte student. While we mourn his loss as an academic and athletic community, we also extend our thoughts to Erik's family as they face his tragic loss. "

Walker finished his four-year career with Charlotte as the 49ers' all-time leader in appearances (104) and saves (26). Overall, he posted a 3.38 ERA in 170 2/3 innings pitched, walking 89 batters while striking out 188 (9.92 per 9 innings). Walker was named second team All-Conference USA in 2005.

"The entire Athletic Department, student athletes, coaches, and staff, are grieving over the loss of one of our own," said Charlotte Athletics Director Judy Rose.

"Erik was a stellar baseball pitcher who was on path to graduate in the spring of 2007. More important than his athletic prowess is that Erik was just a super person and a tremendous role model. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by the 49er family. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Erik's family."

A memorial service has been tentatively schedule for Sunday in Clemmons, N.C. Updates will be posted when information becomes available.

​

 

words are inadequate - our thoughts and sympathy to all who knew this young man...

 

highpoint, thanks for the images i couldn't figure out how to save them, now i can. if you can get more i would appreciate it.

as of right now it looks like the service will be on Sunday at West Forsyth at 1:30

 

God bless the family and friends of this young man.

My prayers are will all of you.

 

If any of you would like to share your thoughts and prayers, there is a memorial page on the Charlotte Athletic site.

Erik Walker Memorial Page

 

An hour long tribute to Erik Walker, from Around the Minors radio program, including Coach Hibbs.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the Walker family, his girlfriend and the West Forsyth family at this time. Such a sad, sad story.

 

I wanted to thank the members of this board for all they have done during these trying times. Erik's family is extremely greatful for the outpouring of love and affection that have been shown by so very many throughout the baseball community.

 

Thank you MLB. We, at TBR, are not a website, but a community. One that we are privileged to have you a part of. When someone from our community is marked with tragedy, we all feel the pain and our hearts are heavy. It could have been any of our kids.

I would like to extend my condolences to the Tampa Bay organization as well.

We have all been touched by this young man's short life and a life that will always be remembered.

I lost my Mom a few years ago and I gave a eulogy at her funeral. I can remember the words I said like they were yesterday...they were burned into my soul. I ended my tribute with these words:

"I know that when I see my Mom again, she will be coaching God how to hit a baseball...telling him to keep his hands up"...now she has another angel to teach... he is in great hands

May God bless the Walker family