Senior Josh Walker on the move

Selected to play North-South

Tucumcari senior Josh Walker has been selected to the North-South Baseball All-Star series for Classes 1A-4A.

The teams were released Monday by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association. The senior-only games will be played as a best-of-three June 8-9 at the University of New Mexico.

The series will begin 7 p.m. Friday, with the second game 10 a.m. Saturday and the third game, if necessary, at 1 p.m.

In all, four players from Tucumcari's district were selected. In addition to Walker, the South team also features Ben Crist and Nathan Phipps of Class 3A champion Texico and Erik Lopez of Santa Rosa.

Glen Copeland of Hope Christian will coach the South.

Walker was also one of three Tucumcari baseball or softball players named to the District 4-3A team.

Ryan Birch joined Walker on the baseball squad, whiel Alijah Jimenez was selected to the softball team.

Signs intent to play for Hibbing

The Tucumcari's senior's journey to play baseball at the next level and earn a college education will take him more than 1,200 miles away from home.

"It is a long way from home but I'm ready to take the next step," said Walker.

Walker signed his letter of intent May 16 to play college baseball for the Hibbing Community College Cardinals in Hibbing, Minnesota.

Walker said the college offers academic and athletic opportunities that best suited his career path. He said his course of study is not going to be light as he plans to double major in psychology and pharmacy technician.

"The aspect of playing baseball at the college level is exciting," Walker said. "I'm just as excited about the quality of education I will receive at Hibbing."

Walker said he had instant chemistry with the members of the team and Cardinals coach Dave Bevacqua.

"I think I can have a positive impact on the program," Walker said.

Walker said he looks forward to seeing how his experience and play at Hibbing will progress him as a player.

"Josh is dedicated to playing baseball; in fact, it is his love of the game that has made him the player he is today," said Dwayne Roberts, Tucumcari Rattlers head baseball coach.

Roberts, who has coached Walker for two years, said Walker has always shown a high work ethic both on and off season. He said Walker was always putting in extra work on top of the team's weekly practice all in an effort to get better. Walker has been recognized, both as a North-South All-Star and All-District 5-3A selection.

"Coach Roberts has helped me develop on the mental aspect of the game," Walker said. "Coach Roberts has helped me to gain focus and the importance of good sportsmanship on and off the field.

Walker said he learned the fundamentals and mechanics of the game from Rattlers coach Tony Alarcon (eighth grade year- Sophomore). He said he Alarcon stressed the importance of doing things right, how the mechanics of the game make you a better player.

"I owe all my coaches so much," Walker said. "They have taught me a great many things."

Attempts to contact Alarcon were unsuccessful.

Walker said the opportunity before him is much more than another chance to play baseball. He said Hibbing is going to help him grow as a student.

"It's going to be an academic challenge to keep my grades up and earn my degrees," Walker said. "I want to excel both as a player and academically."