Pat Walker was double-trouble for the opposition during her 25 year fast pitch career. Not only was she a good hitter, with a lifetime .314 average, but she was a consistent base stealing threat after she got on base. During her career with the Orlando, FL Rebels, she stole 172 bases and led the team in steals eight times. Seven times she was the team’s leading hitter with a personal best of .431 in 1955. Pat started playing softball at 13 and by 16 she had played in her first of eight ASA national tourneys, earning All-American laurels in 1961, 1966 and 1968. In those nationals, she made only one error and her highest batting average was .417 in 1967. Playing in 12 regionals, Pat was an all-regional pick 11 times, batted .350 and made only two errors with 69 putouts and four assists. At the state level she was honored eight times. Besides being an outstanding hitter and base runner, she was the team’s captain and, when needed, took her turn on the mound, compiling a 47-24 record with three no-hitters and 13 shutouts. She allowed less than two runs a game in 536 innings pitched. Former Orlando coach Marge Ricker said, “ No better defensive player than Pat played for her or had she seen a better one.” Although one of the top finishing teams in the national tourney, the Rebels never won a title during Pat’s career, which was her biggest disappointment. Her biggest thrill was an extra inning game against Portland in the 1961 national tourney.Was born March 19, 1933 in Orlando, FL. retired in 1987 from Southern Bell after getting a job following high school graduation in 1951.
