Larry Walker began his quest to be a major league ball player here in Maple Ridge. He was a gifted athlete who developed his skills with our local sports associations and school system. From an early age, Larry showed a deftness for hockey and volleyball as well as baseball. He was active in his chosen sports at Westview School. In one early photo from his hockey days with Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey, he's decked out in his goaltending equipment next to his team's captain, NHL great Cam Neely.
In retrospect it was obvious that Larry liked the feeling of the glove more than the pads and stick, because he began the pursuit of a dream that few Canadians have achieved, to be a Major League Baseball Player. Larry's a future Hall of Famer with a consistency in batting that has the fans bringing the gloves to the bleachers to snag one of his growing number of home run balls. Larry's one of those special players who hits with power when unleashed, but hits intelligently so his team benefits. Larry has strong ties to our community, and apart from his batting titles and golden gloves, his generosity and commitment to remembering his roots in Maple Ridge make him a hometown hero.