SARNIA – Thinking outside the box.
Mike Walker has officially announced his commitment to Head Coach Al Bezaire and the Lambton Men’s Baseball Program for the 2024 season, and beyond.
Walker is the seventh member of the 2024 recruiting class for Bezaire and company. Come September, he will join the likes of Kale Murray (Mitchell, Ont.), Luke Murray (Mitchell, Ont.), Drew Bunda (Wallaceburg, Ont.), AJ Edwards (Brampton, Ont.), Bryson Steckle (Zurich, Ont.), and Brady Wynne (Bradford, Ont.) as a newcomer in a Lambton uniform when the 2024 season gets underway.
“I’m super excited to be here at Lambton College next year,” said Walker. “I’ve seen the program on the rise over the last couple of years, so I’m excited to help them take things to the next level and hopefully win a championship.”
“I’m looking forward to playing baseball at Lambton College, and for the opportunities that lie ahead in the Sports & Recreation Management program.”
Walker comes to Lambton College by way of Simcoe Composite School in his hometown, where he played for the Sabres Baseball Program. Walker and the Sabres advanced to the 2024 OFSAA Regionals, finishing with a 2-2 record in the tournament.
In the tournament, Simcoe Composite School ended up facing the Mitchell District High School Blue Devils, which featured the Murray brothers. While Walker would have a strong day at the plate, the Murray brothers and the Blue Devils came away with the win.
Walker also brings with him a wealth of experience in fastball. He has played to the Team Canada Junior Fastball program, and he has a pair of national championships under his belt in addition to competing at the International Softball Congress (ISC) Championship.
Walker has also competed in New Zealand and Colombia for fastball throughout his career.
Given his fastball background, Coach Bezaire understands the uniqueness of his latest recruit. However, given Walker’s success at the high school level for baseball with the Sabres, Bezaire is confident that his fastball abilities will translate to the hardball diamond rather easily.
“We are very excited to welcome Mike to our program, and we’re also very intrigued to see how he can help boost the offense of our club,” said Bezaire. “We have gone outside of the box in recruiting a fastball player, but his very impressive playing resume speaks for itself.”
“Like many of our recruits, Mike fits the mold of that ‘dirtbag’ mentality we want here. We went into this offseason looking to improve our shortcomings on offense, and we believe that his offensive abilities in fastball will translate to the baseball diamond.”
Heading into his Lambton career, Walker will serve as a super utilityman, of sorts. He brings a wealth of experience with him at various positions, while also possessing a strong bat at the plate. Wherever he slots into the lineup, Walker is ready to do whatever he can to help the team be successful.
The Lions are coming off a 2023 season that saw them contend for a spot in the postseason on the final day of the regular season, but they ultimately fell short by a game. Still, it was another season of forward progress for the group, and they have their sights set on continuing their positive progression in 2024.
As the host institution for the 2024 OCAA Men’s Baseball Championships in October, the Lions will be guaranteed a spot in the six-team field. Still, Bezaire and company want to go out and earn their spot in the field. With the addition of Walker to the mix, they’ve added more versatility to the roster and injected more pop into the lineup.
The Lions open the 2024 season on Sunday, September 8th at Fanshawe. Their home opener is set for Saturday, September 14th against the Sheridan Bruins at Errol Russell Park.
Welcome to The Den, Mike!
For more information, or for any media inquiries within Lambton College Athletics, please contact:
Tyler Bennett
Lambton College Sports Information & Marketing Coordinator
tyler.bennett@lambtoncollege.ca