OKLAHOMA CITY – Kirk Walker of Oklahoma City University earned the NAIA World Series Gold Glove Award as part of the World Series all-tournament team.
Walker, a junior shortstop from Bakersfield, Calif., posted a .956 fielding percentage, committing 12 errors in 272 chances this season.
Including the NAIA Championship Opening Round and the World Series, Walker posted a .919 percentage with three errors in 37 chances. Walker played error free in three World Series contests. To see the World Series all-tournament team, click here.
“Kirk is a warrior,” OCU coach Denney Crabaugh said. “Every day you know what you are going to get. He has worn the OCU jersey better than anyone.”
Walker spearheaded a Stars defense that set the OCU single-season record with a .974 fielding percentage. He made the Sooner Athletic Conference gold-glove team.
Hitting-wise, Walker hit .392 with an NAIA-high 30 doubles, nine home runs and 61 RBIs this year. In national championship play, Walker hit .357 with three doubles, two homers and 11 RBIs. Walker had a 5-for-6 day with two doubles, a homer, five runs scored and eight RBIs against Jamestown (N.D.) on May 19.
OCU has notched 12 50-win campaigns in a row and the most victories (1,023) of any college baseball program since 1991.