Larry Walker is one of the most accomplished Canadian athletes in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, known for his exceptional skills as a right fielder. Over his 17-year career, Walker played for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His 1997 season stands out as one of the greatest in MLB history, as he became the only player to achieve both a .700 slugging percentage and 30 stolen bases in the same season, earning him the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Walker's ability to hit for both power and average, combined with his speed and defensive prowess, made him a true five-tool player.

Walker’s career was filled with accolades, including five MLB All-Star selections, seven Gold Glove Awards, and three Silver Slugger Awards. He also won three NL batting titles and was a nine-time recipient of the Tip O'Neill Award, given to the best Canadian baseball player. His career slugging percentage of .565 ranks 12th all-time, and he is one of only 19 players in MLB history to achieve a .300 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .500 slugging percentage with at least 5,000 plate appearances. Walker’s advanced metrics further solidify his greatness, as he is one of only three players to rank in the top 100 in batting runs, base-running runs, and defensive runs saved, alongside legends Barry Bonds and Willie Mays.

Born and raised in British Columbia, Walker initially aspired to be an NHL goaltender before turning his focus to baseball. Signed by the Montreal Expos in 1984, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming their starting right fielder by 1990. His time with the Colorado Rockies from 1995 to 2004 was particularly notable, as he led the league in several offensive categories and won the NL MVP in 1997. Walker’s defensive skills were equally impressive, as he led his position in outfield assists and double plays turned. In 2004, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he made his first World Series appearance before retiring after the 2005 season.

Since retiring, Walker has remained active in the baseball community, serving as a guest instructor for the Cardinals and coaching the Canadian national team. Under his guidance, Team Canada has competed in multiple World Baseball Classic (WBC) tournaments and won gold medals at the Pan American Games in 2011 and 2015. In 2020, Walker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Canadian athletes of all time. His contributions to the sport continue to inspire future generations of baseball players.

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