Harry Walker was a professional baseball player who had a successful career spanning over two decades. He was born on October 22, 1916, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and began his baseball career in 1937 when he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Walker played as an outfielder and was known for his speed and agility on the field. He quickly established himself as a valuable player and helped the Cardinals win the National League pennant in 1942. He also played a key role in the team's victory in the 1944 World Series, where he batted .412 and was named the Most Valuable Player.
In 1947, Walker was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he continued to perform well. He was named to the National League All-Star team in 1948 and 1949 and led the league in hits in 1949.
Walker was traded again in 1951, this time to the Chicago Cubs. He played for the Cubs for two seasons before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1953. He played for the Reds for two seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955.
Walker's career took a turn in 1956 when he was named player-manager of the Pirates. He continued to play for the team while also managing them for two seasons. In 1958, he was fired as manager and traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played for one season before retiring as a player.
After retiring as a player, Walker became a coach and manager. He managed the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1965 to 1967 and the Houston Astros from 1968 to 1972. He also served as a coach for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Montreal Expos.
Throughout his career, Walker was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a skilled player and a respected manager and coach. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1966 and the Mississippi State University Sports Hall of Fame in 1978.
Harry Walker passed away on August 8, 1999, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy as one of the most successful and respected players and coaches in baseball history.
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