Former Major League Player & Father Of Ex-Pirates Star Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Tom Walker, an ex-Major League Baseball player and the father of former Pittsburgh Pirates star Neil Walker, has died. He was 74.

Mr. Walker, of Pine, also was the father-in-law of current Pirates bench coach Don Kelly. He had a six-year career in baseball from 1972-77 as a pitcher with the Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and California Angels, compiling an 18-23 record with a 3.87 earned run average.

Walker also nearly was on board the ill-fated plane in which Pirates Hall-of-Famer Roberto Clemente crashed in while attempting to deliver earthquake relief supplies on Dec. 31, 1972. Walker, playing winter baseball in Puerto Rico at the time, offered to assist Clemente; the superstar outfielder told him to stay behind to enjoy New Year's Eve.

Neil Walker had a 12-year baseball career, including seven seasons with the Pirates. Now a Pirates broadcaster, he also played for the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies.

The Pirates issued the following statement on Mr. Walker's death:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Walker today.

"A long-time resident of Pittsburgh, Tom was a part of our local alumni group and was always looking to make an impact on others in the Pittsburgh community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Walker family, including his wife Carolyn, daughter Carrie, and sons Matt, Sean, and Neil, in addition to his son-in-law Don Kelly and the Kelly family."

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.