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The Troup baseball team is enjoying a resurgent season and Carson Walker is one of the chief reasons why. The sophomore is a standout defensive player, an offensive force and a dominant pitcher when Troup needs him to be, but he is more than that. Walker is already a leader for the team despite his youth. 

“Last year I was trying to follow in the footsteps of all the great seniors we had and now I have to be a leader on the team on one of the guys that the younger ones on the team follow,” Walker said. “It was a little out of my comfort zone a first, but now it is super easy.”

Walker transferred to Troup before his freshman season and was an impactful player in year one. He was a key figure for the team as an every game starter last year, but has elevated his game to new heights this season.

“I stopped playing football and have focused on baseball,” Walker said. “I feel like if I stick with and focus on baseball I can earn an opportunity to play in college.” I don’t care if it’s Juco, Division III, Division II or Division I, I just want to keep playing baseball as long as I can.”

Walker is feeling more comfortable than ever in large part because he is back at his natural home at third base. Reed Morris occupied the spot last season, so Walker has to play in the outfield. Getting to move back to his natural position has seen his confidence skyrocket.

“It feels good to be starting on third every game,” Walker said. “I got in a bunch of reps this summer with my travel ball team to get ready for this.

“It was good to learn from Reed. I used to spend the entire game watching how he would react in certain situations.”

Walker’s adjustment to Troup High was aided by his baseball teammates. Walker played with many of them during the travel ball season with 5 Star Mafia which helped him to adjust to life in his new environment last year. 

“Baseball is different up here compared to Columbus,” Walker said. “There are good teams down there, but it’s just bigger here in Troup County.”

The highlight of Walker’s season so far is his dominant complete game shutout he threw against LaGrange in Granger Park. It was a masterful performance on the mound for a player that has not been called on to pitch all that much the last two seasons.

“I feel like when I get called upon to go on the mound I’m going to dominate like I did against LaGrange,” Walker said. “I didn’t pitch much last year, but they are finally letting me pitch some more, so I have to go out there and show out any chance I get.”

This was far from Walker’s only season highlight as he helped the team get back to the playoffs after missing a chance at the postseason in his freshman year. 

“Last year was disappointing, but it left us hungry this year,” Walker said. “We are happy to make the playoffs, but we aren’t satisfied. We want to win it all.”

Thursday’s doubleheader on the road to Shaw will be Walker’s first taste of the playoffs. The sophomore is bursting with excitement to play in the games on the inside, but keeps a steely calm presence as one of the leader’s of the team.