Walker West – Grove High School
The Grove High School baseball team is fired up for the upcoming season. Junior first baseman and pitcher Walker West is ready to take the field with his teammates and see where they rank against some of the top talent in the state.
“What I am looking forward to the most is winning games and seeing how much our team has grown since last season,” said West.
Coming into the season, West has worked on many aspects of his game, but his mental approach is what he’s improved the most.
“The biggest strength of my game is my faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been continuously working on improving my hitting, my fielding and lifting weights for the upcoming season,” West said. “I am always preparing for a game. I am always working on my hitting and pitching and trying to get better. On game day, I try to have fun.”
West said several players have left an impression on him and now he’s ready to help lead the team into a new era.
“The seniors of the 2023 team all left a big impression on me. They were Regional Champions and made it to the second round of state playoffs. They all worked hard, and they were all good leaders,” said West.
West is thankful for his teammates and everyone who has helped him get to where he is today.
“I would like to thank my little league coaches Matt Petty and Kacey Threet for teaching me this game when I was younger. They spent a lot of long nights working with me on how to play the game and they have always supported me. My mom, my dad and my stepparents have always encouraged me and supported me too. All my parents make sacrifices so I can play on travel teams,” West said. “They always made sure, when I was younger, that I was at games and able to play. All my grandparents attend my baseball games too. I am blessed to have the support of all my family and friends.”
Leaving a legacy for others to follow is important to West.
“The legacy I would like to leave at GHS is my hard work ethic, my faith, and my love for the game of baseball,” said West.
As for the best kept secret in Grove? West said anyone attending a game should give this a try.
“The best kept secret of GHS baseball is the pulled pork nachos at our concession stand.”
