Concordia Chicago's Jack Walker selected by Washington Nationals in 2009 Major League Draft
RIVER FOREST, Ill. -- Jack Walker, four-year starter for the Concordia University Chicago baseball team, was selected by the Washington Nationals this afternoon with the first pick in the 20th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.

Walker, a native of Naperville, Illinois and 2005 graduate of Naperville North High School, enjoyed an excellent collegiate career with Concordia University Chicago. He was named a first-team all-region player by the American Baseball Coaches Association for the 2007 and 2009 seasons. The ABCA designated him as a pre-season All-American prior to the 2008 season. Walker also was a four-time first-team all-conference honoree, his freshman season in 2006 for the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference and in the following three seasons for the Northern Athletics Conference.

Walker leaves Concordia holding five career records: games played (176), hits (235), runs scored (211), walks (135) and stolen bases (68). His career batting average of .352 is fourth on Concordia’s all-time list.

Walker was key to the Cougars’ 2009 run to their first-ever appearance at the NCAA III Regionals. The team’s participation at the Mideast Regional in Adrian, Michigan followed a season in which the Cougars went 33-15 and won both the regular-season and tournament titles for the Northern Athletics Conference.

Walker was following the draft online today and surprised to see his selection come when it did. “I knew that the Nationals had me on their draft list, but I was expecting any possible selection to come in a later round,” he said.

“When I saw my name go up in the 20th round, I was speechless, and my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest. Shortly after, the Nationals’ scout called to confirm the news and congratulate me. To be picked today is a big surprise for me and an awesome feeling.”

Walker, the 592nd pick overall in the draft, becomes the second Concordia Chicago player this decade to be taken in the MLB draft. Pitcher Jim Paduch, currently with the Lincoln (Neb.) Saltdogs of the American Association, was a 12th-round pick (351st overall) of the Cincinnati Reds in the 2003 draft.

“I’m very happy to see Jack get this opportunity,” said Concordia head coach Spiro Lempesis. “He is a great young man, an extremely talented player, and an example of how hard work pays off. From where he was as a player four years ago to where he is today is a testament to his work ethic and character. Jack has been a great representative of Concordia University Chicago and the baseball program, and all of us wish him the very best as he begins his professional career.”

Courtesy of Concordia University Chicago, Sports Information Department, June 10, 2009.