Centerfielder Willie Walker has emerged to become one of Ohio’s most dependable players with his range of abilities as the Bobcat baseball team steams through its schedule.

Walker has been a defensive lock patrolling the outfield for the past two seasons, but his increase in offensive production this year has made him one of the team’s most valuable players.

“He’s always been good defensively,” coach Joe Carbone said. “I’ve always been happy with his defensive play, cutting balls off and running fly balls down. He’s always had the capabilities and potential to be a good hitter. He’s just kind of putting all those things together right now.”

During the 2005 campaign Walker managed a .253 average with 39 hits and 18 RBIs.

However, with about a month left in the season, Walker is breaking his previous personal records and pacing the team in many offensive categories.

His .364 batting average, .586 slugging percentage and 25 RBIs all are tops among Bobcat hitters.

Explaining his new hitting approach, Walker described what has allowed him to be more successful at the plate compared to previous seasons.

“Basically, I think the thing that’s helped me the most is that I’ve slowed down (how I bring) my load (forward) which allows me to see the ball better.”

Pitcher Dan Weiss emphasized the importance of the team’s hot hitting and how it translates to helping the pitchers.

“Our bats are real hot at the moment,” Weiss said. “It feels great. The confidence is key when you know your offense is as hot as it is. It just continues to build your confidence on the mound. If they squeak a run in an inning, we can go back in that dugout, and they’ll swing the bats for me, give me as much support as they can.”

The offensive numbers have been a bit of a surprise this season, but the centerfielder’s defensive prowess this year is nothing new.

In his first two seasons of collegiate play, Walker committed only five errors and has not committed a single error this season. Now in his third season with the Bobcats, Walker has filled more of a leadership role with the inexperienced team.

“Our team is very young,” Carbone said. “Other than (Anthony) Gressick we have no senior (hitters) so our young guys are going to have to pick up the slack. I think Willie’s picked up his share of the slack.”

Walker also recognized his new role as a leader to a young team.

“I feel I needed to step up because I wasn’t that successful my first two years where I thought I should be. I think I feel that responsibility as I get older and older to step it up and help the team more, as much as I can.”

Despite Walker’s achievements, Carbone said he still believes Walker has not reached his peak.

“I still think he can get a lot of improvement. Willie works hard. He does everything I ask him to do. He works hard at the game so it doesn’t surprise me he’s starting to hit the ball well,” he said.

Walker will be in action tonight when the Bobcats play host to Pittsburgh.