Local gets to play in final

BURBANK — As a three-year starter for the Crespi High baseball team, resident Austin Walker has enjoyed his share of personal accomplishments.

Whether it’s earning all-league honors, delivering a big hit or coming up with a diving play in the infield to save a run, the junior is no stranger to success.

However, all of his personal acclaim takes a back seat to what’s really important to the young man.

“It’s really all about the team,” said Walker, a starting third baseman for the Celts. “We have a really great group of guys and winning as a team is always the most important thing.”

That selflessness has allowed Walker to be an important ingredient in a Crespi team that is on the verge of a monumental accomplishment.

Walker will be in the lineup today at 4 p.m., when the Celts play for the CIF Southern Section Division II championship at Angel Stadium.

Crespi (20-11) — the runner-up from the Mission League — will take on Huntington Beach (19-12), the third-place team from the Sea View League.

Walker said he is looking forward to the opportunity to play in today’s big game.

“I’m really excited,” said Walker, who attended John Muir Middle School. “Just to be able to play in a game like this, and to play in a major league stadium, is gerat.”

Crespi got to the Division III semifinals during Walker’s freshman year and was knocked out in the second round in 2008.

Walker heads into the game hitting .288 (21 for 81) for Coach Scott Muckey’s squad.

Following the title game, Walker doesn’t have much time to relax. On Wednesday, he will leave to take part in Perfect Game National Showcase in Minnesota, and will play in the Metrodome.

Walker’s play at Crespi hasn’t gone unnoticed by colleges. He recently game a verbal commitment to University of California Irvine.

“I’ve wanted to go to Irvine since I was 12,” he said. “I’m just so honored to be able to get interest from a great baseball college like Irvine. I’m just really lucky.”