Walker Lannom is currently an eighth grader at Eastlake Middle School. Most might know him best from his appearance in the 2015 Little League World Series with the Sweetwater Valley All-Star team.
Walker helped lead the Sweetwater Sluggers to a third-place finish among United States Division teams at the international tournament. He was honored as one of 10 LLWS All-Stars after finishing as the top U.S. hitter with 10 hits.
“I will never forget the experience with my coaches (my dad) and my team,” he readily admits. “I look back at the experience as an event that taught me how to remain humble in all you do.
He is still recognized for his achievements.
“People will ask for a picture with me and it always ends up funny because my friends will photo bomb the picture,” he said.
His favorite memory from the LLWS run?
“Playing in the regional championship game against Hawaii when it came down to the last inning/out. I made two errors and followed up with back-to-back home runs. The photo of me the moment we won regionals — it shows on my face.”
Honors piled up after his return from the LLWS, including recognition from the San Diego Hall of Champions, the San Diego County Fair and the Starlight Parade.
One of his favorite moments since his return was finding out that someone named their baby boy Walker after watching the LLWS.
That’s pure celebrity status.
What has he done since then? Quite a bit, actually.
He played quarterback, safety and running back this past fall for the Eastlake Panthers youth football team and is currently playing goalkeeper for his school’s soccer team.
He said he’d like to play quarterback and safety in high school.
“I wanted to try something I hadn’t done before,” he said about playing soccer. “I like it because I get a work-out. It is not my main sport, but I enjoy being the team goalie.”
Baseball remains his first love, of course. “I have continued to play ball constantly. I played Pony, Eastlake Middle School and travel ball. I have been focusing on catching drills and speed.
“I want to attend a good college and have the privilege to play baseball while there. If I get the honor to go further, that would be great, too.”
He continues along the path to success after winning district championships in both the seventh and eighth grades with his middle school team.
Outgoing and confident, he said he measures his own success by his own high standards.
“I continue to work harder than others and learn from others’ mistake. I continue to stay coachable. These are things I have learned throughout my life from different people. I just try and hold on to the best advice and teachable moments everyone has to offer.”
The youngest of three brothers, he admits he has learned valuable lessons from both of his older siblings — Mitchell (now studying electrical engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and Wyatt (now a sophomore at Eastlake High School playing water polo and baseball).
“Mitchell taught me the importance of working just as hard academically as I do athletically,” Walker said. “Being well-rounded is important. Wyatt has taught me not to be afraid of anything and to push yourself hard for what you want.”
Walker will be attending Eastlake High School in the fall of 2017.
“The Little League World Series was a highlight of my life, but I am looking forward to more highlights,” he said.
