Gee and elder brother Hub came to the Tigers as rookie outfielders in 1931. While
Hub did not stick, Gee - a fiery competitor and a clown - stayed and became a favorite
in Detroit. He batted .300 or better in five of his first seven seasons. Though he
stole as many as 30 bases a season, he could be a bungler on the basepaths, inattentive
and overzealous. He once tried to steal a base while the batter was being given an
intentional walk, and in another game he was caught off base twice in the same inning.
During the 1934
World Series, he was picked off first while arguing with the Cardinal
bench.
Walker reached career highs with 18 HR, 113 RBI, and a .335 average in 1937.
Yet Tiger management, unappreciative of Walker's antics, traded him to the White
Sox after the season. He continued to hit well for several years but was traded four
more times.
(JK)
Gee Walker
