The Viking Slugger Prepares to Play at the Next Level at Bevill State Community College
Baseball has been a defining part of John Walker Wilson’s life since he was just three years old, learning the sport alongside his dad. Now, that lifelong dedication has led him to sign to play college baseball at Bevill State Community College.
John Walker, known for his versatility, leadership, and confidence on the field, said the decision came after years of hard work and a deep love for the game. Though he has played baseball for as long as he can remember, he says he began taking it seriously around seventh grade. That commitment paid off early, earning him a varsity spot as a freshman at Jasper High School, which he says helped him realize that baseball was something he wanted to pursue beyond high school.
One of the biggest influences in his development has been his father, Walker Wilson. “I wasn’t really the biggest or the most talented,” John Walker says, “but he gave me a work ethic. I owe a lot to him.”
That foundation carried him through countless practices, long seasons, and years of steady growth as both a player and a person.
John Walker describes the Jasper baseball program as a brotherhood and credits the coaches with lessons that extend well beyond the baseball field.
In addition to his time with Jasper, John Walker spent the last two years playing travel ball with East Cobb Baseball in Georgia, which he says elevated his game more than anything else, exposing him to elite competition, faster pitching, and a deeper sense of confidence and intensity.
When Bevill State entered the picture, it felt like the right fit. Having known head coach Steve Woodard for years, John Walker accepted an invitation to visit the campus, and the experience left a lasting impression. After an intersquad opportunity with the team, he knew he had found the right place. “That was some of the most fun I’ve had playing baseball in a long time. The guys, the energy, the coaches, it was great,” he says.
A key part of John Walker’s motivation is his faith. He says he firmly believes God has placed him in this position for a reason. He prays before every game, thanks God for the abilities he’s been given, and asks for the strength to keep improving, keep working, and stay grounded. “I’m blessed with these opportunities,” he says. “I just want to make the most of everything God has given me.”
Looking ahead, John Walker hopes to make the most of his two years at Bevill, both on the field and academically, before transferring to a four-year school to continue his baseball career. Beyond that, he’s keeping his options open.
But as he prepares for the next chapter, he’s also mindful of the legacy he leaves behind at Jasper, saying, “I just hope people remember me as a good leader, a nice person, and someone who was always there for people.” TG
Photos by Al Blanton
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