Lafayette Drillers Flashback: Reggie Walton

The Lafayette Drillers, a Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, called Lafayette, Louisiana their home for two years, from 1975-1976.

The Drillers, who played their home games at Clark Field, were co-champions of the Texas League in 1975 with the Midland Cubs, finishing 72-57, before going 58-76 in 1976, the last year of affiliated professional baseball in Lafayette.

A number of outstanding players, who eventually made it into Major League Baseball ranks played at Clark Field in 1975 & 1976, including five former Lafayette Driller players.

All summer long, we’re taking a look back at some of the former players for the Drillers.

Today, Reggie Walton.

Walton was a talented, five-tool outfielder, who hit a  .310, with eight homers, 78 RBI’s, and 12 stolen bases for the Drillers in 1975.

Five years later, after spending more time in the minor leagues, and two years in Mexico, Walton joined the Seattle Mariners, where he played two years (1980-1981), before ending his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1981).

The Compton, California native hit a .250, with two home runs, nine RBI’s, and two stolen bases in his short career.

Walton had his most extended playing time in his rookie season of 1980, with the Mariners, when he hit a .277 over 88 at-bats.

With the Drillers in 1975, Walton hit a .310, with 140 hits, 23 doubles, five triples, eight homers, 78 runs batted in, 12 stolen bases, while playing 71 games at first base, and 44 more in the outfield.

On a team that featured such stars as Jack Clark, Gary Alexander, and Frank Riccelli, Walton may have been the most underrated, and underappreciated player that the Drillers ever had.