Neil Walker to Debut with the Pirates

Neil Walker becomes the 95th fomer Crawdads player to make it to the Major Leagues as the Pittsburgh Pirates called up the former Hickory catcher early Tuesday.

A first-round pick by the Pirates in 2004 out of Pine-Richland High School in Pittsburgh, Walker played for the Crawdads in 2005. As the starting catcher, Walker hit for an average of .301 with 12 HRs and 68 RBIs in 120 games before earning a promotion to High A- Lynchburg in August.

Walker eventually made the swtich to third base in 2007. One season later, Walker was named the International League's best fielding 3B in a "Best Tools" poll consisting of votes compiled from players, coaches and managers released by Baseball America.

Returning to Indianapolis after a stint on Disabled List earlier this season, Walker has been a terror at the plate. In the month of August, Walker hit .363 with 14 doubles, 4 home runs and 29 RBI.

Walker is the third former Crawdads' player to make his debut in 2009. Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh) and Luis Valdez (Atlanta) received promotions earlier this season.