Neil Martin Andrew Walker (born September 10, 1985) is an American former professional baseball second baseman and current broadcaster.

[4] His baseball uniform number #24, was retired from Pine-Richland during a pre-game ceremony before the Pittsburgh Pirates' July 22, 2010, game.

[5] Neil grew up as a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and attended many of the team's games while sitting in the "Peanut Heaven" section of Three Rivers Stadium.

[7][8] In 2007, the Pirates invited Walker to spring training as a non-roster player, where he was converted from his drafted position of catcher to third baseman.

On May 15, 2007, he became the first Curve player to have a four-hit game, going 4-for-4 with a home run, double and two RBI against the Portland Sea Dogs.

[9] Walker hit a pair of two-run home runs on May 27, 2007, helping the Curve end a 10-game losing streak against the Bowie Baysox.

[11] Walker was promoted to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians for the 2008 season, where he played 133 games, compiling a .242 average with 16 home runs, 80 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

He received his first Major League call-up on September 1, 2009, and served as a pinch-hitter for Pirates starter Charlie Morton that night against the Cincinnati Reds.

He hit .321 with six home runs, 26 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 43 games with Indianapolis and on May 25, 2010, he was called back up to the Pirates when first baseman Steve Pearce was placed on the disabled list with a sprained ankle.

However, he was forced to leave the game after being nearly knocked unconscious by teammate Ryan Church's knee when the two accidentally collided going for a fly ball.

He set another career high three days later, recording five hits in one game against the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing the night 5-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI.

[17] His hitting tear was finally ended on July 23, 2010, against the San Diego Padres, after recording six straight multi-hit games.

[18] Walker played a pivotal role in a series win over the St. Louis Cardinals, driving in three runs against Cy Young hopeful Adam Wainwright on August 24 and then repeating the feat the very next day against Jake Westbrook.

New Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was also full of praise for Walker, who reported early to training camp with the pitchers and catchers, saying "He was really thrown into the fire last season, having to learn the position at the major league level, which is challenging and very difficult, but, to his credit, he pulled it off.

"[20] Walker hit his first career Major League grand slam on opening day, April 1, 2011, in the 5th inning off Chicago Cubs starter Ryan Dempster, joining Roberto Clemente as the only Pirates players to hit a grand slam on opening day.

[23] On May 20, Walker's bobblehead night at PNC Park, he drove in a career-high 5 RBIs against the Detroit Tigers in a 10–1 Pirate win.

[26] Walker was placed on the disabled list June 9 after undergoing an emergency Appendectomy thus allowing a roster spot for top prospect Gregory Polanco.

Kang then threw the ball back to Walker, who was standing on second base, for the final out after Jason Heyward froze between second and third.

Despite appearing in only 113 games, Walker tied a career high with 23 home runs and finished with a .282 batting average.

[49] Neil's brother, Matt, played outfield for George Washington University and in the minor leagues in the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles systems.

[54] However, Walker announced at Pirate Camp prior to the 2011 season that his mom finally kicked him out of their North Hills area home.

Walker states that Mass services are an important part of his life because they "combat the negative qualities" found in living the lifestyle of a Major League Baseball player.

[57] He also was a guest on Blessed2Play, a national radio show hosted by Ron Meyer where Neil discussed his faith and career.