Rebels baseball coach Tommy Walker steps down

Vestavia Hills baseball coach Tommy Walker, who led the Rebels to a No. 1 ranking before falling in the Class 7A quarterfinals to Thompson, resigned Monday.

Walker, a 1982 University of Montevallo graduate, led the Rebels program for three seasons, arriving after leading Spanish Fort to three Class 5A championships.

He also coached at Homewood (1985-87), Mountain Brook (1999-2001) and was head coach at Samford University (1989-97).

Walker gave this statement to the Vestavia Voice:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my years as a teacher and coach at Vestavia Hills High School. There are great kids here both in the classroom and in athletics, and the faculty is one of the best I have ever worked with.

"However, I am resigning my position as teacher and Head Baseball Coach at VHHS effective May 22, 2015. While our time in Vestavia Hills has been rewarding on a personal and a professional level, Helen and I have come to realize that it is now time for us to move on from Vestavia Hills to pursue other opportunities.

"When I was called to interview for the head baseball job, I was totally happy as a teacher and as the Head Baseball Coach at Spanish Fort High School. We had success on the diamond with three 5A State Championships, had a great church and many wonderful friends. But the chance to come back to the Birmingham Area where we had lived for the first 20 years of our marriage was something Helen and I felt we needed to look at. So when I was offered the Head Baseball Coaching job from former Principal Cas McWaters and former Superintendent Jamie Blair, it was confirmation that Vestavia Hills was where we were supposed to be. I was excited about the challenge of re-building this proud program. I am proud of what we have accomplished at Vestavia Hills in my time here. We have had success on the diamond with two Area Championships, a #1 Ranking and three AHSAA playoff appearances. More importantly, we have made lasting friendships with players, coaches and parents.

"God’s timing is perfect, and He will provide the next chapter in our lives, wherever it may be. We still have a house in Spanish Fort and it could be an easy transition for us to move back to the Eastern Shore. Our youngest son is still in school at the University of Mobile and we would like to be able to see him more often. We have missed the people of Spanish Fort, our former church and the overall life style of this part of Alabama, but are willing to go wherever the Lord leads us. I will really miss the current Rebel players, and I am sorry that I will not be able to lead them next year and in the future. But, I am confident of the plans that the Lord has for our family.

"Thank you.

Tommy Walker"