NIGHT AT THE MIC
In a tribute to Stan, Francina Walker works her late husband’s job
Without really meaning to, Francina Walker talked her way into a seat in the Isotopes Park press box.
The widow of longtime ’Topes and University of New Mexico public address announcer Stu Walker, Francina took a turn in her husband’s former seat Monday night. She handled PA duties for the Isotopes’ 7-1 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies.
Pat Valaika hit for the cycle and Kyle Freeland tossed seven shutout innings as the sizzling ’Topes moved to within 5½ games of first-place El Paso. The Chihuahuas lost a 2-0 decision to Salt Lake on Monday night.
Francina’s night at the microphone seemed a fitting tribute, and Francina proved more than qualified, rolling through public-address announcements, player introductions and advertisements without so much as a stumble.
Still, working in a press box since named in her husband’s honor was not something Francina Walker ever envisioned. That changed in June when she threw out a ceremonial first pitch on the night Stu was inducted into the Albuquerque Baseball Hall of Fame.
“I was waiting to throw my pitch and I had a lot of adrenaline pumping,” Francina said. “(Isotopes general manager) John Traub asked me who was going to catch my pitch and it was (then-Isotopes outfielder) Noel Cuevas. I kind of announced his name: ‘No-el Cue-vas.’”
Traub then shot her a long look.
“He said, ‘You know, we might have something here,’” Francina said with a chuckle. “It kind of evolved from there.”
Stage fright was never a concern for Francina, who worked
on-air at local radio station KRST in the 1980s. That was where she met Stu, who would be her husband for 26 years.
Stu Walker went on to call games in various UNM sports for nearly 20 years and became the voice of the Isotopes during their inaugural 2003 season. He continued in both roles until last November, when he succumbed to complications associated with bladder cancer.
Albuquerque sports fans, even those who may not have known his name or face, could hardly have helped becoming familiar with Stu Walker’s smooth, deep voice. Francina also got to know her husband’s PA style well, attending numerous Isotopes games every season.
“I’m a big baseball fan,” she said, “so over the years I got to hear Stu work quite a bit. I think I better stay with my own style, though.”
Other than a 50-minute rain delay prior to first pitch, Francina picked a fine night to make her debut with the Isotopes. Albuquerque won its fifth straight and prevailed for the 14th time in 16 games — with some impressive individual efforts along the way.
It started with Freeland, who allowed just one hit on a Derek Fisher pop fly that dropped in shallow left field. The left-hander struck out four and did not walk a batter.
“Mr. Freeland has had several outstanding starts in a row,” Isotopes manager Glenallen Hill said. “He’s really taken control of the game and the tempo.”
Then there was Valaika, who hit for his first career cycle. He homered, struck out, tripled and doubled in his first four at-bats, then came to the plate with two runners on in the eighth.
“I was telling the guys I rather hit a double,” Valaika said. “I just wanted to drive in the runs more than hit for the cycle.”
Instead, he bounced a two-run single up the middle and advanced to second on the throw.
“Kind of cool,” Valaika said with a smile. “We’re having a lot of fun here right now.”
Francina Walker also enjoyed her opening night at the ballpark, but wasn’t certain if she’ll eventually spend another night in Stu’s former seat.
“I guess I’ll take that one game at a time,” she said with a laugh.