Dan Walters played for the Padres in 1992 and 1993. I got to interact with him a few times when the Las Vegas Stars, Padres AAA, would come to Portland to play. He was very nice and always had time for the fans. He retired from baseball in 1993 after suffering a spinal injury chasing after a ball. He had two rods inserted in his spine. After recovering from that he became a San Diego Police Officer. On the night of November 12, 2003 his life changed forever. He and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call. As soon as he got out of his cruiser he was shot in the neck by the suspect, as he lay on the ground he was run over by a passing motorist. He was paralyzed from the neck down. He recovered some movement in his left hand. He became a motivational speaker after that. I learned all this years ago because I sent him a letter asking him to sign something and I got a letter back from his mother telling me about what happened. I hadn't heard of it because at the time it wasn't publicized much outside of San Diego. Yesterday, April 23, 2020 Dan Walters passed away in San Diego. His mother and father preceded him in death. He was cared for by his sister. His death is considered a line of duty fatality. He was 53 years old.
Very sad story. I have coached some young baseball players who have recently became police officers or went into the military service. I have the utmost respect for these young men. Thanks for bringing the story to our attention. Condolences to his family.
How was his incident as a police officer never publicized outside of San Diego? It amazes me all the time how unaware the media is of former MLB players if they're not big names. A story is a story.
This is a sad one. Thanks for bringing it to light.
I believe I read about him a long time ago on another blog. Sad to hear of his passing. He became a bigger hero in his life after baseball than he ever would have on the diamond.
Wow that's an inspiring story. May he rest in God's peace.
ReplyDeleteRest easy Officer Walters.
ReplyDeleteVery sad story. I have coached some young baseball players who have recently became police officers or went into the military service. I have the utmost respect for these young men. Thanks for bringing the story to our attention. Condolences to his family.
ReplyDeleteOh man. This is a very sad story. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
ReplyDeletesuch a sad ending. Dan was what I would call an "overcomer." He lived an inspirational life. Thanks for sharing this story!
ReplyDeleteHow was his incident as a police officer never publicized outside of San Diego? It amazes me all the time how unaware the media is of former MLB players if they're not big names. A story is a story.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad one. Thanks for bringing it to light.
I believe I read about him a long time ago on another blog. Sad to hear of his passing. He became a bigger hero in his life after baseball than he ever would have on the diamond.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how people deal with being paralyzed. Especially when they were fully functional like he was.
ReplyDeleteHeartbreaking story. Started drafting up a similar post last night including my little interaction with him that I'll likely post later today.
ReplyDeleteTragic. But it looks like he overcame it and used it to help others. A true hero.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting the story. His ordeal should have gotten more headlines. I hope he has found some peace.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave man. That is a real American hero! Condolences to his sister.
ReplyDeleteWow. Tough life and a hero. That’s really sad to hear :(
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad story. Sometimes there's just no justice in the world.
ReplyDeleteDude... talk about a hard life. Stories like that always snap everything back into perspective.
ReplyDeleteDude was a fighter. He just kept going no matter what the universe threw his way... definitely a rare breed!
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