Walker Kelly: Where is Coach Jon Kelly’s Son Now?

The movie You Gotta Believe directed by Ty Roberts, tells an incredible story about a ‘Little League baseball team’ from Fort Worth, Texas. Their journey went against all odds. The movie is based on real-events from the 2002 Little League World Series. It shows how determined, passionate, and strong a group of young athletes, their families, and their coaches are. Blake Lively and Greg Kinnear play Bobby Ratliff and Jon Kelly, two important characters in the story of how the Fort Worth Westside All-Stars beat all odds to make one of the most memorable runs in the history of the Little League World Series.

Greg Kinnear played the role of Jon Kelly—who was the head coach of the Fort Worth team. The team played with unwavering spirit while he was in charge. They dedicated their whole season to honoring Bobby Ratliff—a beloved coach and father who was dying of cancer. It was clear that Ratliff was on the field as the team worked hard to honor Bobby’s bravery and fighting spirit.

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In an unforgettable game against Louisville, Kentucky—the Westside All-Stars made it to the elimination bracket—battling through an 11-inning marathon that ended in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss. Although they didn’t win the championship—the team made an ‘Indelible mark’ on the history of ‘Little League Baseball.‘ With their victory inspiring a change in the rules to improve the health and safety of young pitchers. The pitch count rule, which limits the number of pitches a player can throw; became a permanent part of the Little League rulebook after this historic run.

The movie isn’t just about the 2002 team, though. Also, it gives us a better idea of what will happen with some team members, especially Coach Jon Kelly’s son Walker Kelly. Walker was an important part of the Westside All-Stars, and his pitching skills were one of the best parts of their amazing journey. Wait, what happened to Walker Kelly after all the attention? How about we take a closer look?

Walker Kelly’s Path Through Baseball

Walker Kelly showed a lot of promise on the field when he was young. He became famous for being a great left-handed pitcher at the Little League World Series in 2002.The most impressive thing about him is that he struck out 21 batters in 11 innings in the semifinal game against Louisville. His no-hitter through six innings of that game was the most important moment in his career because it showed how great a pitcher he was. Fans and other players were impressed by him. Caleb Powell—a player on the other team, called him a “hell of a pitcher.” Walker worked hard to get the team to the top of the baseball world.

Walker kept playing baseball at the high school level after the World Series. He first went to Fort Worth Country Day School and then switched to Arlington Heights High School. Baseball stayed a big part of his life, and Walker became a famous player with the help of Coach Tommy Elliott. Inside Prep Baseball ranked him as the #4 prospect in the state, making him one of the best recruits in Texas. He did well in high school, which caught the attention of the Seattle Mariners, who picked him up in the 50th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Walker was drafted by the Mariners, but he chose not to sign with them. Instead, he chose to go to college.

Walker went to Texas Christian University (TCU) and played baseball for the TCU Horned Frogs. Walker played the first year of college 11 times, starting one game. Even though he had a 1-2 record and an ERA of 7.71, he showed promise, especially when he kept the other team from scoring. His ERA went down to 5.87 in his second year, and he struck out 13 batters, showing that he was still very much a good pitcher. Walker earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from TCU in 2012.

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Walker Kelly’s Move Into Real Estate

Following his graduation from college, Walker made a big change in his career. Baseball, which used to be his life’s work, took a back seat as he got into business and real estate. Walker started his career as a senior analyst in May 2012 at the real estate firm O’Brien Right of Way Valuation in Fort Worth, Texas. He worked his way up the company over the years and was finally made Managing Director of Utilities in 2021. Walker is dedicated to his new career path because he manages properties in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma as part of his current job.

Walker stopped playing baseball professionally but he always loved the game and his team. He stays in touch with many of his old teammates and continues to be an inspiration to baseball players today. Walker got back together with his Westside All-Stars teammates in April 2022 to mark the 20th anniversary of their amazing 2002 season. Walker was joined by his father—Jon Kelly and former teammates Robert Ratliff and Mark Grace. They were all moved by the event and helped shape the history of the Westside All-Stars. Walker’s friendship with his teammates and his love of football are still big parts of his life.

In 2023, Walker participated in sending off the current generation of Little League players to the Texas West State Little League Tournament, alongside Robert and Mark. He shared the inspiring mantra that fueled his own team’s success, reminding the young athletes to keep believing in themselves and never give up: “You gotta believe!

Walker Kelly’s Personal Life

Even though Walker Kelly has done very well at work—2024 has been a very sad year for him personally. Walker tragically lost his beloved brother Boston Smith in March 2024, he died of a heart attack. Walker was hurt by his brother’s death and he still thinks about him while juggling his personal—and professional duties.

Walker is still connected to his roots and his community—even though he has had problems. He continues to live in Fort Worth with his wife, Alicia. He is involved in planning the future of his real estate business and is still an inspiration to baseball players today. His story shows how important it is to keep going and people who remember the historic 2002 Little League World Series run by the Fort Worth Westside All-Stars are still inspired by it.

There are good things ahead for him. Walker Kelly is well-known in the real estate business but no one will ever forget how great he was as a pitcher and in Little League. Walker is making a lasting impact on his community and beyond through his work and his continued mentoring of young athletes. The story of the 2002 Fort Worth Westside All-Stars will live on for generations to come.

Read More: You Gotta Believe Movie: The Real Story Behind It