8/8/99 

            BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Harry ''The Hat'' Walker, who led the National League in hitting for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1947, died Sunday from complications of a stroke. He was 80.

            Walker, a left-handed hitter nicknamed for his habit of adjusting his cap between pitches, had a .296 average in a 22-year pro career, including 11 seasons in the majors.

            He spent eight years with the Cardinals and also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds, mostly as an outfielder. He appeared in three World Series (1942, 1943 and 1946) and two All-Star Games (1943 and 1947).

            Walker's best year was in 1947, when he batted .363 while playing 130 games for Philadelphia and 10 games with St. Louis.

            He spent 20 years as a manager, including major league stints with the Cardinals (1955), Pittsburgh Pirates (1965-67) and Houston Astros (1968-72). For the next six years, he worked in various capacities for the Cardinals' organization, including hitting coach, minor league farm director and scout.