Marysville's Walker to play in World Baseball Classic

Instead of packing his bags for Spring Training in Arizona, Mike Walker will be making a bit of a longer trip in February.

The Marysville High graduate will play for Team Australia in the third annual World Baseball Classic as he was officially named to the roster in an MLB Network special on Thursday afternoon.

Walker, who will begin his fourth season of minor league baseball this spring, was named an All-Star with the Brevard County Manatees in 2012, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Walker's mother, Anne, was born and raised in Australia which qualified him to play for the team. Additionally, he holds dual citizenship in both Australia and the United States.

Walker will meet up with the rest of the team in Taichung, Taiwan in the middle of February before Australia's first game on March 2 against Chinese Taipei.

"Something I've always wanted to do is compete internationally," Walker said. "This should be a lot of fun and a very nice experience."

Australia's pool includes Chinese Taipei, Korea and the Netherlands. Overall, there are 16 teams competing in the tournament.

All games will be broadcasted on MLB Network.

The inaugural WBC was held in 2006, followed by the second installment in 2009. Japan is the two-time defending champion.

Walker is spending this offseason at home in Loma Rica where he's been conditioning and building strength for the upcoming season.

He has his sights set on beginning the 2013 season at Double-A Huntsville, Ala.

"I'm very lucky to be able to be playing for this great team," Walker said.