It was a history-making year for St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker. In July, Walker won the Home Run Derby, becoming the first Cardinal to do so. Overall, he finished with a .269 batting average, 164 hits, 29 home runs, and 102 RBIs.

On Monday, he will receive an illustrious honor. Walker will be recognized as one of EBONY Magazine's Power 100. EBONY is one of the longest-running and most respected African American magazines.

Walker will join Naomi Osaka, Renne Montgomery, Nneka Owumike, Elana Meyers Taylor, Folarin Balogun, Tyshawn Jones, and the New York Knicks as the sports figures honored.

The celebration will also highlight other African Americans who achieved great things this year in politics, business, and entertainment under the theme of ‘The Stories We Shape'.

In an exclusive with ClutchPoints, Walker takes the honor to heart.

“Being named as an EBONY Leader in Sport is awesome!” Walker said. “Ebony Magazine is a pioneer in reporting on the lives and achievements of Black people. Their commentary is well respected by millions. So, I am deeply honored that they feel my desire for wanting more Black kids in baseball is worthy of recognition.

After winning the Home Run Derby, Walker expressed hope for more black players in baseball. Currently, Black players make up 6.8% of MLB, up 2% in two years, per MLB.com. Issues around access to the game, cultural shifts, systemic bias, and lack of representation still remain.

Walker hopes to change that and is proudly standing on the shoulders of giants.

Jordan Walker is continuing a rich history

The game's history regarding race is well documented. But the Cardinals have a unique history, fielding some of the most impactful game changers.

Bob Gibson, the best fireballer of his time in the 1960s. Bill White, a power-hitting first baseman and Gold Glove Award winner who later became a famous broadcaster. Curt Flood, the man who sacrificed his career to give players the freedom to determine their destinies (Flood v. Kuhn). Lou Brock, a dynamic baserunner and consistent hitter.

These trailblazers paved the way for Walker, and he feels overwhelmed to be mentioned in this group.

“It is humbling to be mentioned as part of such an outstanding legacy,” he said. “The names you mentioned are giants for the Cardinals and for the history of baseball overall. Without the efforts of those guys, I would not be here today. They had to go through so much in their time – racism, bigotry, hatred – just to be able to play the game that they loved. Yet, they stood out for playing the game at the highest level possible and left records that in some cases are still to be broken. Now, I can go out and continue to carry the banner as a black player for the St. Louis Cardinals.”

Walker is doing that both on and off the field.

Walker is putting in the work

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Along with his mother, Walker set up the Walker's Winners Foundation, an organization that helps youth achieve their dreams by promoting literacy and personal development. Additionally, Walker conducts baseball clinics in his spare time.

Two passions that he intends to continue.

“So, whether it is conducting baseball clinics on fields around the community, or helping with reading and math exercises with youth with Walker’s Winners, I will continue to work directly with kids to help them reach goals,” Walker said.

In the end, Walker carries these honors and successes with great humility, along with a strong desire to keep growing.

“I am amazed that I have had some success already,” he said. “But what drives me is that I have to continue to work hard to maintain and grow every day so I can reach my fullest potential.”

The Power 100 is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.