Ryan Walker’s Heartfelt Revelation: Final Texts from Robert Redford Before His Passing

As San Francisco stirs at 6:35 AM EDT on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the baseball world is mourning the loss of Robert Redford, the legendary actor and director who died at 89 in his Utah home on September 16. But a poignant twist emerged late Tuesday when San Francisco Giants reliever Ryan Walker shared the heartbreaking final text messages he received from Redford, revealing an unlikely bond between the Hollywood icon and the 28-year-old pitcher. Walker’s disclosure, made during a tearful postgame interview after the Giants’ 5-2 win over the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park, has left fans and colleagues in awe, blending grief with a story of mentorship that transcends sports and cinema.

Walker, who posted a 3.45 ERA with 25 saves this season, first met Redford in 2023 at a charity event for environmental causes in Sundance, Utah. Redford, a lifelong baseball enthusiast and owner of the Sundance Film Festival, struck up a conversation with Walker about the game’s parallels to storytelling. “He saw the drama in every pitch,” Walker said, his voice cracking at 11:50 PM EDT. The two stayed in touch, with Redford offering advice on resilience amid Walker’s 2024 Tommy John recovery. The final texts, exchanged on September 15, read: “Ryan, life’s a curveball. Swing true. Grateful for our talks.” Walker replied, “You inspired me on and off the field.” Redford’s response: “Keep throwing heat, kid. Fade to black soon, but the reel plays on.”

The revelation came as the Giants, at 82-66, hold a 2.0-game lead in the NL wild-card race with 14 games left. Walker’s performance Tuesday—1.1 scoreless innings for the save—felt even more meaningful. Manager Bob Melvin called it “a tribute in action.” Redford’s death from natural causes was confirmed by his family, who noted his passion for baseball, including attending Giants games in the 1980s. Walker’s sharing of the texts, with Redford’s permission from earlier conversations, honors that connection. “He was like a grandfather figure,” Walker explained. “Those words… they’re my anchor now.”

The story has rippled across social media, with X posts like “Walker and Redford? Iconic crossover” and “Heartbroken but inspired” garnering millions of views. Analysts on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight praised Walker’s vulnerability, noting it humanizes athletes amid a high-stakes season. The Giants plan a moment of silence before Wednesday’s 1:05 PM EDT game against Colorado, with Walker expected to pitch. Off the field, he’s directing proceeds from a signed jersey auction to the Robert Redford Conservatory, supporting young filmmakers and athletes.

Redford’s legacy in baseball lore includes his role in The Natural (1984), where he portrayed Roy Hobbs, a character whose determination mirrored Walker’s comeback. “He lived that script,” Walker said. For the Giants, clinging to playoff hopes after a 2024 miss, this moment adds emotional fuel. Teammate Logan Webb, who allowed two runs in six innings Tuesday, said, “Ryan’s strength reminds us why we play.” As Oracle Park prepares, the focus shifts to the field, but Redford’s words linger.

Walker’s disclosure raises questions about privacy in fame, yet it celebrates a rare friendship. In a sport of statistics, this tale underscores the personal narratives that bind us. For San Francisco, it’s a call to honor the past while chasing October. Redford may have faded to black, but through Walker, his reel indeed plays on.