Greg Walker was named as the Atlanta Braves' new hitting coach Friday, replacing Larry Parrish.

Walker had been the batting coach for the Chicago White Sox for the past nine seasons and slugger Paul Konerko and catcher A.J. Pierzynski had praised him as contributing to their success.

The Braves are coming off a season that was mostly a joy ride before turning into a nightmare in the season's final weeks. Atlanta blew an 8 -game wild-card lead in September, allowing the St. Louis Cardinals to sneak in and pass it.

Walker becomes the Braves' third hitting coach in as many years.