Hayden Walsh Sr.

Albert Costayne Hayden Walsh (4 March 1963 – 9 January 2010) was an Antiguan cricketer who represented the Leeward Islands in West Indian domestic competitions. He was a left-handed top-order batsman.

Walsh made his senior debut for Antigua and Barbuda in 1984.[1] His first-class debut for the Leeward Islands did not come until February 1988, when he played against Jamaica in the 1987–88 Red Stripe Cup.[2] Walsh established himself in the team the following season, also making his List A debut.[3] However, he did not score a first-class half-century until the 1991–92 season, when he made 77 as an opening batsman against Jamaica.[4]

The 1992–93 season was Walsh's last for the Leeward Islands, and also his most successful.[2] He scored 408 runs from five matches, placing him fifth in the competition for runs and behind only Ridley Jacobs for the Leewards.[5] Against Barbados, Walsh made twin half-centuries, including a career-best 92 in the first innings.[6] He finished with a first-class career batting average of 28.36 from 18 matches.[7] Aged 35, and after a gap of several years without a high-level appearance, Walsh was selected in Antigua and Barbuda's squad for the 1998 Commonwealth Games cricket tournament, where matches held List A status.[3] Opening the batting against Canada, he scored 51, his only List A half-century.[8]

After the conclusion of his playing career, Walsh established a cricket academy for young players. He was also involved in the administration of the game in Antigua.[9] Walsh died in January 2010, having suffered an apparent heart attack while swimming in a hotel pool.[10][11] His brother, Vaughn Walsh, and son, Hayden Walsh Jr., have both also played for the Leewards.[12][13]