Huck Betts

Walter McKinley Betts

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 170 lb.
• School Wesley College
• Debut April 26, 1920
• Final Game September 27, 1935
• Born February 18, 1897 in Millsboro, DE USA
• Died June 13, 1987 in Millsboro, DE USA

BR page

Biographical Information

After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1920 Huck Betts spent fifteen years (1920-1935) in professional baseball. "Huck" spent ten of those years in the major leagues, six with the Phillies (1920-1925) and four with the Boston Braves (1932-1935). Betts put together a decent major league record, going 61-68 with a 3.93 ERA and appearing in 307 games. His best year came late in his career when he went 17-10 with the Braves in 1934. Betts retired from baseball after a 2-9 season for the Braves in 1935, rather than take a demotion to the minors.

The nickname "Huck" was given to him by shortstop Dave Bancroft in his rookie year (1920) with the Phillies. The Phils were on a train to spring training when Bancroft spotted his shy-looking youngster sitting by himself and remarked, "Why, look who's with us - a Huckleberry Finn!"

During his 15 professional seasons, he spent parts of eight seasons in the minors with the St. Paul Saints, Fort Worth Panthers, Hartford Senators and the Salt Lake City Bees, going 118-87 in 276 appearances. He had five double-digit winning seasons with his best appearing to be a 22-13 effort with a 3.60 ERA in 1931, his last year in the minors. After his playing days, he returned to his hometown and purchased a movie house which he called the "Ball Theatre" - It had a baseball replica on top! Betts died on June 13, 1987 in Millsboro, DE, at the age of 90.

Related Sites

• BR Minors Page
• Find-A-Grave Memorial for Huck Betts