Joe Zapustas

Joseph John Zapustas
born Jusapas Zapustas

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.
• School Fordham University, Saint Anselm College
• Debut September 28, 1933
• Final Game September 30, 1933
• Born July 25, 1907 in Libau Latvia
• Died January 4, 2001 in Brockton, MA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Outfielder Joe Zapustas had a cup of coffee with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1933, getting one hit in two games. After the season, he was sent to the Toledo Mud Hens. He also played pro football for the New York Giants that year, appearing in two games with the NFL club.

After his pro sports career ended, Zapustas was a longtime high school athletic director. He also served as a boxing referee for many years, officiating in bouts for many legends including Rocky Marciano, Joe Louis, and Sugar Ray Robinson.

He was originally listed as having been born in Boston, MA, but in fact he was born in Latvia (when it was still part of the Russian Empire) even though he was ethnically Lithuanian, and emigrated to Boston as a child. He is the first player to have been born in Latvia.

Related Sites

• Joe Zapustas at the SABR Bio Project