Walt Huntzinger

Walter Henry Huntzinger
(Shakes)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 150 lb.
• School University of Pennsylvania
• Debut September 29, 1923
• Final Game September 15, 1926
• Born February 6, 1899 in Pottsville, PA USA
• Died August 11, 1981 in Upper Darby, PA USA

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Biographical Information

Walt Huntzinger pitched four seasons in the big leagues. Three of his teams won the pennant.

Walt was born in Pottsville, PA, and went to high school in Scranton, PA as well as to Bellevue Academy. He was at Penn during 1919-23, becoming an All-American in both baseball and basketball in 1923. He arrived at the majors in September, 1923, and played with the New York Giants for three seasons. In his last major league season, he was with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. The 1926 Cardinals, under manager Rogers Hornsby, went on to win the 1926 World Series, but Walt was put on waivers in June. His overall ERA in 1926 was an excellent 2.73, but it was his last major league season.

Walt had not played in the minors prior to his major league days, but afterwards, he spent two seasons with the Toledo Mud Hens. He was 13-5 in 1927.

A remembrance of Walt [1] says that his "animated windup was legendary". He and his bride honeymooned with Casey Stengel and his bride during a Giants exhibition tour in England. Walt left pro ball due to tuberculosis. He was basketball coach at Haverford College, but had trouble finding work during the Depression. Eventually he worked in government as a court crier and a constable.