Walt Justis

Walter Newton Justis
(Smoke)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11½", Weight 195 lb.

• Debut July 12, 1905
• Final Game August 1, 1905
• Born August 17, 1883 in Moores Hill, IN USA
• Died October 4, 1941 in Greendale, IN USA

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Biographical Information

Walt Justis pitched for the Detroit Tigers in 1905 a month before the 18-year-old Ty Cobb made his debut with the same team. In the minors, he won 20+ games in 1907, 1908 and 1910, with 19 victories in 1909.

Following his brief major league career, Justis set a minor league record throwing four no-hitters in a single season for the Ohio State League's Lancaster team in 1908. Two of these came in back-to-back games. He threw a fifth no-hitter in 1909, and, as far as is known, holds the minor league career record for no-hitters along with Harry Kane.

"Justis pitched 25 games last season and won all but one." - Sporting Life of April 1, 1905

"Detroit is trying out a new pitcher named Justis from the Macon team of the South Atlantic. He has a world of speed, but has, in a brief appearance, shown lack of control." - Sporting Life, August 12, 1905

Justis apparently suffered from epilepsy. There are several references to him having attacks that left him stricken for several days. Most of the attacks resulted from wrestling matches he would have with a teammate.

Related Sites

• Baseball History Daily story on Walt Justis