Walt Masterson

Walter Edward Masterson

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 189 lb.
• High School North Catholic High School (Philadelphia)
• Debut May 8, 1939
• Final Game September 24, 1956
• Born June 22, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA USA
• Died April 5, 2008 in Durham, NC USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Walt Masterson was discovered playing semi-pro ball by scout Joe Cambria and made his big league debut with the Washington Senators as an 18-year-old in 1939. He was the first payer born in the 1920s to appear in a major league game. After four seasons with the club, splitting time between the bullpen and the rotation, he entered the Navy in September 1942. Following his discharge in July 1945, he returned to the Senators.

In 1947, Masterson was selected to the All-Star Game, and in 1948, he was the starting pitcher of the Midsummer Classic. The next season, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Sam Mele and Mickey Harris. With Boston in 1951, he is said to have struck out Mickey Mantle five consecutive times.

Masterson was traded back to the Senators during the 1952 season. He ended his big league career with the Detroit Tigers in 1956 after not having played in the majors the previous two years.

Following his playing days, Masterson was head coach at George Mason University in 1980 and 1981, posting a 33-43-1 mark in his two seasons there. He died of a stroke at age 87 at Duke University Hospital in Durham. North Carolina on April 5, 2008.

Notable Achievements

• 2-time AL All-Star (1947 & 1948)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1947)

Related Sites

• Walt Masterson at the SABR Bio Project