Walt Masterson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Walt Masterson pitched right-handed for 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, finally hanging up his cleats in 1956. Born in Philadelphia in 1920, he broke into the majors at just 18 with the Washington Senators. His career stretched nearly two decades, though he took time off for military service during World War II.

Masterson finished his career with the Detroit Tigers in 1956, wrapping up a journey that took him to three teams and earned him two All-Star selections. Along the way, he started the 1948 All-Star Game and once threw 16 scoreless innings in a single outing. He also spent a lot of time pitching for losing teams, which can’t have been easy.

Walt Masterson’s story gives us a peek at the ups and downs of baseball life in the 1940s and 1950s. From his days on Philadelphia sandlots to his last season in Detroit, he balanced personal milestones with team struggles, all while answering the call to serve during wartime.

Early Life and Background

Walter Edward Masterson III came into the world on June 22, 1920, in a working-class Philadelphia family. His dad held steady work through the Great Depression, which gave the family some stability.

He went to Holy Innocents and then North Catholic High School, both Catholic schools that shaped his character. Playing semipro ball with the Landreth Seed Company team, he caught the eyes of major league scouts.

Family History and Upbringing

Walter Edward Masterson III was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Walter Jr. and Alberta Masterson. In 1930, his dad worked as an assistant manager at a wire mill. By 1940, Walter Jr. had moved on to a government clerk job at the Bureau of Navigation.

The Masterson family lived with the typical working-class values of the era. Alberta stayed home as a homemaker in 1930, looking after Walter and his younger brother Edwin. As the family’s finances improved during the 1930s, Alberta took a job as a saleslady in a department store by 1940.

Both parents grew up in Pennsylvania and taught their kids the value of hard work. The family lived modestly but steadily, which let Walter focus on sports while keeping up with school.

Education and North Catholic High School

Walter attended Catholic schools from the start, beginning at Holy Innocents and then moving to North Catholic High School. The Catholic school system gave him discipline and character that stuck with him in baseball.

At North Catholic, Walter played basketball and baseball, but it was on the mound where he really stood out. The school’s baseball team gave him his first taste of organized, competitive play.

Standing 6-foot-2 and almost 200 pounds, Walter looked every bit the pitcher. His coaches noticed his natural ability and worked with him on his pitching mechanics. The tough academic environment at North Catholic also helped him handle the mental side of pro sports.

Early Baseball Influences and Semipro Career

Walter made the leap from high school to the Landreth Seed Company team in Bristol, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1938. Playing semipro ball gave him a chance to face older, tougher competition. Scouts kept an eye on these leagues, and Walter stood out.

Joe Cambria, a Washington Senators scout, played a huge role in Walter’s career. Cambria had been watching Walter, and after seeing him strike out 10 batters in one game, he signed him right after—literally under the showers.

The Philadelphia Athletics also wanted Walter. Connie Mack let him work out with their team, and scout Ira Thomas was ready with a $3,000 signing bonus. But Mack hesitated, which let Cambria and the Senators swoop in.

Clark Griffith, the Senators’ owner, later said, “Ever hear of Walter Masterson? We signed him off the Philadelphia sandlots right under the nose of Connie Mack.” Griffith liked what he saw, even comparing Walter’s fastball to Bob Feller’s.

Major League Debut and Washington Senators

Walt Masterson jumped straight from Philadelphia sandlots to Major League Baseball with the Washington Senators in 1939. Scout Joe Cambria discovered the young pitcher and signed him despite his limited experience, so he debuted at just 18.

Signing with Joe Cambria

Scout Joe Cambria first spotted Masterson playing semi-pro ball for Landreth Seed Co. in Bristol. Walter also worked out in Connie Mack’s morning class with the Philadelphia Athletics.

Cambria kept tabs on Masterson through his semipro games. After seeing Masterson strike out 10 in one outing, Cambria signed him right after the game.

The Senators beat the Athletics to his signature. Athletics scout Ira Thomas was ready to offer Masterson a $3,000 bonus, but Connie Mack wouldn’t hear it out that day.

Clark Griffith, the Senators’ owner, said, “If anybody can throw a ball as hard as Feller, he can.” Griffith felt they had found a special talent.

Debut Season and Early Challenges

Masterson made his MLB debut on May 8, 1939, at 18. He pitched a scoreless inning in relief against the Cleveland Indians, giving up one hit and two walks.

He got his first start on May 17, 1939, and threw a complete-game win, allowing six hits in a 4-1 victory.

The rookie showed promise but struggled with control. He struck out just 12 and walked 48 in 24 games.

Masterson finished 1939 with a 2-2 record and a 5.55 ERA. He was actually the first player born in the 1920s to play in the majors.

He had a rough stretch where line drives hit him seven times in one week. That shook his confidence and affected his follow-through.

Pitching Style and Position Focus

Masterson pitched right-handed for the Senators. At 6-foot-2 and 189 pounds, he had the build for the job.

He split time between starting and relief work in his early years. In 1939, he mostly came out of the bullpen for manager Bucky Harris.

Control issues followed him early on. He walked more than he struck out in his first few seasons.

Clark Griffith worked with Masterson on his pitching. The former pitcher himself told Walter to “junk that slow curve” and focus on the fastball.

Masterson started wearing rose-colored glasses after vision problems came up in spring training. Manager Bucky Harris noticed something was off when Masterson couldn’t identify a baserunner during a game.

Career Highlights and All-Star Achievements

Walt Masterson earned two All-Star nods during his MLB career. In 1948, he got the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the American League.

All-Star Game Selections

Masterson made the All-Star team in 1947 and 1948, right in the middle of his best years with the Senators.

Starting the 1948 All-Star Game was the high point. He took the mound as the American League’s top choice, facing the National League’s best.

He got these honors during his strongest seasons with Washington. The league recognized his steady work in the late 1940s.

Memorable Games and Performances

Starting the All-Star Game in 1948 stands out as his top moment. He faced the National League’s sluggers as the American League’s starter.

He debuted at 18 on May 8, 1939, making him one of the youngest to reach the majors. He broke in less than two months before his 19th birthday.

During World War II, Masterson joined the Navy from September 1942 to July 1945. He missed the 1943 and 1944 seasons while serving on submarines in the Pacific.

Pitching Milestones and Statistics

Masterson put up solid numbers over 14 seasons. He finished with 78 wins, 100 losses, and a 4.15 ERA.

He struck out 815 batters in 399 games. Out of those, he started 184 and completed 70.

His stats include 15 shutouts and 20 saves. He pitched 1,649 innings, walked 886, and gave up 1,613 hits.

He finished 115 games in relief. That versatility helped his teams over the years.

Notable Trades and Transactions

Masterson changed teams a few times, which shaped his career. He started with the Senators in 1939 after signing at 17.

The Boston Red Sox picked him up in 1949, and he stayed until 1952. He returned to Washington for 1952 and 1953.

He ended his playing days with the Detroit Tigers in 1956. That was it for his time in the majors.

These moves were pretty common back then. Each new team brought fresh challenges and chances.

Tenure with Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers

Masterson’s last years in pro baseball took him from Washington to Boston in 1952. He spent four seasons there before wrapping up with Detroit in 1956.

Trade to Boston Red Sox

On June 10, 1952, the Washington Senators traded Masterson and Randy Gumpert to the Boston Red Sox for veteran pitcher Sid Hudson. This move finally landed Masterson on a more competitive team after all those tough seasons in Washington.

Boston gave him better run support than he’d ever had. His ERA improved, though control issues still popped up now and then.

Masterson worked as both a starter and reliever for Boston from 1952 to 1955. He pitched alongside some well-known teammates and helped out in the rotation.

The trade gave him a new start after 11 seasons with Washington. He adjusted to the American League competition in a Red Sox uniform.

Impact with Detroit Tigers

Masterson finished his career with the Detroit Tigers in 1956. The Tigers picked up the veteran for one last run at age 36.

His time in Detroit was short but marked the end of a career that started in 1939. The Tigers used him in just a handful of games as he closed out nearly 20 years in the majors.

Detroit released Masterson on April 30, 1956, which officially ended his playing days. He finished with 78 wins and 100 losses over 402 games for three teams.

The Tigers were his third and final club. His career stretched from the late ’30s to the mid-’50s, covering some big changes in baseball history.

Interactions with Teammates and Opponents

Masterson built relationships with players all over the American League throughout his long career. His military service from 1942 to 1945 interrupted his playing days, but he picked up some unique experiences that he shared with fellow veterans.

While serving in the Navy, he dominated military baseball, going 17-1 in 1943 and 20-4 in 1944. These years definitely shaped how he connected with teammates who had also served during World War II.

When he made the All-Star teams in 1947 and 1948, he found himself side by side with some of the league’s best pitchers. Starting the 1948 All-Star Game really stood out as the peak of his career achievements.

Opponents respected Masterson for his reputation as a hard thrower, with some saying he could “throw a ball as hard as Feller.” His competitive streak came out during military games, even in matchups against Japanese prisoners of war.

Retirement in 1956 and Later Life

Walt Masterson wrapped up his 14-year career in Major League Baseball in 1956. He finished after a short run with the Detroit Tigers, closing out nearly two decades in the majors.

Final MLB Season and Departure

Masterson’s road to retirement really started in 1954, when he found himself out of organized baseball for two straight seasons. The Washington Senators kept him under contract, but released him on April 30, 1956.

Just over a week later, the Detroit Tigers picked him up as a free agent on May 11, 1956. The Tigers mostly planned to use him in relief.

That final season, Masterson pitched 49 2/3 innings in 35 appearances. The team used him mostly for short relief stints, which was a big change from his earlier days as a starter. He ended his career with 399 games and 184 starts.

1956 was his only year in Detroit. Before that, he spent long stretches with Washington and Boston, making him one of the American League players who retired that year.

Transition to Post-Playing Career

After leaving Major League Baseball, Masterson moved away from pro athletics. There aren’t many public details about his post-playing career, but he had already tried out a few business ventures while still playing.

He co-owned a dry cleaning business called Masterson and Evans. He also worked as a salesman for electrical goods at Porter Engineering, teaming up with Gil Coan and Sherry Robertson.

His military service in World War II gave him skills outside of baseball. Masterson served as a chief specialist in the United States Navy Reserve for three years, from October 1942 to September 1945.

Players from his era often had to switch to business or other jobs after baseball. Masterson was no exception.

Legacy in Baseball Circles

Masterson played 14 years in the majors and finished with 78 wins and 100 losses and a 4.15 ERA. He struck out 815 batters, pitching for three different American League teams.

He got picked for the All-Star team twice, in 1947 and 1948, and even started the 1948 game. That was a big highlight for him.

Baseball historians point out that Masterson’s career was more about steady performance than overwhelming dominance. He spent a lot of years with struggling Washington Senators teams, but he managed to put up respectable numbers.

His career crossed some important periods in baseball history, like the World War II years when so many players left to serve. Masterson’s service and his baseball stats show what a lot of players from that generation went through.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Impact

Walt Masterson made an impact that went well beyond his stats, through his work with young players and his recognition as a two-time American League All-Star. His service during World War II and his life after baseball helped shape a lasting legacy.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

After leaving pro baseball in 1956, Masterson stayed connected to the sport by informally mentoring younger players. His own experience overcoming early struggles made him a good resource for young pitchers facing tough times.

Masterson’s story really resonated with up-and-coming players. He’d been pushed into the majors at 18, without much minor league experience, and that taught him the value of patience and proper development.

He kept close ties to youth baseball in Philadelphia, thanks to his background at North Catholic High School. Former teammates remembered how Masterson liked to share tips about pitching mechanics and the mental side of the game.

His years in the Navy during World War II also influenced his mentoring. Serving three years, including time at Midway Island and Guam, gave him a perspective on adversity that he passed along to younger players.

Honors and Recognition

Masterson made the American League All-Star team twice, in 1947 and 1948. He started the 1948 All-Star Game, which really was the peak of his professional recognition.

His 1947 season stood out as his best. That year, he threw 34 consecutive scoreless innings and notched four shutouts. The run included a wild 16-inning scoreless outing against the Chicago White Sox.

Career Highlights:

• 2× American League All-Star (1947, 1948)
• Started 1948 All-Star Game
• 34 consecutive scoreless innings (1947)
• No-hitter while serving in Navy (1943)

His military service earned him respect beyond the game. Masterson served as a chief specialist in the United States Navy Reserve and left as a chief petty officer.

Influence on Baseball History

Walter Edward Masterson’s career really shows the kind of challenges players faced during World War II. He served in the military for three years, from 1942 to 1945, which cut into his best playing days—a sacrifice a lot of guys from that era made.

The Washington Senators struggled through the 1940s and 1950s, and Masterson felt that firsthand. Even though he managed a pretty solid 3.98 ERA over 11 seasons with Washington, the team’s poor performance dragged his record down.

Teams started rethinking how they handled young pitchers because of Masterson’s path. They rushed him up to the majors, and his early struggles made it clear that proper minor league development mattered. He only played one game in the minors, which seems wild looking back.

Scout Joe Cambria played a big part in Masterson’s story. Cambria snagged him away from Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics, which kind of shows how those old scouting networks worked. Senators owner Clark Griffith said the signing happened “right under the nose” of the Athletics, and you can almost hear the grin in his voice.