Eddie Watt – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Eddie Watt put together a memorable ten-year run in Major League Baseball as one of the most dependable relief pitchers of his time. He was born in Lamoni, Iowa, in 1941, and eventually became a key part of the Baltimore Orioles dynasty in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Watt hung up his cleats in 1975 after one final season pitching for the Chicago Cubs. That capped off a career that included two World Series championships and more than 400 major league appearances.

At his peak in Baltimore, Watt built a reputation as a dominant closer who could consistently silence opposing hitters. Right-handed batters only managed a .200 average against him over his career. He racked up more saves than any other Orioles pitcher during their golden stretch from 1966 to 1971.

His path from a small Iowa town to the World Series spotlight really shows the grit and talent needed to make it in baseball’s big leagues.

Watt’s story has always been about more than numbers or championships. From backyard games in Iowa to playoff pressure in Baltimore, his journey sheds light on player development, clubhouse chemistry, and how relief pitching evolved during a pretty wild era in baseball.

Eddie Watt’s Early Life and Amateur Career

Eddie Dean Watt’s climb from rural Iowa to Major League Baseball started with humble beginnings and a work ethic his family drilled into him. He sharpened his baseball skills in Iowa City’s youth leagues, then played college ball at Iowa State Teachers College, where he eventually drew the attention of pro scouts.

Family Background and Upbringing

Edward Dean Watt entered the world on April 4, 1941, in Lamoni, Iowa, not far from the Missouri border. He rounded out the family as the youngest of four kids born to Lawrence Watt and Bonnie Leigh, who’d married after high school during the Great Depression.

Money was always tight for the Watts. All the kids worked paper routes to help pay the bills. Even with the challenges, the family stuck together and held onto their values.

By the late 1940s, the Watts moved to West Branch, Iowa. When Eddie hit his teens, they packed up again for Iowa City. That move changed everything for his baseball dreams, giving him a shot at better youth baseball programs.

Eddie’s mom pushed for reading and education at home. His dad juggled multiple jobs—sometimes even three at once—to keep things afloat. Eddie pitched in by helping his dad pick up Des Moines Register newspapers, wrap them, and hand them out to paperboys on street corners.

High School Baseball in Iowa City

Eddie got his first taste of organized baseball at age 13 in Iowa City’s Babe Ruth League. He once called himself a “short, pudgy 13-year-old kid” who tried out a bunch of positions on the field.

His arm stood out, and coaches quickly put him on the mound. Seeing his son’s potential, Lawrence Watt looked for extra help and set up pitching lessons with Ron Schaeffer, a University of Iowa pitcher, at $2 a session.

Key Skills Developed:

• Curveball mechanics
• Pitching control
• Proper pitching conduct and approach

“Five or six or eight lessons, or whatever it was,” Watt remembered. “That was when I was 14 years old, and I actually learned how to throw a curve ball, and learned control, and learned how to conduct yourself as a pitcher.”

After those Babe Ruth League days, Watt moved up to American Legion baseball. At 17 and 18, he faced off against older, seasoned semipro players—some in their 20s and 30s, many with pro experience from the Cedar Rapids area.

College Baseball at Iowa State Teachers College

Eddie was the first in his family to go to college, enrolling at Iowa State Teachers College in fall 1959. (It’s now the University of Northern Iowa.) He balanced baseball with his studies as he worked toward an education degree.

The college baseball coach had a valuable connection—his friend Phil Gallivan scouted for the Orioles, which led to Watt’s first scouting report.

During his sophomore year, Watt’s team reached the NCAA regional finals in Oklahoma. Baltimore Orioles scout Byron Humphrey watched him pitch that tournament. Watt’s performance was strong enough to get noticed.

That summer, Watt played in South Dakota’s Basin League, a competitive summer league. Scouts, including Baltimore’s Jim Russo, checked out his games. The Basin League stint boosted his development and got him on more scouts’ radar.

Path to Professional Baseball

By his sophomore year, Watt decided he wanted to go pro. Several teams came calling with contract offers.

Contract Offers:

• St. Louis Cardinals: $350 per month
• Chicago White Sox: $350 per month
• Baltimore Orioles: $400 per month

That extra $50 from the Orioles helped seal his decision. “So I signed with Baltimore, and it turned out to be one of the best moves I ever made,” Watt said.

Because he was still a minor, Watt needed his parents’ permission to sign the pro contract. His mom was disappointed he’d leave college, since he was on track to graduate in eight semesters.

Turning pro meant giving up his basketball scholarship. Watt planned to take classes during the baseball off-season to finish his degree. He got some seasoning in the Instructional League, then got ready for his first pro season with the Class D Appleton Foxes in 1962.

Major League Career Overview

Eddie Watt’s major league career stretched from 1966 to 1975. Over nearly a decade, he became one of the game’s steadiest right-handed relievers. His years with the Baltimore Orioles lined up with the team’s most successful era, including several World Series runs and a championship.

Baltimore Orioles Dynasty Era

Watt made his MLB debut on April 12, 1966, at Fenway Park against the Red Sox. He struck out George Scott and helped Baltimore pull out a 13-inning win in his very first game.

He started out as both a starter and reliever in 1966, but by 1967, he shifted to full-time bullpen duty. Manager Hank Bauer told him straight up that as long as he managed, Watt wouldn’t start another game.

Key Performance Highlights:

• 1968: Career-high 59 appearances, 11 saves
• 1969: 1.65 ERA, 16 saves, Orioles won 109 games
• 1970: Led staff in appearances for fourth straight year

Right-handed hitters had a tough time against him. In 1969, he held them to a .140 average and kept it at .200 against righties for his career.

With Watt in the bullpen, the Orioles snagged four American League pennants between 1966 and 1971. He picked up World Series rings in 1966 and 1970, though the 1969 loss to the Mets still stings for Orioles fans.

Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs Stints

After Baltimore, Watt’s career wound down with short stints for two National League teams. The Phillies picked him up, but let him go right before Opening Day in 1975.

The Cubs grabbed him after his release from Philadelphia. Watt’s last major league game came on June 14, 1975, against the Reds.

His time with the Cubs didn’t go well. He got knocked around in five of his six appearances, and that was pretty much it for his MLB days.

The Cubs sent him down to Triple-A Wichita. He finished most of the 1975 season in the minors, then decided to retire.

Career Statistics and Performance

Watt put together a solid career record over his 10 seasons in the majors.

Career Totals:

• Games: 411
• Wins: 38
• Losses: 36
• Saves: Not officially tracked until 1969
• Teams: Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs

He specialized in closing games and steady middle relief. During Baltimore’s championship run, nobody on the team logged more saves or appeared in more games than Watt.

His real strength was getting right-handed hitters out, holding them to a .200 batting average over his career.

Transition to Retirement in 1975

Watt’s final season marked the end of a decade-long career with one of baseball’s great dynasties. After a rough start with the Cubs in 1975, he got sent down to Triple-A Wichita.

His last big league appearance came on June 14, 1975. He pitched one inning, gave up one earned run, and at age 34, decided he’d rather retire than keep grinding it out in the minors.

Leaving the majors wasn’t easy for him. Those last stops with two National League teams showed just how tough it can be for players to hang on when their best years are behind them.

Contributions to the Baltimore Orioles

Eddie Watt anchored the Orioles’ bullpen during their glory years, racking up more saves than any other pitcher on the team from 1966 to 1971. His steady arm helped make the Orioles one of baseball’s most feared clubs.

Role in the Baltimore Orioles Dynasty

Watt stepped up as the main closer during the Orioles dynasty that won four American League pennants in six seasons. He led the team in appearances four years in a row, pitching in relief more than any other Oriole during that span.

He dominated right-handed batters, holding them to a .200 average over his career. In 1969, he posted a 1.65 ERA as Baltimore racked up 109 wins.

His best stat line might be from 1968, when he gave up just one home run in 59 outings. That’s a pretty wild feat for a reliever.

Key Statistics During Dynasty Years:

• 1966-1971: Most saves by any Baltimore pitcher
• 1969: 16 saves, 1.65 ERA
• 1970: 53 appearances, 3.25 ERA

Key Teammates and Management

Watt shared the bullpen with some big names. Manager Hank Bauer called his group an “excellent bullpen,” and Watt worked alongside veterans like Stu Miller and Moe Drabowsky, who brought plenty of know-how to tense games.

Earl Weaver took over in 1968 and kept counting on Watt in tight spots. Weaver’s knack for using relievers the right way really helped Watt shine during those years.

He also teamed up with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. When Palmer faltered in Game 4 of the 1970 World Series, Weaver turned to Watt to protect a key lead, showing how much trust the manager had in him.

Watt threw to Andy Etchebarren in the minors and later worked with the Orioles’ regular catchers during games.

Achievements with the Orioles

Watt picked up two World Series rings with Baltimore, winning titles in 1966 and 1970. He earned $11,683.04 as his winner’s share from the ’66 sweep of the Dodgers, though he didn’t pitch in that series.

The 1970 World Series brought highs and lows. Watt surrendered a three-run homer to Lee May in Game 4, giving Cincinnati their only win, but still got his second ring when Baltimore clinched the title the next day.

His regular season numbers during those years stayed strong. In 1969, Watt went 5-2 with 16 saves, helping Baltimore dominate the newly created AL East.

Championship Achievements:

• 1966: World Series champion (did not appear in games)
• 1970: World Series champion, despite a tough Game 4
• 1969: 16 saves, 109-win season

Postseason Highlights and World Series Impact

Eddie Watt became a trusted postseason arm for Baltimore during their championship years. He earned two World Series rings and pitched in several AL Championship Series. Some of his most memorable moments came against the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets, though not every memory was a happy one.

1966 and 1970 World Series Championships

Watt grabbed his first World Series ring as a rookie in 1966 when the Baltimore Orioles swept the Los Angeles Dodgers. He didn’t pitch in any games during the series, but he spent a lot of time warming up with veteran Stu Miller.

His winner’s share came to $11,683.04. That experience really helped him grow as a reliever.

The 1970 World Series felt like redemption after Baltimore’s shocking loss to the New York Mets the year before. Watt helped the Orioles take down the Cincinnati Reds in five games, giving Baltimore their second championship in five seasons.

He led the pitching staff in appearances for the fourth year in a row during the regular season. Manager Earl Weaver kept turning to him during big postseason moments because he trusted Watt’s consistency.

Notable World Series Moments

Watt’s most infamous moment happened in Game 4 of the 1970 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. Earl Weaver brought him in to protect a 5-3 lead in the eighth inning, hoping for another Orioles sweep.

Jim Palmer had left runners on base, and catcher Elrod Hendricks called for a sinker to try for a double play. Watt hadn’t pitched in two weeks and ended up leaving the ball up.

Lee May smashed a three-run homer, giving the Reds their only win in the series. Baltimore still won the championship the next day, but some fans just couldn’t forgive Watt for blowing the sweep.

That moment followed him for years in Baltimore. He even got booed during a halftime contest at a Baltimore Bullets game not long after the World Series.

American League Championship Series Appearances

Watt played a big part in the American League Championship Series during Baltimore’s dominant early 1970s run. He saved Game One against the Oakland Athletics during one of the team’s pennant-winning seasons.

His work in the ALCS helped Baltimore reach several World Series during their dynasty years. The Orioles won three straight American League pennants from 1969 to 1971.

Watt pitched twice in the seven-game World Series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971. He took the loss in Game Four, which took place in Pittsburgh.

After that series, he hurt his hand during an Orioles goodwill trip to Japan. That injury messed with his preparation for the next season.

Minor League Journey and Player Development

Eddie Watt’s road to the majors lasted five seasons in the minor leagues from 1962 to 1965. He bounced through different leagues and teams, picking up the skills that would make him a reliable relief pitcher for the Orioles.

Early Minor League Experiences

Watt kicked off his pro career in 1962 with the Class D Appleton Foxes of the Midwest League. He signed with Baltimore for $400 a month, turning down the Cardinals and White Sox, who offered $350.

His first season had its ups and downs. He struck out more than a batter per inning and posted a 2.19 ERA, but finished with an 11-11 record that didn’t really show his potential.

The Orioles saw his talent right away. Farm Director Harry Dalton put Watt on the 40-man roster after his first season. Dalton even called Watt one of the five most prized prospects the team protected in the minor league draft.

Significant Teams and Achievements

Watt’s biggest development happened with the Aberdeen Pheasants in the Northern League. He played there in 1963 and 1964 under manager Cal Ripken Sr. That stretch really shaped him as a pitcher.

In 1963, Watt battled through early struggles after a spring training leg injury. He lost his first six decisions but finished strong at 10-12 with a 3.14 ERA. That year taught him a lot about sticking with it.

His breakout came in 1964 on a stacked Aberdeen pitching staff. He shared the mound with future big leaguers Jim Palmer, Tom Fisher, and Dave Leonhard. Watt dominated, going 14-1 with a 1.77 ERA and winning a Topps pitcher-of-the-month award.

That performance got him a late-season call-up to Earl Weaver’s Double-A Elmira Pioneers in the Eastern League. He went 3-1 with Elmira, wrapping up the season with an impressive 17-2 record overall.

No-Hitter and League Highlights

Watt’s 1965 season with Elmira turned into minor league legend. He started the year by throwing a no-hitter against Williamsport on opening day at Dunn Field, striking out 10 and making a statement.

His next start was great too. Watt tossed 10 scoreless innings but didn’t get a decision. That set the stage for something special.

In his third start, Watt did something rare—he threw his second no-hitter, becoming the first Eastern League pitcher to toss two nine-inning no-hitters in one season.

He earned a promotion to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings later that year. Across Aberdeen, Elmira, and Rochester in 1964-65, Watt put up a combined 30-8 record with a 2.34 ERA. Those numbers set him up for his major league debut in 1966.

Life and Legacy After Retirement

Eddie Watt stayed close to baseball after retiring, earning a spot in the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame and helping develop future players. He kept his ties to Iowa strong, enjoying the life he built from his successful playing career.

Induction into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame

The Orioles honored Eddie Watt by inducting him into their Hall of Fame, recognizing his role as a key reliever during the team’s best years from 1966 to 1973.

He earned his Hall of Fame spot with solid stats. Watt pitched in more games than any other Baltimore pitcher during the team’s four American League pennants between 1966 and 1971. Right-handed hitters only managed a .200 average against him over his career.

The ceremony celebrated his two World Series titles with Baltimore in 1966 and 1970. Fellow Orioles legends who played with Watt often praised his steady presence and big-game performances during their championship runs.

His induction came years after he retired, showing just how much his impact lasted in one of baseball’s greatest dynasties.

Connection to Iowa and Contributions to Baseball

Watt never lost touch with his Iowa roots during his post-playing career. He moved back to Iowa City, where he’d played his first organized baseball in the Babe Ruth League as a kid.

His connection to the University of Northern Iowa stayed important to him. He went there back when it was Iowa State Teachers College, finishing his education degree and earning teaching certificates in math and physical education.

After hanging up his cleats, Watt spent 42 years working in pro baseball in different roles. He focused on player development, helping other players make it to the majors.

Watt’s impact on baseball went way beyond his playing days. His experience as a reliever during baseball’s golden age made him a valuable mentor and instructor for younger pitchers.

Net Worth and Personal Life in Recent Years

Eddie Watt built a comfortable financial foundation during his playing career and later work in baseball. Those World Series shares from 1966 and 1970, especially the $11,683.04 winner’s share he got as a rookie, gave him a pretty solid start.

Over 42 years in professional baseball, Watt collected a ton of memorabilia and keepsakes. He ended up with 10 World Series rings from his different roles in baseball, plus his original bubble gum cards from his playing days.

His family always stayed at the center of his life after retirement. Watt married his college sweetheart, Iva, back in 1962.

They raised three kids together: daughter Tina, son Edward, and daughter Tammy.

In his later years, the former pitcher kept a low profile. He didn’t chase the spotlight like some retired athletes do, choosing instead to focus on his family and stick with baseball development.

You can still see his legacy in the players he helped shape and the impact he made on the Baltimore Orioles’ championship tradition.