Joe Haynes – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Joe Haynes made his mark in baseball history over a 14-year Major League career, pitching for the Washington Senators and Chicago White Sox from 1939 to 1952. A right-handed pitcher, Haynes navigated pro baseball with a mix of personal connections, nagging arm troubles, and a knack for switching between starting and relieving. He hung up his cleats on August 30, 1952, after the Washington Senators released him, wrapping up a career that spanned 379 games and left him with a 76-82 record and a 4.01 ERA.

Haynes became known for more than just his pitching. He married Thelma Griffith, the niece of Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith. That relationship ended up shaping his entire career—his trade to Chicago in 1941, his eventual return to Washington, and his later front office role all tied back to the Griffith family. His story really shows how personal ties and business decisions overlapped in mid-century baseball.

Haynes started out in Lincolnton, Georgia, and eventually became an executive with the Minnesota Twins. His life traced the evolution of American baseball through some of its most pivotal decades. The stats, the memorable games, and his influence on the teams he worked with all show a player who squeezed everything he could out of his talent, even while battling arm issues.

Early Life and Entry Into Baseball

Joseph Walton Haynes grew up in a big farming family in rural Georgia before finding his way into pro baseball through the textile leagues of South Carolina. He moved quickly from amateur ball to the majors, debuting with the Washington Senators in 1939, just two years after starting his pro journey.

Birthplace and Family Background

Joe Haynes was born September 21, 1917, in Lincolnton, Georgia. His parents, Thomas Clarence and Lou Mae Walton Haynes, raised a big family on their farm.

Joe was one of eight kids—three older brothers, three older sisters, and a younger sister. Life in rural Georgia was simple and tough during his childhood.

By 1930, the Haynes family had moved to Columbia, South Carolina. Thomas, Joe’s father, took a job as a guard at the South Carolina Penitentiary. That move would end up being a turning point for Joe’s baseball future.

The family hit hard times when Thomas Haynes died in 1935. Joe was only eighteen and the family had to fend for themselves during the Great Depression.

Amateur and Minor League Beginnings

Haynes got his start in organized baseball with American Legion Junior Baseball. As a righty, he flashed early promise, mixing a curveball with his fastball.

In 1935 and 1936, he pitched for three teams in the South Carolina textile leagues:

• Appleton
• Laurens
• Anderson Mills

Chick Galloway, a former Philadelphia Athletics shortstop, scouted Haynes during this time. Galloway recommended him, and the Washington Senators signed Haynes in 1937.

At 19, Haynes started his pro career with the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern Association in 1937. He struggled in three short outings, so the team sent him down to the Jacksonville Tars in the Class B South Atlantic League. There, he finished with an 11-11 record and a 3.43 ERA.

Haynes played for the Charlotte Hornets in the Class B Piedmont League in 1938. That season was his best in the minors—he won 18, lost 9, and posted a 3.23 ERA. He even threw a no-hitter against the Portsmouth Cubs during the playoffs.

MLB Debut with the Washington Senators

Joe Haynes made his big-league debut on April 24, 1939, with the Washington Senators. He came on in relief against the Boston Red Sox, gave up five hits and two runs in 2⅔ innings, but still picked up the win in a wild 10-9, ten-inning game.

His first start came on May 11, 1939, against the Detroit Tigers. Haynes tossed a complete-game seven-hitter and won 4-2. That performance earned him a spot in the Senators’ rotation.

He finished his rookie year with an 8-12 record and a 5.36 ERA. One highlight was a two-hit shutout of the St. Louis Browns on September 16. People also recognized him as one of the better-hitting pitchers in the league.

Later that season, Haynes landed in the hospital with tonsil problems. That health scare hinted at the arm issues that would crop up later. Even so, he had proven he belonged in the majors with the Senators.

Major League Career Highlights

Joe Haynes put together a solid 14-year run in the majors, earning a reputation for his curveball and his ability to pitch in different roles. His best seasons came with the Chicago White Sox, where he led the American League in ERA and made the All-Star team.

Washington Senators Years (First Stint)

Haynes debuted on April 24, 1939, with the Washington Senators, pitching 2⅔ innings in relief and snagging the win in a 10-9 game.

His rookie season had its ups and downs. He finished with 8 wins, 12 losses, and a 5.36 ERA. The two-hit shutout of the St. Louis Browns on September 16, 1939, stood out.

The 1940 season was rough for Haynes. He made just seven starts and ended up 3-6 with a 6.54 ERA.

Key challenges for him:

• Arm trouble from trying to add velocity to his fastball
• Tonsil issues that put him in the hospital
• Not much playing time due to inconsistent outings

The Senators pushed him to focus on his fastball instead of his curve, which only made his arm problems worse.

Chicago White Sox Achievements

Haynes landed with the White Sox in January 1941 after Clark Griffith sold him. The deal depended on whether Haynes could get his arm back in shape.

During his eight seasons in Chicago, he turned his career around. The White Sox’s trainers helped him regain arm strength and sharpen his pitches.

Some highlights from his time in Chicago:

• 1942: Led the AL in fielding percentage, games finished (35), and games pitched (40)
• 1945: Tossed a one-hitter against the Detroit Tigers on May 1
• 1947: Won 14 games and led the league with a 2.42 ERA
• 1948: Made the American League All-Star team

His 1947 season was the high point. He topped the AL in ERA and set his personal best in wins.

The White Sox used him as both a starter and reliever, making the most of his versatility. That flexibility kept him valuable to the staff through the 1940s.

Return to the Senators and Retirement

Haynes returned to Washington in December 1948 through a three-team trade. The Indians briefly picked him up before sending him to the Senators for Mickey Vernon and Early Wynn.

He spent four more seasons with Washington from 1949 to 1952. Arm issues limited what he could do in those final years.

Stats from the end of his playing days:

• 37 games in 1949
• Then 27, 26, and 22 games the next three seasons
• 10-21 record over those four years

The Senators released him on August 30, 1952, ending his playing days. Manager Chuck Dressen immediately hired him as pitching coach.

Career totals:

• 76 wins, 82 losses
• 4.01 ERA in 1,581 innings
• 379 games pitched (147 starts)
• .213 batting average

After retiring, Haynes moved right into coaching and front office work. His experience and family ties kept him around the game.

Notable Trades and Team Impact

Joe Haynes’ career took some interesting turns thanks to a few major trades. Those deals involved big-name players and shaped the teams involved for years.

Trade to Chicago White Sox

In January 1941, Clark Griffith, owner of the Senators, sold Haynes to the Chicago White Sox. The move stirred up controversy since Haynes was dating Griffith’s niece, Thelma, at the time.

The White Sox took a chance, betting Haynes could recover from his arm woes. Washington had focused on building his fastball and overlooked his curveball, which turned out to be a mistake.

That trade set Haynes up for the best years of his career. He spent eight seasons in Chicago, and 1947 was his peak—he led the AL with a 2.42 ERA.

Transactions Involving Cleveland Indians

The White Sox sent Haynes to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Joe Tipton in November 1948. Haynes had just gone 9-10 but made the All-Star team.

Cleveland didn’t keep Haynes long. They traded him and Ed Klieman to Washington for Mickey Vernon and Early Wynn in December 1948.

That deal changed things for both clubs.

The Indians picked up two future Hall of Fame-level players. Vernon won batting titles, and Wynn became a 20-game winner for Cleveland.

Key Players in Trades

Joe Tipton came to Chicago in exchange for Haynes but played little for the White Sox.

Mickey Vernon and Early Wynn were the big names Washington gave up to get Haynes back. Vernon had just won a batting title, and Wynn would later win a Cy Young Award.

Ed Klieman went with Haynes to Washington. He was a relief pitcher who didn’t make a huge impact.

The Vernon-Wynn trade is still seen as one of baseball’s most lopsided. Washington traded away two stars just to bring back Haynes, thanks in large part to family ties.

These trades show how Haynes’ value on the field was sometimes overshadowed by off-field relationships.

Statistical Overview and Playing Style

Joe Haynes finished his career with 76 wins, 82 losses, and a 4.01 ERA over 14 big-league seasons. His best numbers came with the Chicago White Sox, where he led the league in ERA and made the All-Star team.

Pitching Statistics and Records

Haynes logged 1,581 innings in 379 MLB games from 1939 to 1952. He started 147 games and finished 159 as a reliever.

He ended up with a 76-82 win-loss record, largely because he pitched for teams that didn’t score much. Haynes struck out 475 and gave up 1,672 hits in his career.

He completed 53 games and threw five shutouts. He also saved 21 games, back when bullpen roles weren’t so defined.

Chicago White Sox years (1941-1948): He went 55-43 with a 3.14 ERA. That .561 winning percentage shows he could win when the offense helped out.

Washington Senators tenure: In both stints, he went 21-39. The lack of run support from his teammates really hurt his numbers.

Batting and Fielding Contributions

Haynes was a better-than-average hitting pitcher, finishing with a .213 career batting average. He picked up 111 hits in 521 at-bats, scored 48 runs, and drove in 39 RBIs.

He hit one home run during his big-league career. His bat had some value, especially in an era when pitchers batted regularly.

On defense: Haynes posted a .966 fielding percentage, nine points above the league average for pitchers. That solid glove helped him limit extra runs.

He finished with a career 10.4 Wins Above Replacement—9.0 as a pitcher and 1.4 as a hitter. That shows he brought value to his teams in more ways than just pitching.

MLB Leadership and Achievements

Haynes grabbed AL ERA leader honors in 1947 with a 2.42 earned run average. That season really stood out as the highlight of his career with the Chicago White Sox.

The American League picked him for the 1948 All-Star Game, but he didn’t actually get into the game. Still, getting chosen in his last season with Chicago meant something.

League leadership in 1942: Haynes pitched in more AL games (40) and finished more (35) than anyone else that year. He showed up for the White Sox bullpen, game after game.

His 1947 ERA title put him with the best pitchers in baseball that year. That 2.42 ERA was a big step up from his career 4.01 ERA.

Retrosheet data shows that Haynes won his MLB debut on April 24, 1939, helping Washington edge out Boston 10-9 in extra innings. That early win hinted at the career he was about to build.

Personal Life and Legacy

Joe Haynes built a life that always circled back to baseball, especially through his marriage to team owner Clark Griffith’s niece. He spent decades with the Washington Senators organization, shaping both his career and the franchise that later became the Minnesota Twins.

Marriage to Thelma Griffith

Joe met Thelma Griffith during spring training in 1938 when she worked as her uncle Clark Griffith’s secretary. Thelma was the daughter of James and Jane Robertson, and her aunt Addie was married to Senators owner Clark Griffith.

After her father died, Thelma and her brother Calvin moved in with Clark and Addie Griffith in Washington. They never got formally adopted, but everyone treated them as Griffith’s own kids.

They married in 1941, just a year after Haynes was traded to the Chicago White Sox. The marriage raised eyebrows because Clark Griffith had a rule against family members marrying ballplayers. Even so, Thelma married Joe and stayed with the organization.

In May 1947, Joe and Thelma had their only child, Bruce Griffith Haynes. The family stuck with baseball, and Thelma kept working with the team for years.

Relationship with Clark Griffith

Clark Griffith’s relationship with Haynes was complicated and definitely affected Joe’s career. Even though they were family, Griffith sold Haynes to the White Sox in January 1941 while Joe was dealing with arm issues.

Griffith made the deal only if Haynes could rehab his pitching arm. He put business first, even when it involved family.

But family ties still mattered. When Haynes got traded from the White Sox to Cleveland in 1948, Griffith sent Calvin Griffith to work out a deal with the Indians. That way, Haynes could return to Washington instead of playing for Bill Veeck, who Griffith didn’t care for.

Clark Griffith’s death in October 1955 changed things for both the team and the Haynes family.

Post-Retirement Career in Baseball

After he stopped playing in August 1952, Haynes stayed with the Senators as a pitching coach under manager Chuck Dressen. Dressen once called him one of the best pitching coaches he ever saw.

Players liked Haynes, even though he was married to the owner’s niece. He acted like “one of the boys,” and people respected that.

In 1955, Haynes took over as the Senators’ minor-league pitching instructor. By 1956, he moved into the front office as executive vice president. When the team moved to Minneapolis-St. Paul in 1961 and became the Minnesota Twins, he kept his role.

He worked for the Twins until his sudden death on January 6, 1967. He died while shoveling snow at his home in Hopkins, Minnesota.

Influence on Minnesota Franchise

Joe Haynes played a big part in the Senators’ move to Minnesota. As executive vice president, he helped guide the franchise through the relocation and those first years as the Twins.

His family kept the organization steady. After Haynes died, his widow Thelma Griffith Haynes continued as executive vice president, assistant treasurer, and part owner of the Twins until Carl Pohlad bought the team in 1985.

The Griffith family’s baseball legacy in Minnesota went beyond Joe. Thelma’s brothers Sherry, Jimmy, and Billy also worked for the team, keeping it in the family for over two decades.

Haynes was buried in Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Maryland. Even after all those years in Minnesota, his connection to Washington never really faded.

Death and Remembrance

Joe Haynes died suddenly on January 6, 1967, while shoveling snow at his home in Hopkins, Minnesota. His unexpected death shocked the baseball world and brought an end to his long career in the game, both on the field and in the front office.

Circumstances of Death

Haynes was just 49 when he died on a cold winter morning in Hopkins, Minnesota. He’d been shoveling snow outside his house when it happened.

At the time, Haynes was executive vice president of the Minnesota Twins. The team had moved from Washington, D.C. to Minnesota in 1961, and Haynes moved with them.

His death came out of nowhere. He’d been working in the Twins’ front office and seemed healthy before that day.

He left behind his wife Thelma Griffith Haynes and their teenage son Bruce. The family had him buried at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Maryland, keeping their roots close to where his baseball story began.

Impact on the Baseball Community

The baseball world lost a respected figure who went from player to executive with surprising success. Manager Chuck Dressen even said Haynes was one of the best pitching coaches he’d ever seen, which is really saying something.

His death closed out a 30-year run in professional baseball. Players liked Haynes because he treated everyone as equals, even though he was married to the team owner’s daughter.

The Minnesota Twins organization felt the loss of a key executive who helped guide the team as it moved from Washington. His widow, Thelma, stayed with the organization as executive vice president and part owner until Carl Pohlad bought the team in 1985.