Wally Post – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

When Walter Charles “Wally” Post decided to step away from professional baseball in May 1964, he left a 15-year career that took him from a small Ohio farm to the bright lights of Major League Baseball stadiums. Post officially retired from Major League Baseball in 1964 after his final appearance with the Cleveland Indians on May 9, 1964, closing out a career that stretched from 1949 to 1964 and included 210 home runs and 699 RBIs.

The right-handed slugger from St. Henry, Ohio, became one of the most feared power hitters of his era, especially during his prime with the Cincinnati Reds.

Post’s journey from a shy farm boy who didn’t play organized baseball until high school to a major league star is honestly one of baseball’s best success stories from the 1950s and early 1960s.

From his explosive debut as a teenager to his final at-bat against the New York Yankees, Post’s career was full of towering home runs, clutch moments, and a dedication to the game that never seemed to waver.

His story isn’t just about stats or highlight reels, but also about the struggles and victories that shaped his playing days and his life after he hung up his cleats.

Early Life and Path to Baseball

Walter Charles Post started his journey to Major League Baseball in rural Mercer County, Ohio.

He realized his athletic potential as a teenager, and his transformation from a late-starting high school player to a professional pitcher, then to a power-hitting outfielder, set his path toward the big leagues.

Family Background in Wendelin, Ohio

Walter Charles Post was born on July 9, 1929, in Granville Township, Mercer County, Ohio.

He grew up in the unincorporated community of Wendelin, but he always considered nearby St. Henry his hometown.

Post was the sixth of nine kids born to Mary Brunswick and Frank B. Post.

His father worked as a farmer in rural Ohio, right on the Ohio-Indiana state line, about halfway between Cincinnati and the Michigan border.

The Post family lived a typical farm life during the Great Depression.

As a child, Wally went to a one-room schoolhouse in Wendelin, where he first played softball with local kids.

His older brother, Eddie Post, also showed baseball talent, and the two later became teammates in both high school and the minor leagues.

The Post brothers grew up in a tight-knit farming community where baseball was both a pastime and a chance to do something bigger.

High School Years at St. Henry

Post didn’t play organized baseball until he started as a freshman at St. Henry High School.

Even with that late start, his natural abilities stood out right away under coach Charles Karcher.

During his freshman year, Post smashed his first memorable home run in a game against Houston, Ohio.

Coach Karcher remembered the moment: “There was an embankment in left field that led to the highway. Nobody ever hit a ball out there. Wally did… He got all of it. It went about 400 feet.”

Wally and his brother Eddie made up the heart of St. Henry’s baseball team.

They switched off pitching, with one brother playing first base when the other was on the mound.

That setup really showed both brothers’ versatility.

Karcher described Post as “a shy boy, pleasant, quick smile” and “unassuming, the kind of kid you want to know and be around.”

Post grew from 5’9″ and 165 pounds as a freshman to 5’11” and 190 pounds by his junior year.

The Post brothers led St. Henry to the 1945 Division III state championship game, but they lost to Plainville 9-8.

Wally hit two home runs in the title game, both inside-the-park shots since there were no outfield fences.

Transition from Minor League Pitcher to Outfielder

The Cincinnati Reds signed 16-year-old Post to a pro contract before the 1946 season.

They assigned him to Middletown of the Class D Ohio State League, where he started out as a pitcher.

Post’s pitching debut didn’t go great, and he lost his only decision in 1946.

The next year, playing for the Muncie Reds, he improved a ton, finishing with a 17-7 record and a 3.33 ERA.

His brother Eddie joined him in Muncie, putting up a 19-8 record and a 2.02 ERA.

Future major leaguer Joe Nuxhall played with them that year, but honestly, both Post brothers outpitched him.

Sadly, Eddie hurt his arm and never made it to the majors, while Wally’s career just kept moving upward.

In 1948, Post moved up to the Columbia Reds in the Class A South Atlantic League.

The organization decided to switch him from pitcher to outfielder, seeing more potential in his bat than his pitching.

That decision turned out to be a turning point for Post.

His strong bat and arm fit perfectly in the outfield, and this move set him up for his big league debut in 1949.

Major League Debut and Teams

Wally Post started his Major League Baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds on September 18, 1949, at just 20 years old.

He played for four different teams over 15 seasons, spending most of his career with the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Redlegs, then moving on to the Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, and Cleveland Indians.

Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Redlegs

Post made his major league debut at Crosley Field on September 18, 1949.

He entered a tie game against the Boston Braves in the bottom of the ninth as a pinch runner for Danny Litwhiler and was on base when Virgil Stallcup knocked in the winning run.

The early years weren’t easy for the young outfielder.

Post bounced back and forth between the majors and minors from 1949 to 1953, playing for teams like Tulsa, Buffalo, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis, and sometimes appearing for Cincinnati.

Career Stabilization

In 1954, Post finally stuck as a full-time major leaguer.

He started a ten-year run in the big leagues without another trip back to the minors.

Post quickly became one of Cincinnati’s top power hitters.

In 1955, he put together one of his best seasons, with 40 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .309 batting average.

The next year, he hit 36 home runs and helped Cincinnati tie the MLB team record with 221 home runs.

He wasn’t just about offense, either.

Post led National League right fielders in assists in both 1954 and 1959, and in putouts in 1955.

Philadelphia Phillies Era

On December 16, 1957, the Cincinnati Reds traded Post to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Harvey Haddix.

That trade really changed the course of his career.

Post spent a little over two seasons with the Phillies, and honestly, it was a rough patch for him.

The team struggled and spent most of his time there at the bottom of the National League standings.

Performance in Philadelphia

Even on a losing team, Post kept showing off his power-hitting skills.

He played for the Phillies from 1958 through part of 1960.

The Philadelphia chapter of his career ended on June 15, 1960, when the Phillies traded him back to Cincinnati along with minor leaguer Fred Hopke for Tony González and Lee Walls.

Stint with Minnesota Twins

Post’s time with the Minnesota Twins was short.

On May 16, 1963, the Cincinnati Reds sold him to the Twins after his productivity started to dip.

The 1963 season in Minnesota didn’t go well for the veteran outfielder.

Post played just 21 games for the Twins and couldn’t recapture his old form.

Short-Lived Tenure

His stay in Minnesota lasted less than six months.

The Twins released Post on October 25, 1963, ending his time with the club.

At this point, Post’s major league career was winding down, and his power numbers had definitely dropped from his prime.

Final Season with Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians signed Post as a free agent on November 15, 1963, giving him one more shot at the majors.

That last season was brief.

He played only five games for Cleveland in 1964 before his major league career came to a close.

His final game happened on May 9, 1964, at age 34, at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

In the bottom of the sixth inning against the New York Yankees, Post pinch-hit for Pedro Ramos and flew out to right field off pitcher Whitey Ford.

A week later, the Indians released him, ending his 15-season Major League Baseball career.

Post played 27 games for the Syracuse Chiefs in the Class AAA International League before calling it a career.

Career Highlights and Accolades

Wally Post made his mark as one of baseball’s most feared power hitters over his 15-year MLB career.

He hit 210 home runs and showed off strong defensive skills as a right fielder.

His best years came in the mid-1950s, when he was a steady offensive force with solid batting averages and RBI numbers.

Power Hitting and Home Runs

Post’s reputation as a home run hitter hit its peak with the Cincinnati Reds.

In 1955, he blasted 40 home runs, drove in 109 runs, and hit .309.

The next year, he added 36 home runs to Cincinnati’s record-tying 221 team homers in 1956, matching the MLB record for most homers by a club in a season.

Post didn’t just hit a lot of home runs, he hit them far.

He became famous for hitting the “Hit Sign Win Suit” billboard beyond Crosley Field’s left field wall so often that he actually won free suits from a local laundry.

His longest shot was estimated at 569 feet, smashing into the scoreboard clock at Busch Stadium in St. Louis in 1961.

Among Cincinnati Reds players, Post ranks as one of the franchise’s top power hitters.

Only 10 players in team history have hit more than his 172 home runs as a Red.

Role as Right Fielder

Post played excellent defense as a right fielder throughout his career.

He led National League right fielders in assists in 1954 and 1959, showing off a strong arm and accuracy.

In 1955, he also led NL right fielders in putouts.

Post kept up that high level of play for years, ranking among the top three in assists for six seasons straight.

That mix of power and defense made him a valuable two-way player.

His fielding really backed up his hitting, and he contributed a lot both at the plate and out in right.

Productive Seasons and Batting Achievements

Post finished his career with a .266 batting average across 1,204 games.

He knocked in 699 runs batted in, showing he could drive in runs year after year.

Post also came through in the postseason.

During the 1961 World Series, he batted .333 against the New York Yankees, picking up six hits in 18 at-bats, with one home run and two RBIs in all five games.

His 1955 season stands out as his best all-around year, with a .309 average, 40 home runs, and 109 RBIs—career highs in each category.

That performance put him among the National League’s top power hitters in the mid-1950s.

Fans recognized his outstanding 1957 season and voted him as an All-Star starter, although Commissioner Ford Frick later removed him from the team because of voting issues.

All-Star Appearances and Notable Games

Wally Post’s career included both triumph and controversy when it came to All-Star selections, plus some unforgettable performances at iconic ballparks.

His partnership with Frank Robinson formed one of baseball’s scariest power-hitting duos in the late 1950s.

1957 All-Star Game and Ballot Controversy

Post landed in the middle of baseball history during the 1957 All-Star Game selection.

That year, Cincinnati Reds fans stuffed the ballot boxes, voting eight Reds players as National League starters.

Post was picked as the starting right fielder, but Commissioner Ford Frick intervened because of the voting irregularities.

He replaced three Reds players in the starting lineup, including Post.

Frick’s replacements included:

• Hank Aaron (right field)
• Willie Mays (center field)
• Stan Musial (first base)

The controversy exposed flaws in the fan voting system.

Post had been hitting well that season, so his removal stung.

That incident led to changes in how All-Star voting worked.

People still remember it as the “Cincinnati Stuffing” scandal.

First Home Run at Dodger Stadium

Post made his mark at the brand-new Dodger Stadium during its inaugural 1962 season. The modern ballpark in Los Angeles felt like a fresh start for the franchise.

He smashed a memorable home run at the new venue. That blast really showed off his power in one of baseball’s newest stadiums.

Dodger Stadium’s dimensions seemed to favor pitchers more than hitters. Post’s home run there proved his strength as a power hitter.

The stadium would become iconic in baseball history. Post’s early success there definitely added to his reputation as a dangerous hitter in any ballpark.

Dynamic Duo with Frank Robinson

Post and Frank Robinson teamed up as a pretty devastating power combination for the Cincinnati Reds. Together, those two sluggers gave National League pitchers plenty of headaches.

Robinson joined the Reds in 1956 as a rookie. Post had already established himself as the team’s right fielder and power threat.

Their combined impact:

• Both hit 35+ home runs in multiple seasons
• Created protection for each other in the lineup
• Helped Cincinnati become a feared offensive team

The duo’s best years came during the late 1950s. They gave the Reds consistent power from both sides of the plate.

Robinson’s presence let Post see better pitches. Pitchers couldn’t pitch around one without having to face the other.

Legacy with the Cincinnati Reds

Post made his biggest mark on baseball during his years with the Cincinnati Reds. He became one of the franchise’s most powerful hitters.

His induction into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1965 recognized his lasting impact on the organization.

Impact on 1961 Pennant Winning Team

Post played a crucial role in the Reds’ 1961 National League pennant-winning season. He was a key part of the team that brought the franchise its first pennant since 1940.

During the 1961 World Series against the Yankees, Post showed off his clutch hitting. He slugged .556 in the series, flashing the power that made him one of Cincinnati’s most feared hitters.

He and Frank Robinson formed a formidable power-hitting tandem throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. That duo helped define an era of Cincinnati baseball and set the offensive foundation for the team’s success.

Post’s contributions went beyond just numbers. His steady power and veteran leadership helped stabilize the Reds’ lineup during their championship run.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Induction

The Cincinnati Reds inducted Post into their Hall of Fame in 1965, just a year after he retired. That quick recognition really showed the impact he made during his time with the team.

Post earned his Hall of Fame spot as one of the most prolific power hitters in Reds history. He hit 210 career home runs and drove in 699 runs, making him a fan favorite for years.

The ceremony honored not just his stats but also his role in the 1961 pennant victory. Post’s legacy with the Reds was cemented by his knack for coming through in big moments and his loyalty to the organization.

His Hall of Fame status means future generations of Cincinnati fans will know about his contributions to the team’s rich baseball history.

Life After Retirement and Personal Legacy

Post went back to his hometown of St. Henry, Ohio, where he worked as an officer at his father-in-law’s Minster Canning Company. He stayed closely connected to his baseball community.

His life wasn’t without tragedy. He lost his first wife in 1980, and then cancer took him at just 52 in 1982. His nephew Bobby Hoying would later find his own success as an NFL quarterback.

Family and Community Connections

When Post’s major league career ended in 1964, he returned to St. Henry, Ohio, where he’d grown up. He took a job as an officer at Minster Canning Company, which belonged to his father-in-law, Luke Beckman.

Post married Dorothy Jean Beckman on January 29, 1949, in St. Henry. Their marriage lasted over 30 years, until Dorothy’s death on January 18, 1980.

She was known as “Pat” to friends and family. That nickname stuck with her for life.

Community involvement stayed important to Post after baseball. The new high school in St. Henry even named its athletic facilities “The Wally Post Sports Complex.”

For several years, Post organized charity golf outings to benefit the local cancer society. His former teammate Joe Nuxhall usually acted as the emcee for these events.

Post kept close friendships with his baseball buddies, especially Nuxhall. “He was just an easy-going regular guy,” Nuxhall once said.

Their families visited each other often, and Post liked to attend winter baseball banquets in Cincinnati.

After Dorothy’s death, Post remarried on November 21, 1981, to Pat Hauer Cahill in Mercer County.

Battle with Cancer and Passing

In late 1981, Post started having health problems that led to several hospital stays. Doctors diagnosed him with cancer, and he went through treatment during the last months of his life.

Post died on January 6, 1982, at one of his son’s homes in St. Henry. He was only 52.

His obituary said he was survived by his second wife Pat, four daughters, three sons, and nine grandchildren. Some of those kids were probably stepchildren from his second marriage.

They buried Post in St. Henry Catholic Church Cemetery. He shares a tombstone with his first wife Dorothy, and both of their nicknames—“Wally” and “Pat”—are inscribed below their names.

He passed away just two years after losing his first wife. Those last years had to be especially tough for him.

Relations to Bobby Hoying and NFL Links

Post’s athletic legacy stretched beyond baseball, thanks to his family’s ties to professional football. His nephew, Bobby Hoying, actually made it to the NFL as a quarterback in the 1990s.

Hoying took snaps at Ohio State University and then the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 1996. He also spent some time playing for the Oakland Raiders.

It’s pretty fascinating to see that connection between Post and Hoying, right? Two different pro sports in one family—kind of rare these days.

Post left his mark in Major League Baseball, while Hoying found his place on NFL fields. Both guys grew up in Ohio and ended up achieving professional success, just in totally different sports.

The Post family really contributed to both baseball and football, each making their impact in different decades of American sports.