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

Wally Westlake isn’t exactly a name you hear every day, but his decade in Major League Baseball is a pretty fascinating story. He played as a journeyman player through both good times and tough breaks in the years after World War II.

Born in Gridley, California, Westlake managed to build a solid career as a utility player from 1947 to 1956. He bounced around six teams and saw some of the sport’s most memorable moments during what many call baseball’s golden age.

Westlake retired from professional baseball in 1956. He played his final five games as a pinch hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies, capping off a ten-year run in the majors.

His baseball journey started with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He spent his most productive years there with home run legend Ralph Kiner, then made stops with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, and Baltimore Orioles before ending up in Philadelphia.

What really stands out about Westlake is how he adapted to so many different roles and teams. He pulled off rare feats like hitting for the cycle twice, played on the pennant-winning 1954 Cleveland Indians, and became a steady contributor during a time when baseball was changing fast after the war. His story isn’t one of superstardom, but he really was part of the backbone of America’s pastime during a pretty special era.

Early Life and Background

Wally Westlake grew up in Northern California during the 1920s and 1930s. His family’s focus on hard work and respect shaped who he was.

He really started to shine as an athlete in high school in Sacramento, which eventually opened the door to professional baseball back in 1940.

Family and Childhood in California

Waldon Thomas Westlake was born on November 8, 1920, in Gridley, California. Gridley was a small farm town that had been around since just after the Civil War.

His parents, Waldon Thomas Westlake Sr. and Helen Holland, came from English-Irish families who settled in Northern California in the 1880s.

The Westlakes lived by honest, hardworking values. They taught their four kids to treat people, property, and animals with respect.

Wally carried those lessons with him all through his baseball career.

When Wally turned six, the family moved to Sacramento. That move ended up being pretty important for his baseball development.

His younger brother Jim got into baseball too. Jim played in the minors and even had one at-bat with the Phillies on April 16, 1955.

As a kid, Wally loved fishing and hunting. Those hobbies reflected the family’s deep connection to California’s outdoors and their practical approach to life.

Christian Brothers High School and Amateur Baseball

Wally went to Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. That’s where his baseball skills really started to take off.

The school gave him the foundation he needed to grow as an athlete.

After he graduated, Westlake kept playing in the local American Legion League. Competing against other talented players in the area helped him get noticed.

His play in amateur baseball grabbed the attention of professional scouts.

That mix of natural talent and tough competition in Sacramento made him an appealing prospect for big league teams.

Entry into Professional Baseball

Scout Ted McGrew spotted Westlake’s potential and invited him to a Brooklyn Dodgers tryout in Fresno. That was the start of his pro baseball journey.

In 1940, Westlake signed as an amateur free agent with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He kicked off his pro career with the Elmira Pioneers, a Class A team in the Eastern League.

His first taste of pro ball wasn’t easy. He only played in one game and didn’t even get a plate appearance.

Later, Westlake admitted he felt outmatched and just wanted to go home.

But instead of quitting, he finished out 1940 with Dayton in the Class C Mid-Atlantic League. He played 30 games, hit two homers, and batted .176.

The numbers weren’t great, but he started to feel more at home at that level.

In 1941, Westlake played the whole season with the Merced Bears of the California League. He made a big leap, hitting .265 with 18 home runs and 85 RBIs over 136 games.

That performance earned him a promotion to Class AA with the Oakland Oaks in 1942.

Minor League Development

Westlake spent several years working his way up through the minors. He really grew as a player with the Oakland Oaks in the Pacific Coast League.

Casey Stengel managed the Oaks and helped Westlake sharpen his skills as a hitter and outfielder.

Stint with the Oakland Oaks and Pacific Coast League

Westlake joined the Oakland Oaks in 1942. He played 169 games that year, hit .268 with 7 homers and 57 RBIs.

The PCL was a tough league. A lot of players saw it as the last stop before the majors.

After serving in the military, Westlake came back to the Oaks in 1946. By then, the league had moved up to Triple-A status.

He put up his best minor league numbers that season.

Westlake hit .315 with 7 home runs and 57 RBIs in 1946. The Oaks finished second, just four games behind the San Francisco Seals.

Oakland made it to the PCL championship, but San Francisco beat them four games to two.

His strong year caught the eye of Pirates GM Ray L. Kennedy. Pittsburgh bought Westlake’s contract in September 1946 for cash and three players.

Military Service and Postwar Return

World War II put Westlake’s baseball career on hold from 1943 to 1945. He served in the military, though he never left California.

Westlake later called himself a “Broadway” soldier.

That three-year gap could have thrown him off. A lot of players struggled to get back in shape after the war.

Westlake was already 26 when he returned to baseball in 1946.

He married Rosie Bier during those years. By the time he got back to pro ball, they had one child.

Key Influences and Mentors

Casey Stengel managed the Oaks during Westlake’s 1946 season. Stengel, who’d go on to be known as the “Old Professor,” had a huge influence on Westlake.

Westlake said Stengel taught him more about baseball than anyone else.

“There wasn’t a move that any player made that Old Case didn’t see and talk about afterward,” Westlake said.

Stengel helped him improve both his hitting and fielding. He pushed players not to repeat mistakes and to pay attention to the little things.

“A smart kid never made the same mistake twice. You just can’t help but listen to him,” Westlake remembered.

That guidance got Westlake ready for his big league debut in 1947.

Major League Career Overview

Wally Westlake played ten seasons in Major League Baseball from 1947 to 1956. He became known as a reliable power hitter who moved between six teams.

He started off strong in Pittsburgh and even made an All-Star team, hitting 127 home runs in close to 1,000 games.

Rookie Season with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Westlake debuted in the majors on April 15, 1947, at age 26 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He quickly made a name for himself as a real power threat in the National League.

In his rookie year, he hit 17 home runs and knocked in 69 RBIs with a .273 batting average.

People around the league took notice. By late April 1947, Westlake had actually hit more home runs than veteran teammate Hank Greenberg, with three to Greenberg’s two.

The Pirates had moved Forbes Field’s left field fence 30 feet closer that season, creating “Greenberg Gardens.” That change definitely helped Westlake and teammate Ralph Kiner.

Westlake’s hot start got the attention of Brooklyn Dodgers boss Branch Rickey, who reportedly wanted to trade for him. Pittsburgh didn’t let him go.

Position Versatility and Team Contributions

Westlake showed a lot of versatility, playing multiple positions well. He mostly played outfield but also filled in at third base and sometimes served as a pinch hitter or pinch runner.

Managers liked having him around because he could do a bit of everything. That flexibility turned out to be a big reason he stuck around, especially as he moved between teams later on.

Westlake stood 6’0″ and weighed 186 pounds. He batted and threw right-handed, which worked for both corner outfield spots and some infield.

His willingness to play wherever the team needed him helped extend his career. Teams liked that he could fill different roles and still hit.

After 1951, his journeyman status really showed as he switched teams more often. Back then, teams traded players a lot to cover specific needs.

Notable Teammates and Managers

Westlake played with some legendary names in Pittsburgh. Ralph Kiner was a teammate and called Westlake “the most underrated player on the team.”

Hank Greenberg mentored him during his rookie year. Greenberg’s experience helped Westlake adjust to big league pitching.

Casey Stengel had managed him in the minors and gave him a solid foundation. Westlake credited Stengel with teaching him the fundamentals.

Billy Meyer managed the Pirates during Westlake’s best years from 1948-1950. Under Meyer, Westlake put up some of his top stats.

Branch Rickey eventually became Pirates GM and traded Westlake to St. Louis in 1951. Even so, Rickey always saw Westlake’s value.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Westlake hit some cool milestones in his ten years. He made the All-Star team in 1951, which was a big personal achievement.

He also hit for the cycle twice, which is pretty rare. The first time was July 30, 1948, in a 10-5 win over Brooklyn. He did it again on June 14, 1949, against Boston.

His best year was 1949, when he hit 23 home runs, drove in 104 RBIs, and batted .282. That season really showed what he could do offensively.

Westlake finished with 127 home runs and 539 RBIs in 958 games. He had a career batting average of .272 and totaled 848 hits in 3,496 at-bats.

The highlight of his later years was playing for the 1954 Cleveland team that won the American League and reached the World Series. Westlake always said that was the best part of his career.

Team-by-Team Journey

Westlake’s career took him through six organizations. He had his biggest moments with the Cardinals and Indians.

His journey shows both the challenges of moving around and the thrill of playing for a pennant winner.

St. Louis Cardinals and All-Star Recognition

Westlake joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 1951 after four seasons in Pittsburgh. That move really put him in the spotlight.

He made his only All-Star team in 1951 with the Cardinals. The National League picked him for his solid play as a utility guy who could handle outfield and third base.

His flexibility made him a good fit in St. Louis. Westlake spent parts of two seasons there, from 1951 to 1952.

That Cardinals stint marked the peak of his personal recognition. Making the All-Star team kind of proved he belonged in the big leagues.

Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles

After leaving St. Louis, Westlake’s career took on a nomadic feel. He joined the Cincinnati Reds for a brief stint in 1952, then moved on again.

He didn’t stay long with any of these teams, but he adapted quickly. Each club saw his versatility and used him as a utility player, plugging him into different spots as needed.

The Philadelphia Phillies became his last stop in 1956. That year wrapped up his major league journey after a solid decade in pro baseball.

The Baltimore Orioles also called on him in 1955. These frequent moves really highlighted how utility players bounced around back then.

Cleveland Indians Pennant Run

Westlake found his greatest team success with the Cleveland Indians from 1952 to 1955. The Indians gave him his only taste of championship-level baseball.

The 1954 season stood out for both him and the Indians. Cleveland rolled to a 111-43 record and snagged the American League pennant, though the World Series slipped away to the New York Giants.

Westlake chipped in as a steady utility man for that historic team. The 1954 Indians set an American League record for wins that stuck around for decades.

That run in Cleveland was the closest he ever got to a World Series title. The Indians’ success made him part of one of the most memorable regular seasons in baseball.

He stayed with Cleveland through 1955, then finished his career elsewhere. In the end, he became the last surviving member of that legendary 1954 Indians squad.

Statistical Achievements and Playing Style

Wally Westlake put up some impressive offensive numbers over his ten-year Major League career, spanning 1947 to 1956. His power hitting and steady batting average made him valuable for several teams, especially during his best years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Batting Average and Hitting Metrics

Westlake kept his hitting pretty consistent. As a rookie in 1947, he finished with a .273 average for the Pirates.

He bumped it up to .285 in 1948, then matched that again in 1950. His best year at the plate came in 1949, when he hit .282 and drove in 104 runs.

He showed off solid plate discipline and contact skills. Twice, he hit for the cycle—first on July 30, 1948, and then again on June 14, 1949.

His knack for making contact helped him remain a steady offensive presence. Even as his career wound down, his batting averages stayed respectable, showing off his fundamentally sound approach.

Home Runs, RBIs, and Power Numbers

Westlake brought real pop to National League lineups. He hit 17 homers as a rookie in 1947, then repeated that mark in 1948.

His biggest power year came in 1950, when he belted 24 home runs. In 1949, he hit 23, keeping his power numbers strong through his prime with Pittsburgh.

Career Power Statistics:

• 1947: 17 home runs, 69 RBIs
• 1948: 17 home runs, 65 RBIs
• 1949: 23 home runs, 104 RBIs
• 1950: 24 home runs, 95 RBIs

That 104 RBIs in 1949 set his personal best. Those numbers helped him stand out as one of the Pirates’ most dependable run producers during their competitive years.

OPS, WAR, and Advanced Statistics

Westlake played before advanced stats became the norm, but his slugging and on-base numbers still showed his value. In 1951, before the trade to St. Louis, he posted a .569 slugging percentage.

His blend of power and average made him a solid offensive asset. Given his reliable home run and RBI production, he clearly contributed above-average offense during his best seasons.

He could handle multiple positions, which added defensive value to his bat. Mainly an outfielder, he also filled in at third base when teams needed him.

Teams often traded for him because of this versatility and production, especially during his Pittsburgh days.

Defensive and Offensive Contributions

Westlake mostly played outfield and third base. His defensive versatility gave managers options for shifting lineups.

Writers at the time pointed out his steady glove work. Back in high school at Sacramento’s Christian Brothers, he made “several outstanding plays in the field,” and those skills carried over to the pros.

He brought more than just numbers to the offense. Ralph Kiner once called him “the most underrated player on the team” when they played together in Pittsburgh.

Westlake’s mix of power and defensive reliability made him a well-rounded player. He drove in runs and handled multiple positions, showing his overall value during his decade in the majors.

Historical Impact and Noteworthy Moments

Wally Westlake left his stamp on baseball history with rare batting feats and trades that shifted the fortunes of several teams. His career overlapped with some of the sport’s biggest names and major turning points, especially during baseball’s integration era.

Hitting for the Cycle Milestones

Twice, Westlake pulled off one of baseball’s rarest tricks while with the Pittsburgh Pirates. On July 30, 1948, he hit for the cycle in a 10-5 win over the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Less than a year later, on June 14, 1949, he did it again. The New York Times wrote, “Wally Westlake scored practically a one man victory tonight as he rapped a homer, a triple and a ninth inning double to lead the Pirates to a 4-3 victory over the Braves.”

That put him in pretty exclusive company—just the third Pirates player to hit for the cycle more than once, joining Hall of Famers Fred Clarke and Arky Vaughan.

A cycle means hitting a single, double, triple, and homer in the same game. Not many players ever do it, even once. Westlake managed it twice in less than a year, which really says something about his hitting and his knack for big moments.

Significant Trades and Transitions

The biggest trade of Westlake’s career went down on June 15, 1951. Pittsburgh shipped him and pitcher Cliff Chambers to the St. Louis Cardinals for five players: Howie Pollet, Joe Garagiola, Bill Howerton, Ted Wilks, and Dick Cole.

At that point, Westlake was having a great season—16 homers, 45 RBIs, and a .282 average. He later admitted the trade hit him hard mentally.

He kept bouncing around after that. The Cardinals later sent Westlake and Eddie Kazak to the Cincinnati Reds for Dick Sisler and Virgil Stallcup. The New York World Telegram joked that travel costs were low since both teams happened to be in New York that day.

Trades like these were just part of life for players in the 1950s. Westlake ended up playing for six teams in his last six seasons.

Interactions with Baseball Legends

Westlake broke in as a rookie in 1947, right as baseball was changing forever. He played alongside Hank Greenberg, the National League’s first $100,000 man coming out of retirement for the Pirates.

He watched Greenberg mentor Jackie Robinson during those early days of integration. Greenberg, who knew about prejudice firsthand, became one of Robinson’s strongest allies as baseball’s color barrier finally crumbled.

Westlake also struck up a friendship with Ralph Kiner, his roommate and biggest backer. Kiner often called Westlake “the most underrated player on the team” and praised his impact on the Pirates.

Key Relationships:

• Hank Greenberg: Mentor and teammate who taught him about facing prejudice
• Ralph Kiner: Roommate and supporter who defended his abilities
• Jackie Robinson: Witnessed historic integration moments through Greenberg’s support

Breaking Barriers and Baseball History

Westlake played through the shift from segregation to integration in baseball. He saw racism and anti-Semitism up close, and his stories offer a window into the sport’s changes.

Branch Rickey, first with the Dodgers and later as Pittsburgh’s GM, really valued Westlake. Rickey even wanted to trade for him back in his Brooklyn days, seeing him as a player who could help any team.

The 1954 World Series brought another milestone. Westlake, then with Cleveland, played in one of baseball’s biggest upsets as the Indians lost to the Giants. After teammate Hal Naragon passed away, Westlake became the last living member of that Indians team.

He lived a long life, making it to 98. In a way, he bridged baseball’s past and present, carrying memories from one of the sport’s most transformative eras.

Life after Baseball and Legacy

After his decade in the majors, Wally Westlake moved on to construction and business, earning respect for his work ethic and his impact on the community. His post-baseball years stretched over four decades and showed the same drive he brought to the field.

Retirement and Personal Reflections

Westlake retired from pro ball in 1956 and went back to California, ready for something new. He worked at several big companies, including Tidewater Oil and Larchmont Homes, in his early retirement.

Aerojet kept him busy for 10 years, and he spent another 16 at Teichert Construction. Those jobs gave him a stable second career and let him stay close to his California roots.

He never lost his love for the outdoors. Fishing and hunting, which he’d enjoyed since he was a kid in Northern California, remained important throughout his retirement. Those hobbies gave him peace and focus, just like baseball once did.

He lived to 98, passing away in 2019. At the time, he was the last surviving member of the 1954 American League champion Cleveland Indians team.

Honors and Recognition in Later Life

Decades after his playing days, Westlake finally got some formal recognition. In 1974, he entered the Sacramento Hall of Fame, a nod to the city where he’d spent so much of his youth.

That honor came 18 years after he left pro baseball. It recognized both his big league achievements and his roots in Sacramento, where his family had moved when he was just six.

Getting into the Hall of Fame marked a big moment in keeping his legacy alive in California baseball history. Sacramento played a huge part in his development, serving as the place where he played American Legion ball and first caught the eye of pro scouts.

His Hall of Fame status helped cement his place among Sacramento’s notable athletes. Around that time, plenty of his peers were also getting similar honors back home.

Influence on Future Generations

Westlake’s career really showed what perseverance and adaptability can look like in pro sports. He bounced between six different teams in his last six seasons, proving that players could keep their careers alive even with constant changes.

He played with legends like Hank Greenberg and Ralph Kiner, which gave him some great stories and insights to pass on to younger folks. While he was with the Pirates, he saw Greenberg mentor Jackie Robinson, and he experienced the tough realities of baseball’s integration himself.

After baseball, he didn’t just fade away. He jumped into construction and business for forty years, showing that athletes can thrive in new fields. That discipline and work ethic from his playing days really paid off.

Westlake stood out as one of the last surviving members of the 1954 Indians, making him a living connection to baseball’s golden era. Living to 98, he saw the game change from the 1940s all the way to the modern era.