Wes Westrum – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Wes Westrum wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1957 after 11 seasons as one of the best defensive catchers around. He grew up in rural Minnesota and stuck with the New York Giants for his entire big league run, becoming a key part of their 1950s success.

His journey from a tiny farming town to the bright lights of the Polo Grounds really shows what determination and skill can do. It’s one of those baseball stories that sticks with you.

Westrum hung up his cleats after the 1957 season. Instead of following the Giants to San Francisco as a backup, he decided to jump into coaching. Sure, his .217 career batting average might not pop out, but his defensive excellence and knack for clutch hits made him crucial to those championship Giants teams.

He caught every game of the 1954 World Series when the Giants swept the Cleveland Indians. Back in 1950, he set a National League record with a .999 fielding percentage.

Let’s take a look at how Westrum’s early life shaped his baseball journey, the defensive skills that made his name, and how he transitioned into coaching and managing. His story really gives a glimpse into the tough life of catchers back then, when the position was a lot more dangerous than it is now.

Early Life and Background

Wes Westrum was born on November 28, 1922, in Clearbrook, Minnesota. Northern Minnesota’s sports culture and the Great Depression shaped his early years, pushing him toward professional baseball as a way to help out his family.

Birthplace and Childhood

Wesley Noreen Westrum grew up in Clearbrook, a small rural community in the northwest part of Minnesota. His childhood wasn’t easy—his father died young, at just 37, leaving the family in a tough spot financially.

Westrum loved sports early on. He spent his youth playing football, basketball, and baseball. The harsh winters and outdoor life in rural Minnesota toughened him up.

“Spent all my youth in all the sports,” Westrum once said. “My father died at an early age. Baseball was the quickest way to help the family.”

Money was tight, so professional baseball seemed like the smartest path. Even as a teenager, Westrum realized his athletic skills could help support his family during those rough Depression years.

High School and Early Baseball Experience

At Clearbrook High School, Westrum played football, basketball, and baseball—and he excelled at all three. College scouts noticed his versatility, and for a while, he was actually a better football player than a baseball player during his high school days.

His baseball skills stood out so much that he got his first pro shot while still in high school. In 1940, as a junior, he played for the Crookston Pirates in the Class D Northern League.

That was pretty unusual for high schoolers back then. But it did cost him his college football future. “I was a better football player and had a scholarship to Minnesota,” Westrum said. “Played pro baseball while in high school so I couldn’t go.”

After high school, he went to Bemidji State Teachers College for a year and played basketball. The school didn’t have a baseball program at that time—it wouldn’t get one until 1952.

Military Service During World War II

Like a lot of young men from his generation, Westrum’s early career got interrupted by World War II. He put it simply: “Uncle Sam got me,” describing how his college basketball career at Bemidji State ended.

His military service put his baseball career on hold for several years. Plenty of ballplayers from that era had to pause their careers for the war.

Records don’t show much about his specific service, but that was pretty common for athletes in the 1940s. Most had to put their careers on ice to serve in the armed forces.

When the war wrapped up, Westrum was ready to chase his baseball dreams full-time. His time in the military probably made him tougher, both physically and mentally—qualities that would help him as a major league catcher.

Major League Baseball Career with the New York Giants

Wes Westrum spent his entire 11-year MLB career with the New York Giants from 1947 to 1957. He built his reputation as one of the top defensive catchers of his era.

He played big roles in the Giants’ 1951 and 1954 World Series runs and set defensive records that stuck around for a while.

Debut and Early Seasons

Westrum made his major league debut on September 17, 1947, at 24, facing the Chicago Cubs. He went 2-for-4 in his first game, making an immediate impact.

The Giants called him up after he tore it up with the Minneapolis Millers, hitting .294 with 22 home runs and 87 RBIs in the minors.

His rookie season in 1948 didn’t go so smoothly. He hit just .160 in 125 at-bats as the backup to veteran catcher Walker Cooper.

The Giants sent him back to the minors in 1949, down to Jersey City. There, he hit .308 with 15 home runs in just 51 games.

That got him another call-up in June 1949. The Giants had traded Cooper to Cincinnati, so Westrum stepped in behind the plate.

Becoming the Starting Catcher

Westrum claimed the starting catcher spot in 1950 and quickly made a name for himself. He caught 139 games that season and became one of the Giants’ main offensive threats behind the plate.

His power numbers shot up. He hit 23 home runs, second only to Bobby Thomson’s 25, and drove in 71 runs, even though he batted just .236.

Westrum always showed great discipline at the plate. In 1950, he drew 92 walks—fourth in the National League—and put up a .371 on-base percentage.

His best day came on June 24, 1950, against Cincinnati at the Polo Grounds. He went 4-for-4 with three homers and a triple, scoring five runs in a 12-2 blowout.

Even though his batting average stayed low, Westrum brought real power. He finished his career with 96 home runs and 315 RBIs, batting .217 overall.

Key Contributions to the 1951 and 1954 World Series

The 1951 season was Westrum’s best, as the Giants pulled off a wild comeback to win the National League pennant. He caught 122 games during their charge from 13 games back to overtake the Brooklyn Dodgers.

August 12, 1951, became “Wes Westrum Day” at the Polo Grounds. The Giants started a 14-game win streak that day, closing the gap on the Dodgers.

Westrum caught all six games of the 1951 World Series against the Yankees. The Giants lost, but he anchored the defense throughout.

He contributed offensively during the pennant race, too. He hit 20 home runs and drove in 70 runs with just 79 hits, showing he could deliver in the clutch.

In 1954, Westrum helped the Giants reach another World Series. He caught every inning of their four-game sweep over the Cleveland Indians, earning his second championship shot.

Defensive Achievements and Records

Westrum’s defensive skills really defined his career. In 1950, he set a National League record for catchers with a .999 fielding percentage.

He made just one error in 680 chances that year. That performance set a new standard for defensive excellence among NL catchers.

Career Defensive Highlights:

• 1950: Set NL record with .999 fielding percentage
• 1952-1953: National League All-Star both seasons
• Known for calling a great game behind the plate

Teammates and opponents respected Westrum’s defensive game. He managed pitchers well and shut down the running game, making himself essential to the Giants.

He played through plenty of pain, too. Westrum broke eight fingers during his career but kept going, always putting the team first.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Wes Westrum racked up some impressive milestones during his 11 years with the New York Giants. Two All-Star nods, a National League fielding record, and a big role in the Giants’ 1954 World Series title top the list.

All-Star Selections

Westrum made the National League All-Star team in 1952 and 1953. Those honors reflected his defensive skills and his importance to the Giants during the early ‘50s.

He earned those All-Star spots during his peak years as the Giants’ main catcher. Even with a low batting average, his defense kept him among the league’s best.

Batting and Home Run Records

Westrum finished with a .217 career average, 96 home runs, and 315 RBIs in 920 games. The average wasn’t great, but he packed a punch at the plate.

His most memorable day came on June 24, 1950, against Cincinnati at the Polo Grounds. Westrum went 4-for-4 with three home runs and a triple, scoring five times in a 12-2 win.

That year, he hit 23 home runs—second on the team—and drew 92 walks, ranking fourth in the National League with a .371 on-base percentage.

Significant Moments and Recognitions

Westrum set a National League record in 1950 for catchers with a .999 fielding percentage. He made just one error in 680 chances while catching 139 games, which really highlighted his defensive excellence.

He played a key part in the Giants’ 1954 World Series win, catching every game as they swept the Indians. That was the franchise’s first World Series title since 1933.

Westrum also caught all six games of the Giants’ 1951 World Series against the Yankees, anchoring the defense during that memorable pennant run.

Retirement from Playing in 1957

Wes Westrum’s playing days ended in 1957 after one last season with the New York Giants. He served as a backup catcher during the team’s final year in New York, then decided to retire rather than follow the franchise to San Francisco.

Final Season with the Giants

Westrum played a smaller role in 1957, appearing in just 63 games as a backup. Bill Sarni handled most of the catching that year, with Valmy Thomas also splitting time behind the plate.

His numbers dipped—he batted just .165, one of his lowest marks. Still, his defense and experience kept him valuable to the team.

That season meant a lot, since it was the Giants’ last in New York. Westrum started behind the plate for the final game at the Polo Grounds on September 29, 1957. He caught Johnny Antonelli in that historic game.

Decision to Retire

After the Giants moved to San Francisco, Westrum had a choice to make. Instead of heading west and continuing as a backup, he decided to step away from playing.

He spent all 11 of his major league seasons with the Giants, battling through injuries—especially to his hands and fingers. That probably factored into his decision to retire.

At 34, Westrum knew his best playing days were behind him. His role had already shrunk, and the idea of starting over in a new city just didn’t appeal to him.

Legacy as a Player

Westrum retired with stats that showed off his reputation as a defensive specialist. He racked up 503 hits, 96 home runs, 302 runs scored, and 315 RBIs in 919 games. His career batting average sat at .217, so nobody really expected him to shine at the plate.

People mostly remember Westrum for his glove. In 1950, he set a National League record for catchers with a .999 fielding percentage, making just one error in 680 chances. That stat really speaks for itself—he was a wall behind the plate.

He made the All-Star team in both 1952 and 1953. Westrum also caught in two World Series, playing all six games in the Giants’ 1951 loss to the Yankees and all four games in their 1954 championship sweep of the Cleveland Indians.

Coaching and Managerial Career

After he hung up his spikes in 1957, Wes Westrum jumped into coaching and managing. He spent almost two decades shaping teams from the dugout. His defensive expertise and steady leadership made him a go-to mentor for younger players, especially catchers.

Transition to Coaching After Retirement

When the New York Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958, they wanted Westrum as a backup catcher, but really, they were eyeing him for his coaching skills. Westrum decided to retire as a player and took a coaching job with the San Francisco Giants.

He spent six seasons coaching for the Giants from 1958 to 1963. He worked closely with catchers and helped develop defensive strategies. The organization respected him for his knowledge and his knack for working with pitchers.

In 1964, Westrum became part of a rare baseball move. The Giants “traded” him to the New York Mets for coach Cookie Lavagetto. That twist brought him back to New York, where he’d spent his entire playing career.

Role with the New York Mets

Westrum joined the Mets’ coaching staff in 1965 under Casey Stengel. When Stengel broke his hip and retired at 76, Westrum became the Mets’ second manager.

He took over during the 1965 season and managed through 1967. His managerial record with the Mets wasn’t exactly pretty, but the team was still finding its footing. Westrum once joked that managing the Mets reminded him of his Army days at Green Haven prison, working with “difficult cases.”

After a loss to the Dodgers in 1967, Westrum resigned as Mets manager. He finished with a 57-94 record. Salty Parker stepped in as interim manager while the Mets looked for Gil Hodges.

Managerial Tenure with the San Francisco Giants

Westrum returned to the Giants organization after his Mets stint. He managed the Giants in 1974 and 1975. The team went 38-48 under him after he replaced the previous manager mid-season.

The Giants finished fifth in the West Division while he was at the helm. Even though the team struggled, the organization valued Westrum’s defensive mind and experience. He kept helping players with pitching and catching mechanics.

Once his managerial days ended, Westrum stayed in baseball as a scout. His career in pro baseball stretched over three decades, from playing to coaching and managing.

Personal Life and Passing

Wes Westrum lived a quiet, family-focused life in Clearbrook, Minnesota, far removed from the ballparks. He passed away at 79 on May 28, 2002, after a fight with cancer.

Family and Personal Interests

Westrum married Marvella, and they raised two kids, Kent and Linda. The family stayed rooted in Clearbrook, Minnesota, where Westrum was born and grew up.

After he left baseball, Westrum settled into a peaceful routine. He spent a lot of time fishing, which he loved. He also cherished time with his grandchildren.

Even with his baseball fame, Westrum kept to himself. He chose the calm of small-town Minnesota over the big city lights. Family always came first for him.

The Wes Westrum Museum in Clearbrook keeps his memory alive. The town takes pride in their hometown hero who made it to the majors.

Circumstances Surrounding His Death

Westrum faced cancer in 2002. He spent his last days at the Good Samaritan Center, where he got care during his illness.

On May 28, 2002, Westrum died at age 79. He passed away exactly six months after his 79th birthday on November 28, 2001.

The baseball world mourned the loss of the former All-Star catcher. Westrum enjoyed 45 years of life after retiring as a player, spending most of it with his family in Minnesota.

His passing closed a chapter for those who remembered the New York Giants’ final days in New York. Westrum stood as one of the last links to that era.

Burial and Memorial at Silver Creek Cemetery

Westrum rests in his hometown area. His family decided to keep the burial details private, and honestly, that feels fitting for someone who valued his privacy.

They kept the funeral arrangements modest. That choice really matched his personality.

People in Clearbrook still honor his legacy. The town keeps the Wes Westrum Museum open as a tribute to their most famous resident.

His grave quietly reminds folks of a man who made it big in baseball but always stayed true to his Minnesota roots. If you visit Clearbrook, you can spot pieces of his story all over town.