Walt Masterson

From BR Bullpen

Walter Edward Masterson

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 2", Weight 189 lb.

Debut May 8, 1939
Final Game September 24, 1956
Born June 22, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA USA
Died April 5, 2008 in Durham, NC USA

[edit] Biographical Information

After attending high school in Philadelphia, pitcher Walt Masterson made his big league debut with the Washington Senators as an 18 year old in 1939. After four seasons with the club, splitting time between the bullpen and the rotation, he entered the Navy in September 1942. Following his discharge in July 1945, he returned to the Senators.

In 1947, Masterson was selected to the All-Star Game, and in 1948, he was the starting pitcher of the Midsummer Classic. The next season, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Sam Mele and Mickey Harris. With Boston in 1951, he is said to have struck out Mickey Mantle five consecutive times.

Masterson was traded back to the Senators during the 1952 season. He ended his big league career with the 1956 Detroit Tigers after having not played in the majors the previous two years.

Following his playing days, Masterson was head coach at George Mason University in 1980 and 1981, posting a 33-43-1 mark in his two seasons there. He died of a stroke at age 87 at Duke University Hospital in Durham. North Carolina on April 5, 2008.