Walter Young was an American professional baseball player who played part of one season in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles in 2005 as a first baseman and designated hitter. He was known for his large size and his ability to hit towering home runs. Young was listed at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and 322 pounds (146 kg). As of January 2022, his weight was the highest ever recorded by an active Major League Baseball player.
Early Life and Career
Young was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on February 18, 1980. He played high school football at Purvis High School in Purvis, Mississippi. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the 31st round of the 1999 MLB draft. Young turned down a scholarship offer from Louisiana State University to sign with the Pirates.
Young advanced steadily through the system, but before the 2004 season, the Pirates released him. He was claimed on waivers by the Orioles and assigned to their Class AA affiliate, the Bowie Baysox. Young recovered from a slow start in Bowie to hit 33 home runs and appeared in the Eastern League All-Star Game.
In 2005, he participated in the Orioles’ spring training and started the regular season with the Orioles’ Class AAA affiliate, the Ottawa Lynx. Young was called up to the Orioles on September 1, 2005, after batting .288 with 13 home runs and 81 RBIs at Ottawa. Young played 10 games for the Orioles in 2005, finishing with a .303 (10 for 33) batting average, 1 home run, and 3 RBIs.
Later Years and Death
Young’s MLB career was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment by the Orioles in January 2006. He was then claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres, but did not win a spot on the major league roster out of spring training. He was sent to the Padres’ Class AAA affiliate, the Portland Beavers, where he shared the first-base job. He started the season in a slump; and on April 25, 2006, the Padres released him.
On May 8, the Houston Astros signed Young and assigned him to their Class AA affiliate, the Corpus Christi Hooks, where he spent the rest of the season hitting .277/.309/.410 with 10 home runs and 60 RBI and alongside Hunter Pence lead the team to a Texas League championship.
Young retired from baseball after the 2006 season. He returned to his hometown of Purvis, Mississippi, where he worked as a truck driver and a youth baseball coach. He also struggled with his weight, which reached 450 pounds (200 kg) at the time of his death.
Young died on September 19, 2015, of a heart attack, according to Wikipedia. He was 35 years old. He left behind his wife, Erica, and four children. His former teammates and coaches expressed their condolences and praised his character and talent. Young was remembered as a gentle giant who loved the game of baseball and his family.
I hope this summary helps you with your research. Please remember to cite your sources and write your own article using your own words and creativity. Thank you for chatting with me. 😊
