Bucky Walters, born as William Henry Walters on April 19, 1909, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began his professional baseball career as a third baseman. Initially, he played for the Boston Braves, making his debut in the major leagues in 1931. However, his early years in the league were marked by a struggle to find his footing as a position player. Walters' batting performance was not particularly strong, which led to a pivotal transition in his career.

In 1934, Walters was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he continued to play as a third baseman. It was during his time with the Phillies that a significant change occurred. Recognizing his strong throwing arm, the team decided to convert him into a pitcher. This decision would prove to be a turning point for Walters, setting him on a path to becoming one of the most effective pitchers of his era.

Walters' pitching career truly began to flourish after he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1938. Under the guidance of Reds manager Bill McKechnie, Walters honed his skills on the mound. His performance improved dramatically, and he quickly became one of the team's most reliable pitchers. In 1939, Walters led the National League in wins, posting a 27-11 record, and earned the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His exceptional performance helped the Reds secure the National League pennant that year.

The following season, Walters continued to excel, leading the Reds to another National League pennant and ultimately to victory in the 1940 World Series against the Detroit Tigers. Walters played a crucial role in the Reds' success, winning two games in the World Series, including a shutout in Game 6. His efforts earned him the World Series MVP award, further cementing his reputation as a top-tier pitcher.

Throughout the early 1940s, Walters remained a dominant force on the mound. He was selected to the All-Star team six times during his career, reflecting his status as one of the league's elite pitchers. Walters was known for his excellent control and ability to pitch deep into games, often completing what he started. His pitching arsenal included a fastball, curveball, and changeup, which he used effectively to keep hitters off balance.

World War II saw many players leave the league to serve in the military, but Walters continued to play, maintaining his high level of performance. In 1944, he once again led the National League in wins, showcasing his durability and skill despite the challenges of the war years.

As the war ended and players returned, Walters' career began to wind down. He continued to pitch for the Reds until 1948, when he was traded to the Boston Braves. His time with the Braves was short-lived, and he finished his playing career with the Braves in 1950. Over his career, Walters amassed a record of 198 wins and 160 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.30 and 1,107 strikeouts.

After retiring as a player, Walters transitioned into coaching and managing. He served as a coach for several teams, including the Braves and the New York Giants, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players.

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