Junior Wooten
From BR Bullpen
Earl Hazwell Wooten
- Bats Right, Throws Left
- Height 5' 11", Weight 160 lb.
- Debut September 16, 1947
- Final Game September 30, 1948
- Born January 16, 1924 in Pelzer, SC USA
- Died August 12, 2006 in Williamston, SC USA
[edit] Biographical Information
While attending Pelzer High School, Junior Wooten led his school to a state basketball title in 1940. After high school, he went to work in a textile mill and played for the mill's baseball team. He was spotted by scouts and eventually signed by the Washington Senators. Primarily an outfielder, he had a cup of coffee with the Senators in 1947 and saw more playing time the next year, hitting .256 in 88 games. He also pitched in one game, giving up 2 runs over 2 innings. However, he was let go by the Senators after the 1948 season for violating a provision in his contract that kept him from playing basketball. He continued playing in the minors until 1955, spending his final season as player-manager of the Greenville Spinners of the Tri-State League, but never again returned to the majors. Over his minor league career, Wooten had a .325 batting average.
After leaving baseball, Wooten returned to work at the J.P. Stevens textile mill. He is a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.
