The Mossup native beat out Whitey Ford for the 1950 American League Rookie of the Year Award after swatting 34 home runs and amassing 144 runs batted in. A giant of a man, standing 6'5", Dropo starred in three sports at Connecticut. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL and the Providence Steam Rollers of the BAA. Over 60 years later, Dropo still ranks second in career scoring average with 20.7 ppg.
While Dropo never could match his rookie season, he spent 13 seasons in the big leagues with Boston, Detroit, Chicago (White Sox), Cincinnati and Baltimore. He finished with a lifetime .270 average and 152 home runs.
More Info -
Walt Dropo, UConn Star and A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1950, dies - NY Times
Walt Dropo, UConn legend, Red Sox rookie for the ages - Hartford Courant
Mossup icon Walt Dropo dies at 87 - Norwich Bulletin
Former Red Sox first baseman Walt Dropo dies at 87 - Associated Press