Hubbry Logo
Justin MastersonJustin MastersonMain
Open search
Justin Masterson
Community hub
Justin Masterson
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Justin Masterson
Justin Masterson
Justin Masterson
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Justin Daniel Masterson (born March 22, 1985) is a Jamaican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher. Drafted by the Red Sox in the second round of the 2006 MLB draft from San Diego State University, he made his MLB debut two years later. Masterson also played in MLB for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. Known for primarily throwing a sinking fastball, the right-hander stands 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) tall, and weighs 250 lb (110 kg).

Key Information

A former All-Star selection, Masterson placed in the top-ten in the American League multiple categories in 2013, including wins, strikeouts, complete games, hits per nine innings pitched, and strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He was the first Red Sox pitcher since Fenway Park's 1912 opening to make his first four consecutive starts there and not lose any of them.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Masterson was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where his father served as dean of students at the Jamaica Theological Seminary.[2] Eventually, the family moved to Beavercreek, Ohio, where he attended Beavercreek High School, playing basketball and baseball as a catcher, pitcher, and first baseman. His parents are both academics; his mother works as a teacher and his father is a pastor.[3]

Masterson attended Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, where he played as a starting pitcher. While at Bethel, he hit 10 home runs (HR) during his sophomore year. He then attended San Diego State University. In 2005, Masterson played collegiate summer baseball for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). He posted a 1.15 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 31.1 innings pitched.[4] In 2017, he was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame.[5]

Professional career

[edit]

Boston Red Sox

[edit]
Masterson during his first tenure with the Boston Red Sox in 2008.

Baseball America rated Masterson as the 64th-best overall prospect for their 2006 Major League Baseball draft projections.[6] The Boston Red Sox selected him in the second round. Dan Madsen signed him. Masterson began as both a starter and reliever in his minor league career for the Lowell Spinners. In 2007, his second season, the club promoted him from the Class A Lancaster JetHawks to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. His twelve wins that season ranked second among all Red Sox minor leaguers.[7]

After joining the Sea Dogs, Masterson said, "I've had the confidence to be a great pitcher all along. I went to a smaller school and really proved that I had the ability to pitch, and whatever route I took to get me where I am I'm not worried about it."[8]

In 2006, Masterson was named to Baseball America's short season all-star team.[9][10][11] Masterson converted to starting pitching in early 2007, after a stint as a relief pitcher for Short Season Lowell in 2006.

The Red Sox invited Masterson to spring training before the 2008 season.[12] On April 24, he made his Major League debut against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in an emergency call-up start. He pitched six full innings (IP) and allowed one run.[13] The Red Sox immediately sent him back to Portland following the game. The next month, on May 20, he made his second appearance, pitching 6+1⁄3 innings, allowing three hits and one run with three walks and five strikeouts and picking up his first win in the Majors.[14]

After five starts with the major-league club, it was announced that he would stay in the majors through Daisuke Matsuzaka's return from the disabled list (DL) due to Bartolo Colón's back injury.[15] On July 7, 2008, Masterson was sent back to the Pawtucket Red Sox, a move manager Terry Francona stated was made to transition Masterson from a starter to a relief pitcher.[16] Masterson was recalled on July 20 due to an injury to David Aardsma[17] In his first relief appearance, he was solid against the Seattle Mariners, shutting down the hitters and working 2+2⁄3 scoreless innings at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Masterson picked up the first postseason win of his career in Game 5 of the 2008 American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in the Red Sox' 8–7 victory.[18]

In 2009, Masterson began the season in the bullpen while also starting six games before being traded to the Cleveland Indians.

Cleveland Indians

[edit]
Masterson pitching for the Indians in 2009

On July 31, 2009, Masterson was traded by Boston along with minor league prospects Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Victor Martinez.[19]

Upon arriving to Cleveland, Masterson was inserted into the Indians rotation. He started 10 games, struggling to a record of 1–7 for the rest of 2009.

Masterson enjoyed his first full season as a starter in 2010, but he once again failed to make an impact with the Indians and finished with a 6–13 record in 29 starts. Nevertheless, Masterson seemed to save his best stuff for when he was facing his former Red Sox teammates. He pitched the first shutout of his professional career on June 9 of that season, a two-hit, 11–0 victory against Boston at Progressive Field, in which he struck out six and allowed two singles and two walks.[20]

Masterson finished the 2011 season with a 12–10 record, having career bests in ERA (3.21), innings pitched (216) and home runs allowed (11). On August 4, he victimized the Red Sox for the second time, and also committed one of the rarer feats in baseball. In the bottom of the second inning, Masterson struck out Josh Reddick swinging before a wild pitch allowed Reddick to reach first base on the play. Then, Masterson proceeded to strike out Jason Varitek, Marco Scutaro and Jacoby Ellsbury in succession to end the inning, making him one of 68 pitchers in Major League history to strike out four batters in a single inning.[21]

Following the end of the season Masterson underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. The surgery was required after enduring an injury in 2007 as a member of the Red Sox.[22]

On April 5, 2012, the Indians made Masterson the Opening Day starter for the first time in his career. The game was against the Toronto Blue Jays in what proved to be the longest Opening Day game in major league history, a 7–4 loss in 16 innings. He completed eight innings, giving up two hits and one run while striking out 10, and earned a no-decision.[23] However, he regressed in his third season with the Indians, finishing 11–15 with a career-worst 4.93 ERA in 34 starts. The Indians hired Francona to be their manager the following October, reuniting the pitcher with his former manager.[24]

For the 2013 season, the Indians again named Masterson the Opening Day starting pitcher.[25] He defeated Blue Jays' reigning NL Cy Young Award winner R. A. Dickey, acquired in the prior off-season from the New York Mets. In his next start, his second win came against the reigning American League Cy Young winner, David Price of the Rays. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Masterson became just the third player in MLB history to defeat both reigning Cy Young winners in the same season – and the first to do so in his first two starts of the season.[26]

With his sixth campaign about to begin and no contract, Masterson was eligible to become a free agent for the first time in his career. He was also arbitration-eligible. Instead, Masterson and the Indians agreed to a one-year, $9.7 million contract in February 2014, for the 2014 season.[27] The two parties also began talks for a contract extension beyond 2014. However, the next month, discussions were ended until after the season. Masterson had offered the club extensions for $17 million per year in separate offers of two and three years, with option years, but that was more than the Indians were willing to pay. A pitcher with similar career achievements, Homer Bailey, had signed an extension for more years with the Cincinnati Reds at $17.5 million per year.[28]

Tapped for his third consecutive Opening Day start, Masterson pitched seven scoreless innings but did not qualify for a decision in a 2–0 extra innings victory against the Oakland Athletics.[29] On June 2, he completed an immaculate inning against the Red Sox, striking out Jonny Gomes, Grady Sizemore, and Stephen Drew in order on nine pitches. Only 72 pitchers have accomplished that feat in Major League history.[30]

St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]
Masterson with the St. Louis Cardinals

On July 30, 2014, the Indians traded Masterson to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder James Ramsey.[31][32] To honor their former teammate, all Indians players donned Masterson's high-sock style for the next game after his trade against the Mariners.[33] Masterson had been on the DL due to a knee injury for nearly a month when he was traded. The Cardinals activated him from the DL on August 1. He won his Cardinals debut against the Milwaukee Brewers the next day, a 9–7 victory, in spite of allowing five runs, seven hits and three walks in six IP. While batting, he collected his first hit and run scored of the season.[34]

Return to Boston Red Sox

[edit]

A free agent after the 2014 season, Masterson agreed to a one-year deal with Boston worth $9.5 million on December 11.[35] On August 10, 2015, Masterson was designated for assignment by Boston.[36] The first move of new general manager Dave Dombrowski was his release on August 19.[37]

Pittsburgh Pirates

[edit]

On April 14, 2016, Masterson agreed to a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.[38] He played in 25 games for the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians, recording a 4.97 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 54+1⁄3 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 7.[39]

Los Angeles Dodgers

[edit]

On March 27, 2017, Masterson signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers[40] and he was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers to begin the season.[41] He pitched in Triple–A all year and was 11–6 with a 4.13 ERA in 25 starts.[42] He elected free agency following the season on November 6.[43]

On December 11, 2018, Masterson announced his retirement from professional baseball.[44]

Pitching profile

[edit]

Masterson pitched at a low three-quarter arm-slot (nearly sidearm) with a sliding motion, which some[who?] compare to Dennis Eckersley's delivery. His pitching arsenal included a fastball that reached 97 miles per hour (156 km/h), a sinker, a slider, and an occasional change-up. It has been claimed that his best pitch is his plus-sinker with a heavy drop.[45]

Masterson threw a variety of fastballs that varied in speed and break, with the speeds reaching between from the upper 80s to the mid 90s. The speed of his slider was in the low 80s, and his change-up ranged from 77–81 miles per hour (124–130 km/h). He varied his sinker at speeds of 84–96 miles per hour (135–154 km/h), sometimes catching batters off balance.[citation needed]

Personal life

[edit]

Masterson married Meryl Ham on November 3, 2007.[46] Masterson is a Christian and often speaks of the importance of God in his life.[47] He spoke at the Pentagon's weekly prayer breakfast in June 2009.[48]

He has been a volunteer coach at local high schools in his community, and helps to mentor young athletes.

Philanthropy

[edit]

Masterson and his wife Meryl founded the non-profit Fortress Foundation in 2013 with the help of business partner Matt Zappasodi and Cullinane Law. In February 2013, they partnered with Not For Sale Team.[49]

In 2013,[50] they worked with the Feed Their Future campaign with Mark Zimmerman from Moody Radio Cleveland and Bright Hope in Nairobi, Kenya. They partnered again in 2014 and 2015.

Justin and Meryl have helped other non-profits like Ascent 121, and International Justice Mission. Justin has been instrumental in starting PHARE Warrior, Wayfinders, Cvltivate Cvlture non-profits.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Justin Masterson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Justin Masterson (born March 22, 1985) is a Jamaican-born American former pitcher who played in (MLB) for the Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and St. Louis Cardinals from 2008 to 2015. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall and known for his distinctive sinking that induced ground balls, Masterson transitioned from a role to a during his career, amassing 64 wins, 74 losses, a 4.31 , and 1,004 strikeouts over 258 games (184 starts). Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the second round (71st overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft out of , where he had previously played at Bethel College, Masterson made his MLB debut on April 24, 2008, initially serving as a middle reliever with a 3.16 ERA in 36 appearances that year. On July 31, 2009, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians along with Casey Kotchman in exchange for catcher Victor Martinez, marking the start of his transition to the rotation where he became a key part of the Indians' pitching staff. His most successful season came in 2013, when he earned his only selection, made 29 starts, recorded 14 wins against 10 losses with a 3.45 ERA, and struck out 195 batters over 193 innings, helping the Indians contend for the playoffs. Masterson's tenure with Cleveland peaked in 2011 and 2013, seasons in which he logged over 200 innings each time and posted career-best figures of 4.3 and 3.9, respectively, but injuries and inconsistency plagued him later, including a mid-2014 trade to the Cardinals for outfield prospect James Ramsey amid a 4.93 . He returned to the Red Sox in 2015 on a one-year deal but appeared in only 18 games (9 starts) with a 5.61 before being released, effectively ending his MLB career as he did not pitch in the majors thereafter. Overall, Masterson's eight-year big-league run highlighted his durability as a workhorse starter in an era of pitch-count limitations, though his ground-ball-heavy approach sometimes led to defensive-dependent outcomes.

Early years

Early life

Justin Masterson was born on March 22, 1985, in , to American parents whose work brought the family to the island nation. His father served as dean of students at the Jamaica Theological Seminary, a role that shaped the family's early years abroad. When Masterson was a young child, the family immigrated to the , first settling in , before relocating to . Growing up in this Midwestern environment, Masterson was raised in a household emphasizing faith and education, with his father working as a pastor and his mother as a teacher. These formative experiences in both and the U.S. instilled a strong sense of discipline and community in him during his childhood. Masterson's early interests in sports emerged prominently during his high school years at Beavercreek High School, where he participated in and . He initially played as a and but began focusing on pitching, marking the start of his serious involvement in the sport. Family support played a key role in nurturing these pursuits, encouraging his athletic development alongside academic and spiritual growth.

Amateur and college career

At Beavercreek High School, where he graduated in 2003, Masterson starred in both and , playing as a , , and on the diamond; he was later inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2014. Masterson began his college career at Bethel College (now Bethel University) in , lettering in baseball for two seasons from 2004 to 2005. During that time, he earned NAIA All-American honorable mention honors as a freshman in 2004 and established himself as a dominant starter for the Pilots. Following his sophomore year, Masterson played collegiate summer baseball for the of the , where he posted a 1.15 ERA and recorded 39 strikeouts over 31 , drawing attention from major programs. In 2006, Masterson transferred to , transitioning into a primary starting role for the under legendary coach . As a junior, he appeared in 17 games (16 starts), finishing with a 6-7 record, a 4.81 ERA, and 108 strikeouts in 116 , including one and one . One highlight came early in conference play, when Masterson earned Pitcher of the Week honors for a strong outing against from February 27 to March 5. His performance at SDSU, combining his imposing 6-foot-6 frame with improved command, showcased his potential as a professional prospect. Masterson's college success culminated in the 2006 MLB Draft, where the Boston Red Sox selected him in the second round, 71st overall.

Professional career

Minor leagues and MLB debut

Following his selection by the Boston Red Sox in the second round of the 2006 MLB Draft out of , Justin Masterson signed a professional contract with a $510,000 and was assigned to the rookie-level of the New York-Penn League. In 14 appearances that summer, primarily as a reliever, he posted a 3-1 record with a 0.85 over 31⅔ innings, striking out 33 batters while allowing just 17 hits and walking 10. Masterson transitioned to a starting role in 2007, beginning the season with the Lancaster JetHawks of the , where he went 8-5 with a 4.33 in 17 starts, logging 95⅔ innings and 56 strikeouts. Promoted in to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League, he adapted quickly, earning Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honors for July 9–15 after tossing 6⅔ hitless innings with nine strikeouts in his debut; overall with Portland that year, he recorded a 4-3 mark and 4.34 in 10 starts across 58 innings, fanning 59. He returned to Portland to open the 2008 season, going 1-3 with a 4.23 in eight starts over 38⅓ innings and 37 strikeouts before his major league call-up. Masterson made his MLB debut on April 24, 2008, starting for the Red Sox against the at in place of the ill . Over six innings, he allowed two hits and one earned run (on a solo homer by Casey Kotchman), walking four and four—including his first career of .—for a debut of 1.50, though he received in a 7-5 loss. Recalled multiple times that season, Masterson initially contributed as a starter but shifted primarily to the by mid-July, appearing in 36 games (9 starts) total with a 6-5 record, 3.16 , and 68 in 88⅓ innings. In 2009, he began in but transitioned to occasional starting duties for , filling in for injured rotation members with a 3-3 record and 4.50 in 31 appearances (6 starts) over 72 innings.

Boston Red Sox (2008–2010)

He earned his first MLB win on May 20, 2008, starting against the and allowing one run over 6.1 innings in a 2-1 victory. During the 2008 regular season, Masterson primarily served as a reliever, making 36 appearances with 9 starts, compiling a 6-5 record and a over 88.1 . His performance earned him a spot in the postseason, where he appeared in 9 games across the ALDS and ALCS, posting a 1-0 record with a in 9.2 innings. In 2009, Masterson continued to split time between the bullpen and rotation for the Red Sox, appearing in 31 games with 6 starts and recording a 3-3 mark with a 4.50 ERA in 72 innings. He showed versatility in high-leverage situations but struggled with consistency, allowing 38 earned runs while striking out 67 batters. On July 31, 2009, the Red Sox traded Masterson, along with minor leaguers Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price, to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for catcher Victor Martinez to bolster their lineup for a playoff push. This deal marked the end of his initial tenure with Boston, where he had established himself as a reliable right-handed arm in the organization's pitching staff.

Cleveland Indians (2011–2014)

Acquired by the Cleveland Indians in a December 2009 trade from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Victor Martinez, Masterson transitioned to a full-time starting role in 2011. In his first complete season as a starter, he posted a 12–10 record with a 3.21 over 33 starts and 216 , recording 158 strikeouts while helping anchor the Indians' rotation. Masterson's 2012 campaign saw him lead the American League in games started with 34, though he finished with an 11–15 record and a 4.93 ERA across 206⅓ innings. He tallied 159 strikeouts, relying on his signature sinking fastball to induce ground balls, but the Indians' overall struggles contributed to his losing record despite his workload. The right-hander rebounded strongly in 2013, earning his first All-Star selection after a 14–10 mark with a 3.45 ERA in 29 starts and 193 innings. Masterson tied for the Major League lead with three shutouts and struck out 195 batters, finishing in the top 10 in the American League in wins, innings pitched, and complete games while powering Cleveland to a playoff appearance. In , Masterson endured a challenging season marred by right knee inflammation that sidelined him on the disabled list in after 19 starts. He went 4–6 with a 5.51 and 93 strikeouts in 98 , prompting the Indians to trade him to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 30 for outfield prospect James Ramsey.

St. Louis Cardinals and return to Red Sox (2014–2015)

On July 30, 2014, the Cleveland Indians traded Justin Masterson to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder James Ramsey, as the right-hander sought to rebound from a challenging season marred by a right that had sapped his and command. With the Cardinals, Masterson appeared in nine games, including six starts, compiling a 3-3 record and a 7.04 over 30.2 , during which he allowed 35 hits, six home runs, and 13 walks while striking out 23. His struggles with command persisted, contributing to a high of 1.586 and frequent short outings, leading the team to shift him to the bullpen on September 2 after a string of poor performances, including five runs allowed in just three innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite these difficulties, Masterson provided occasional stability, such as a seven-inning shutout effort against the on August 13, where he induced 12 groundouts on 91 pitches. The Cardinals advanced to the playoffs as National League Central champions, but Masterson was reassigned to the on October 2 and did not appear in the postseason. Following the 2014 season, Masterson became a and signed a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox on December 11, returning to the organization where he had begun his MLB career. The deal aimed to leverage his prior familiarity with the team amid ongoing recovery from knee issues, but his 2015 campaign was severely limited by injuries, including right shoulder tendinitis that landed him on the 15-day disabled list from May 13 to June 27. In 18 appearances, nine of which were starts, Masterson went 4-2 with a 5.61 over 59.1 , surrendering 68 hits, seven home runs, and 27 walks while recording 49 strikeouts—reflecting continued command woes with a walk rate of 4.1 per nine . He showed flashes of effectiveness upon returning from the disabled list, such as five strong against the on June 28, where he struck out six and allowed just one run, but inconsistency and velocity concerns (averaging 90 mph on his ) prompted multiple shifts between the and . On August 10, amid a 3-5 stretch in his final seven outings with a 7.11 , the Red Sox designated Masterson for assignment, and he was released nine days later on August 19.

Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers (2015–2017)

Following his release from the Boston Red Sox on August 19, 2015, after a challenging season marred by a 5.61 in 18 appearances, Masterson spent the remainder of 2015 recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery performed in . He did not pitch professionally that fall and entered free agency. On April 14, 2016, Masterson signed a minor league contract with the organization, reporting to Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. Primarily used as a reliever due to ongoing recovery from his shoulder injury, he made 25 appearances for Indianapolis, including five starts, posting a 4.97 over 54.1 with 43 strikeouts and 31 walks. He also made one start for , allowing one earned run in five . Injuries and diminished continued to limit his effectiveness, as his averaged under 90 mph, a sharp decline from his peak years. Masterson did not receive a call-up to the majors and elected free agency on November 7, 2016. Seeking to revive his career, Masterson signed another deal with the on March 27, 2017, and was assigned to Triple-A Dodgers. Transitioning back to a starting role, he appeared in 26 games (25 starts) for , logging a career-high 141.2 with an 11-6 record and a 4.13 , striking out 102 batters while walking 52. Despite the solid performance, Masterson was not recalled to the Dodgers' major league roster amid a deep pitching staff, and he again became a on November 6, 2017. With no major league offers forthcoming and at age 32, Masterson retired from in December 2018 after failing to secure a contract for the 2018 season. He has not attempted a comeback, and as of 2025, at age 40, remains out of organized baseball with no recent affiliations.

Pitching style

Repertoire and mechanics

Justin Masterson's pitching repertoire centered on a core set of four pitches, with his sinker serving as the cornerstone of his arsenal. The sinker, typically thrown at 89–92 mph during his prime years, featured pronounced armside run and heavy sinking action that induced weak contact and generated ground balls at an elite clip. Complementing this were a averaging 91–94 mph, which provided elevation and occasional swing-and-miss potential when located up ; a in the low 80s mph range with sweeping, two-plane break that acted as his primary offering; and a around 77–81 mph, used sparingly as a change-of-pace pitch against opposite-handed hitters but with limited consistency. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Masterson employed a distinctive low three-quarters arm slot—bordering on sidearm—that created through an unusually low release point, the lowest among starting pitchers during his tenure. This delivery, characterized by significant bend and a sliding lower half, enhanced the perceived of his pitches and proved particularly effective against right-handed batters by accentuating horizontal movement on his sinker and . Early in his , Masterson embodied the , relying heavily on his pitch to post a ground-ball rate above 50 percent, which allowed him to cover the plate durably over long starts. However, following injuries in , including that sapped his , his mechanics showed signs of strain, leading to diminished command and inconsistency in his secondary offerings like the and . In response to these challenges, Masterson evolved toward a more balanced attack in his later years, increasing usage during his peak with the Indians to counter diminished life and improve overall command. This adjustment helped mitigate some vulnerabilities, though his arsenal never fully regained its prior potency.

Career statistics and highlights

Over his eight-season career from 2008 to 2015, Justin Masterson compiled a 64–74 win–loss record with a 4.31 (ERA), recording 1,004 strikeouts over 1,201 in 258 games (184 starts). Masterson earned selection to the 2013 after posting a breakout season with the Indians, where he went 14–10 with a 3.45 and 195 strikeouts in 193 . He tied for the lead with 34 started in 2012, leading the league in that category alongside Bruce Chen and . As the first Jamaican-born pitcher in MLB history, Masterson secured the first win by a Jamaican-born player on June 8, 2008, against the while with the Boston Red Sox.
YearTeam(s)WLERAIPSO
2008653.1688.168
2009/CLE4104.52129.1119
2010CLE6134.70180.0140
2011CLE12103.21216.0158
2012CLE11154.93206.1159
2013CLE14103.45193.0195
2014CLE/STL795.88128.2116
2015425.6159.149
Masterson reached his 1,000th career on August 25, 2013, fanning of the . He made postseason appearances in 2008 with the Red Sox (9 games, 1–0, 1.86 in ALCS and ) and 2013 with the Indians (1 game, relief appearance in AL Wild Card Game, 0–0, 0.00 over 2.0 IP).

Personal life

Family and background

Justin Masterson was born on March 22, 1985, in , to Mark Masterson, a who served as dean of students at the Jamaica Theological Seminary, and his wife, a teacher. The family relocated to , when Masterson was three years old, later settling in , where his father pastored at Creekside Community Church for over 25 years. Raised in a devout Christian household, Masterson grew up participating in church activities, including playing drums and guitar in the praise band, with his family's emphasis on faith providing ongoing support throughout his baseball career. He has at least one brother, and the siblings shared a close-knit dynamic influenced by their parents' values. Masterson married Meryl Ham on November 3, 2007; the couple has three children, including a daughter named Eden and twins (a boy and a girl) born in 2014. The family prioritizes spiritual growth, with Masterson and his wife opting to homeschool their children to incorporate daily faith practices such as , attendance, and prayer. As a Jamaican-American, Masterson spent only his early childhood in Jamaica before moving to the , where he became a citizen and built his life. Despite limited time there, he maintains pride in his Jamaican heritage, drawing inspiration from it in personal style choices like his and making goodwill visits to the country, such as in 2019 for initiatives. Following his retirement from in 2017, Masterson and his family reside in .

Philanthropy and post-retirement activities

In 2013, Justin Masterson and his wife Meryl co-founded the Fortress Foundation, a aimed at demonstrating God's love by providing refuge and support to those in need, with a particular emphasis on orphan care, anti-human trafficking efforts, discipleship programs, and rehabilitation services. The foundation emerged from the couple's prior charitable experiences, including annual missions to impoverished communities in the , where they assisted with education, medical care, and infrastructure needs such as wells and generators. That same year, Masterson partnered with the organization Bright Hope World to launch the "Feed Their Future" campaign, which raised over $200,000 to provide meals and educational resources for 1,400 children living in the Valley slum in , surpassing its initial $140,000 goal. Through these initiatives, the Mastersons have channeled proceeds from Meryl's home-baked cookie business toward global hunger relief and community development, including support for programs. Masterson's Christian faith has been a cornerstone of his philanthropic work and public life, influencing his commitment to service-oriented causes. As the son of a , he has frequently shared his beliefs through engagements, including visits and events tied to the , where he emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and spiritual discipleship. During his playing career, he participated in faith-based missions abroad and collaborated with team charities like the Cleveland Indians Community Fund, hosting clinics and donating to local youth programs. Post-retirement, this involvement has expanded into motivational speaking on topics like emotional maturity and leadership through a faith lens, often drawing from his experiences as a to underscore family as a driving force in his outreach. Following his retirement from after the 2017 season, Masterson has focused on and mentorship, serving as an assistant varsity baseball coach at in since 2018, where he contributes to player development programs like "Awaken the " to build alongside athletic skills. He also hosts "The Justin Masterson Show," a launched in recent years that explores personal growth, discipleship, and life lessons, aiming to encourage listeners through entertaining and equipping discussions. As of 2025, Masterson remains active in the Fortress Foundation's ongoing efforts and continues substitute teaching in the Fishers area, prioritizing family life while extending his influence through youth and faith-centered engagement without pursuing a return to .

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/masteju01.shtml
  2. https://www.mlb.com/player/justin-masterson-475416
  3. https://speakerpedia.com/speakers/justin-masterson
  4. https://www.si.com/mlb/guardians/onsi/opinion/former-ace-justin-masterson-uses-a-memorable-mlb-career-to-help-others
  5. https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/masterson-bales-among-beavercreek-hall-fame-inductees/IyhF4GooLdVHR2923oMoRO/
  6. https://bupilots.com/honors/bethel-athletics-hall-of-fame/justin-masterson/35
  7. https://goaztecs.com/news/2006/03/06/masterson-named-mountain-west-conference-pitcher-of-the-week-1
  8. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/5187/justin-masterson
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=master001jus
  10. https://www.milb.com/player/justin-masterson-475416
  11. https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2008/04/24/mastersons_debu/
  12. https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/sports/pro/2009/04/27/red-sox-notebook-masterson-fills/40198068007/
  13. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/pitching.php?y=2009&t=BOS
  14. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/28977/justin-masterson
  15. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=masteju01
  16. https://www.mlb.com/news/jason-kipnis--justin-masterson-selected-to-2013-al-all-star-team/c-52925796
  17. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11191627/justin-masterson-cleveland-indians-put-dl-knee-injury
  18. https://www.mlb.com/news/indians--cardinals-complete-trade/c-87069872
  19. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/11452063/st-louis-cardinals-move-justin-masterson-bullpen
  20. https://www.si.com/mlb/2014/08/14/ap-bbn-cardinals-marlins-1st-ld-writethru
  21. https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-rhp-justin-masterson-agree-to-1-year-contract/c-103886948
  22. https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/05/13/boston-red-sox-justin-masterson-disabled-list-arm-fatigue
  23. https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/06/28/justin-masterson-goes-five-strong-return-red-sox-rotation/FEFgMyyR8cfMSNPq8LFRoI/story.html
  24. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/08/red-sox-designate-justin-masterson-for-assignment.html
  25. https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-masterson-signs-pirates-minors-contract-c172361526
  26. https://www.bucsdugout.com/2016/6/7/11879714/q-a-justin-masterson-on-his-path-back-to-the-big-leagues
  27. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/03/dodgers-to-sign-justin-masterson.html
  28. https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/justin-masterson-is-retired-and-doing-missionary-work
  29. https://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=475416
  30. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/justin-masterson-475416
  31. https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/20699/raising-aces-splitting-the-platoon-lefty-phobic-pitchers/
  32. https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2015/8/21/9186003/justin-masterson-released-red-sox
  33. https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/23666/raising-aces-going-vertical/
  34. https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2009/08/cleveland_indians_righthander_5.html
  35. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/justin-masterson-elite-starting-pitcher/
  36. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/10/free-agent-profile-justin-masterson.html
  37. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2012-pitching-leaders.shtml
  38. https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/giving-back-name-the-game-for-masterson/R7spBPaj806DVwTZhRaNJN/
  39. https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2011/08/cleveland_indians_justin_maste_1.html
  40. https://www.idisciple.org/channels/athletes-in-action/my-actions-reflect-my-faith/
  41. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/justin-masterson.html
  42. https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/masterson-embraces-faith-family-and-baseball/BUkPhu8ul6w4YyGazjN3NN/
  43. https://www.mlb.com/cut4/justin-masterson-charity-head-shave/c-55291404
  44. https://www.facebook.com/insportsjagov/videos/jamaican-born-former-major-league-baseball-player-justin-masterson-in-the-jamaic/323550264929672/
  45. https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-masterson-70b231296
  46. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-2923442
  47. https://www.mlb.com/news/cleveland-indians-pitcher-justin-masterson-helps-feed-their-future-program-surpass-goal/c-64172708
  48. https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2012/08/wifes_charitable_efforts_givin.html
  49. https://www.wsuraiders.com/news/2016/1/13/210633487.aspx
  50. https://www.si.com/mlb/guardians/opinion/former-ace-justin-masterson-uses-a-memorable-mlb-career-to-help-others
  51. https://the-one-big-thing-with.captivate.fm/episode/justin-masterson
  52. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/justin-masterson-on-emotional-maturity-leadership-and/id1689287620?i=1000717458613
  53. https://www.fisherstigersathletics.com/Article/34411
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.