Walter Arthur Peterson began his intercollegiate career in 1950 as a two-sport athlete in football and baseball, but his prowess in baseball soon became evident. During his first year as a Pirate outfielder he hit .408 and improved that batting average to .460 the following year. one of Peterson's most memorable contributions came on a 10th inning game-winning homerun that led Southwestern to defeat Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University). Peterson left Southwestern in 1951 to play for the U.S. Army. His performance on the Army team earned him contract offers from 13 of the then 16 Major League clubs. he signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1953 but his career was cut short by an injury incurred during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The great Hank Aaron filled Peterson's position on the Braves' roster. Peterson returned to Southwestern and earned a B.S. degree in 1957. He earned a Master's degree from the University of Houston in 1961, and enjoyed a 30-year career in secondary education.