Walter ‘Chief’ Kosnoski is among Bartlett High School’s early three-sport stars.

‘Chief’ was a three-year starter in baseball, basketball, and football.

His baseball exploits include a career batting average of nearly .400, and is considered to have been one of the best fielding first basemen of his time. While competing on the Indian teams in the mid to late 1920’s, Bartlett lost less than 10 games, according to a report. He was named to the all-time Bartlett Baseball Team, by the late George Finnegan, who served as coach and Athletic Director for more than two decades in Bartlett’s early sports history.

In basketball, he played center-forward, while in football he lined up at end and quarterback.

Included in his memorable gridiron memories is his scoring two touchdowns against Mary Wells High School of Southbridge.

‘Chief’ also has the distinction of being among those former Bartlett High athletes who wore maroon and white uniforms. Before his high school sports career ended, the school switched to green and white, colors now worn by Indian athletes.

After leaving high school, Walter Kosnoski played on numerous semi-pro baseball and basketball teams from the late 1920’s through the 1930’s. He also coached semi-pro baseball and basketball teams.

In addition, he became actively involved in the Webster Little League program, coaching and umpiring for several years. He umpired in Massachusetts Little League All-Star games through the state in the 1960’s.

Before his retirement, Walter was active in labor unions, serving as president for many years and on several union committees across the state. He participated in numerous workshops and courses concerning labor laws, bargaining, and negotiations at Holy Cross College.