Masyn Winn, an American professional baseball shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, credits his athletic journey to his parents, Tiffany Rawson and Earl “Lucky” Luckett.
He learned to play baseball from his stepfather, Earl, a longtime baseball coach.
Masyn began playing baseball at Kingwood High School and was named to USA Baseball’s under-15 National Team.
Later, he was named MVP of the COPABE Pan American AA Championships after batting .522. He passed on playing college baseball at Arkansas and decided to pursue a professional career.
The St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the second round of the 2020 MLB draft and signed him for a $2.1 million bonus as a two-way player.
During the 2021 season, Masyn was assigned to the Palm Beach Cardinals of the Low-A Southeast and was promoted to the Springfield Cardinals of the Double-A Texas League.
Similarly, he was assigned to the Memphis Redbirds Triple-A International League to begin the 2023 season and won the International League Top MLB Prospect Award.
On August 18, 2023, he was promoted to the major leagues for the first time, becoming the youngest Cardinals player to make his MLB debut at the starting shortstop position since Garry Templeton.
8.18.23 a day I’ll never forget! I want to thank everyone that has helped me get to this point, and especially my mom who has pushed me every step of the way. The beginning of something special!!🎒
Masyn Winn
Masyn Winn’s Parents Shaped His Rise To The Cardinals
Masyn Blaze Winn, the son of Tiffany Rawson, was born on March 21, 2002, in Katy, Texas. His mother raised him alongside his four siblings in Kingwood, Texas.
The Cardinals’ shortstop hasn’t talked much about his biological father but credits his stepfather, Earl “Lucky” Luckett, for instilling his passion for baseball.
Masyn’s parents played pivotal roles in shaping his baseball career, as well as his character and work ethic.
Earl Luckett, a former college baseball player at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, was signed by the Houston Astros in 1986 as a speedy shortstop.
His professional career was brief, but his love for the game never faded. He channeled his passion into coaching and became a key influence in Masyn’s life.
He taught him the fundamentals of baseball with an old-school approach and coached summer league teams. Masyn calls him “Lucky.”
Man, he is my stepdad. In my eyes, however, he is my dad. He has been around forever. He started off as my baseball coach. I still call him Coach Lucky. He has been amazing for me. He taught me the game. He taught me how to play it the right way and hard.
Masyn Winn
Obviously, him being a Black man, I grew up looking up to him. I wanted to be just like him. For me, my stepdad is probably the biggest influence besides my mom. I’m truly glad to have him in my life.
Furthermore, Earl introduced Masyn to Cajun cooking and instilled life lessons: “Never be satisfied in every aspect of life.” Despite being his stepfather, he has been a constant presence in Shortstop’s life.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Rawson, a technology director for a mutual fund company, has been Masyn’s biggest cheerleader. She married Earl when Masyn was only eight years old.
She gave each of her four sons middle names inspired by colors on a painter’s wheel. Masyn has Blaze, while his brothers have Sky, Jade, and Gray.
Masyn’s first instinct was to rush to his mother’s side when the Cardinals drafted him in 2020. They dedicated everything to baseball through all those tournaments, sacrificing many vacations.
She was a single mother, for the most part, for all five kids, and what she’s done for all of us is unbelievable. My mom always worked so that we had gifts at Christmas and good birthdays — even when she didn’t have much. Nothing I could ever do could match what she’s done for us. She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met.
Masyn Winn
Tiffany Rawson and Earl Luckett provided Masyn Winn with the foundation to chase his dreams. Their support, sacrifices, and lessons helped mold him into the player and person he is today.
They often attend his games to cheer him on. Tiffany even threw the first pitch for his son on his bobblehead day.
Masyn Winn Honors Negro Leagues Legacy While Embracing His Role In Black Baseball History
The St. Louis Cardinals’ game at historic Rickwood Field in June 2024 held special meaning for rookie shortstop Masyn Winn.
He was the only Black player in the Cardinals’ starting lineup against the San Francisco Giants and took the field on a day that celebrated the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the late, great Willie Mays.
The Cardinals and Giants paid tribute by wearing the uniforms of Negro League teams respectively.
These teams were part of the seven leagues that comprised the Negro Leagues from the 1920s to the 1950s, a period when segregation barred Black athletes from Major League Baseball.
Decades later, MLB officially recognized the Negro Leagues as a major league, integrating its statistics into baseball’s historical records.
The game provided an opportunity to connect with the history of Black players who paved the way in MLB.
It means the world to me and to my stepdad, who came into my life early on and taught me about the history of Black baseball players and their significance in our community. He told me about what it means to represent the African-American community. So playing in this game, it’s going to be amazing.
Masyn Winn
Winn embraced the responsibility of being a rising Black star in MLB, growing up in a sport where African American representation has declined in recent decades.
He sought wisdom from Cardinals legends like Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee, who have mentored him on and off the field.
Their guidance has deepened his appreciation for the game’s evolution and the importance of carrying forward the legacy of the Negro Leagues.
Playing in the Rickwood, for me, is going to be pretty special. Growing up, looking up to players like Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee and Willie Mays, it’s going to be a true honor to be there. The guys that have paved the way before us have made it easier for us. We’re so thankful. It’s truly a blessing to have Black players to look up to, and we want to follow their footsteps.
Masyn Winn
As Masyn continues his promising career, he remains eager to learn more about baseball’s Black pioneers while inspiring the next generation of players.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Masyn Winn has been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Gianna Pettus.
- He was named the best overall athlete in the Cardinals’ minor league system going into the 2021 season.
- As of 2026, his net worth is estimated to be $4 million.
