An outfielder whose pro career extended for 11 seasons (1944–1954), he appeared in 63 Major League Baseball games for the 1948 New York Giants.

After batting .289 with 20 home runs for Jersey City in 1947,[2] Layton made the 1948 varsity Giants' roster.

On July 2, Layton cracked three hits (all singles) in five at bats against the Brooklyn Dodgers — two off Preacher Roe and one off Rex Barney — in a 6–4 Giant win at Ebbets Field.

[4] Then, three days later, Layton had a career-high four safeties (including two doubles) off Boston Braves' ace Johnny Sain in a 13-inning, 6–5 New York win at the Polo Grounds.

[5] During his Major League career, Layton collected 21 hits (including four doubles, four triples and two home runs) in 91 at bats.