Born in Los Angeles, he threw and batted right-handed and was listed as 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and 190 pounds (86 kg).

His father, Wally Sr., a standout outfielder in the Pacific Coast League, played in 67 MLB games during the early 1920s.

Hood attended the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the USC Trojans' first national championship edition in 1948 and was selected to the All-America team.

[2] Hood signed with the Yankees in 1948, and in his second pro season received his MLB audition in September 1949.

He made two appearances in relief, compiling a 0–0 record with a 0.00 earned run average with no saves.