Prior to playing the NFL, Waldsmith played in the Ohio League with the Akron Indians in 1914, alongside Knute Rockne. He played in every game that season. In 1916 and 1917, Ralph won the Ohio League championship with the Canton Bulldogs. In 1919 Waldsmith was the coach and co-owner of the Akron Indians. That year he signed Fritz Pollard to play for Akron ao that the team could compete against the Massillon Tigers and Canton.