Born March 5, 1860, in Danville, Indiana, was Baseball Hall of Fame Rightfielder Sam Thompson. This early baseball legend was a 1887 World Series Champion and NL batting champion 1887 for the Detroit Wolverines, NL Home Run leader in 1889, 1895 for the Philadelphia Quakers. After a lengthy retirement, Thompson later played with the Philadelphia Phillies and even did a short stint in the brand-new American League with the Detroit Tigers.
Sports History
Sam Thompson Baseball Hall of Fame
Our Book is Out!
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team
Email: pigskindispatch@gmail.com
Phone/Text: 814-636-0745
Please note, that we include affiliate links to support the maintenance and development of this site and to help promote our guests and fellow sports historians. Your support is appreciated!
_________________________
Please note, we may include affiliate links within this post to support the maintenance and development of this site.
Pigskin Dispatch
Your Portal to Positive Football History. We have an extensive library of posts and podcasts on the history of North American Football. From the innovators, teams, and coaches to legendary players, we cover them all with new items daily!
Sam Thompson A Run-Producing Machine and Baseball Hall of Famer
Sam Thompson, nicknamed "Big Sam," was a 19th-century baseball player who carved his name in history as one of the most prolific run producers the game has ever seen. His 15-year career, spanning from 1885 to 1906, was a testament to his exceptional hitting ability and his impact on the teams he played for.
Early Career and Breakout Season:
Born in 1860, Thompson entered the major leagues with the Detroit Wolverines in 1885. However, it wasn't until 1887 that he truly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In that season, he hit a staggering .406, drove in a record-breaking 166 runs, and helped lead the Wolverines to a National League pennant and victory in a postseason series against the American Association.
Sustained Excellence and Record-Setting Achievements:
Throughout his career, Thompson continued to display remarkable consistency. He led the National League in RBIs twice, hit over .300 in 11 seasons, and finished with a career batting average of .331. He also holds the record for the most RBIs driven in a single month, with 61 in August 1895 while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Beyond Statistics: A Complete Player:
While his offensive prowess is undeniable, Thompson was more than just a slugger. He possessed a keen eye at the plate, with a career on-base percentage of .384. Additionally, he stole over 200 bases throughout his career, showcasing his well-rounded skillset.
Early Career and Breakout Season:
Born in 1860, Thompson entered the major leagues with the Detroit Wolverines in 1885. However, it wasn't until 1887 that he truly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In that season, he hit a staggering .406, drove in a record-breaking 166 runs, and helped lead the Wolverines to a National League pennant and victory in a postseason series against the American Association.
Sustained Excellence and Record-Setting Achievements:
Throughout his career, Thompson continued to display remarkable consistency. He led the National League in RBIs twice, hit over .300 in 11 seasons, and finished with a career batting average of .331. He also holds the record for the most RBIs driven in a single month, with 61 in August 1895 while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Beyond Statistics: A Complete Player:
While his offensive prowess is undeniable, Thompson was more than just a slugger. He possessed a keen eye at the plate, with a career on-base percentage of .384. Additionally, he stole over 200 bases throughout his career, showcasing his well-rounded skillset.
This Day in Baseball May 16
Ruth pitches a gem, a famous Boston player hits for the cycle, the Pirates overcome a 5-run deficit against a top pitcher, an AL HR record for seven games is tied, and dozens more stories from May 16 MLB history.
The crew at This Day in Baseball.com gives us the scoop on May 16 events that concern Sam Thompson, Christy Matthewson, Red Ames, Babe Ruth, Earle Combs, Tommy Bridges, Roberto Clemente, Wally Moon, Ted Williams, and more.
The crew at This Day in Baseball.com gives us the scoop on May 16 events that concern Sam Thompson, Christy Matthewson, Red Ames, Babe Ruth, Earle Combs, Tommy Bridges, Roberto Clemente, Wally Moon, Ted Williams, and more.
Related Searches
MLB May 16, Sam Thompson, Christy Matthewson, Red Ames, Babe Ruth, Earle Combs, Tommy Bridges2024-11-22
November 22
In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 22. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
2024-11-21
November 21
In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 21. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
2024-11-21
The NBA Legend of Earl the Pearl
Vernon Earl "Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe" was an American professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection. Monroe wa...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
Born: November 20, 1944 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Weight: 175 lb (80 kg) Position: Guard Teams: Kentucky Colonels (ABA) (1967–1976) San Antonio Spurs (NBA) (1976–1979) Career highlights: ABA All-Star (1968–1976...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
The Brooklyn Nets franchise has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding 1967 as the New Jersey Americans. Over the years, the team has had multiple great players, including some of the biggest names in NBA history. In this article, we will look at the best Brooklyn Nets players of a...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
2024-11-20
November 20
In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 20. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
Remember Sports History Daily
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items
[/br]SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
Please note, that we include affiliate links to support the maintenance and development of this site and to help promote our guests and fellow sports historians. Your support is appreciated!
_________________________
Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
_________________________
Hut! Hut! Hike! Book
Historian Timothy P. Brown has released another excellent book to help fill our football minds with knowledge. His latest is called Hut! Hut! Hike!: A History of Football Terminology.[/br]more information
_________________________