Bobby Thompson (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bobby Thompson |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Center Fielder | |||
| Born: November 3, 1953 Charlotte, North Carolina |
|||
| Died: April 25, 2011 (aged 57) Charlotte, North Carolina |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| April 16, 1978, for the Texas Rangers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 25, 1978, for the Texas Rangers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Games played | 64 | ||
| Batting average | .225 | ||
| Runs scored | 23 | ||
| Stolen bases | 7 | ||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
Bobby La Rue Thompson (born November 3, 1953 – died April 25, 2011) was a baseball player. He played as an outfielder, mostly in centerfield. He played for the Texas Rangers in the 1978 season. Bobby was 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 175 pounds. He could hit the ball with both his left and right hands (a switch-hitter). He threw the ball with his right hand. Bobby was born in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Contents
Bobby Thompson's Early Life and Career
Bobby Thompson grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. After finishing high school at Harding University High School, he made history. He became the first African American born in Charlotte to play in Major League Baseball. This was a big achievement for him and his hometown.
Joining the Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers picked Bobby in the 1972 amateur draft. This meant they wanted him to play for their team. He spent six years playing in the Rangers' minor league system. Minor leagues are where players develop their skills before joining the main team. Bobby worked hard during these years. He finally joined the big league team on April 16, 1978.
Playing in Major League Baseball
Bobby Thompson played only one season in the major leagues. This was in 1978. He was a reserve outfielder. This means he was a backup player for others like Al Oliver, Juan Beníquez, and Bobby Bonds. He also helped the team as a pinch hitter. A pinch hitter bats in place of another player. He was also a pinch runner, running the bases for someone else.
His Statistics and Final Game
Bobby played in 64 games during his major league season. He had a batting average of .225. This means he got a hit about 22.5% of the times he tried to hit the ball. He hit three doubles and three triples. He also hit two home runs. Bobby stole seven stolen bases. He helped his team score 12 runs and he scored 23 runs himself. His last game was on September 25, 1978.
Minor League Achievements
Before playing in the major leagues, Bobby had a good minor league career. He played for six seasons. In 520 games, he had a batting average of .273. He also hit 29 home runs.
Later Life
Bobby Thompson passed away at his home in Charlotte. He was 57 years old.
