Dave Thomas (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave Thomas |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| First baseman | |||
| Born: March 22, 1905 Mobile, Alabama |
|||
| Died: July 27, 1968 (aged 63) Mobile, Alabama |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| 1929, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1946, for the New York Cubans | |||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
David Thomas (born March 22, 1905 – died July 27, 1968) was an amazing baseball player. He was known by his nickname "Showboat". He played as a first baseman in the Negro leagues from 1929 to 1946. Thomas was born and passed away in Mobile, Alabama.
Contents
"Showboat" Thomas: A Baseball Legend
Dave Thomas is remembered as one of the best defensive first basemen ever in the Negro Leagues. He played for many teams during his career. These included the Birmingham Black Barons, Baltimore Black Sox, and New York Cubans.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
The Negro Leagues were professional baseball leagues in the United States. They were created for African American players. This was because they were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball at the time. Many talented players like Dave Thomas played in these leagues. They showed incredible skill and passion for the game.
A Star First Baseman
"Showboat" Thomas was famous for his excellent fielding skills. He played first base, which is a key defensive position. His ability to catch difficult throws and make plays was outstanding. He was a very reliable player for his teams.
A Tryout for the Dodgers
In 1945, when Dave Thomas was 40 years old, he got a special chance. He and another player, Terris McDuffie, had a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers. This happened two years before Jackie Robinson broke the "baseball color line". The "color line" was a rule that kept Black players out of Major League Baseball. This tryout showed that teams were starting to consider Black players.
Later Life
Dave Thomas continued to play baseball until 1946. He passed away in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, in 1968. He was 63 years old. His legacy as a great defensive player in the Negro Leagues lives on.
