Frank Thompson (pitcher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frank Thompson |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: October 26, 1918 Merryville, Louisiana |
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| Died: February, 1983 Memphis, Tennessee |
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| debut | |||
| 1945, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1954, for the Birmingham Black Barons | |||
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Frank R. Thompson, Jr. (born October 26, 1918 – died February, 1983) was a talented American baseball player. He was a pitcher, which means he was the player who throws the ball to the batter. Frank Thompson was known by his nickname, "Groundhog". He played in the Negro leagues from 1945 to 1954.
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Who Was Frank "Groundhog" Thompson?
Frank Thompson was born in Merryville, Louisiana. He became a professional baseball player in 1945. He played during a time when African-American players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball. Instead, they played in their own professional leagues, known as the Negro leagues. These leagues had many amazing players.
Starting His Baseball Journey
Thompson joined the Birmingham Black Barons team in 1945. His manager quickly saw how skilled he was. The manager said that Frank had a great fastball, a curveball, and a sinker. These are all different types of pitches. He also had good control over where his pitches went. Frank was also praised for being calm and focused on the mound. He learned new things very quickly.
A Fan Favorite Player
Frank Thompson's skills were clear to everyone who watched him play. Even though he was not a very tall player, he had a unique way of playing. This made him very popular with the fans. People loved to watch "Groundhog" Thompson pitch.
Playing for Different Teams
After his time with the Birmingham Black Barons, Thompson played for other teams. From 1946 to 1948, he played for the Homestead Grays. Then, from 1949 to 1951, he joined the Memphis Red Sox. He traveled and played baseball across different cities.
Returning to the Black Barons
In 1952, Frank Thompson returned to play for the Birmingham Black Barons. This was the team where he started his professional career. He continued to show his great pitching abilities.
An All-Star Player
In 1952, Frank Thompson was chosen for a very special game. He was the starting pitcher for the 1952 East–West All-Star Game. This game was a big event in the Negro leagues. It featured the best players from teams in the East and West. Being chosen as a starting pitcher was a huge honor. Thompson continued to play for Birmingham until 1954.
Later Years
Frank Thompson passed away in February 1983. He was 64 years old at the time. He died in Memphis, Tennessee, a city where he had also played baseball. His legacy as a talented pitcher in the Negro leagues lives on.
