Tommy Sampson (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tommy Sampson |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Second baseman/Manager | |||
| Born: August 31, 1912 Calhoun, Alabama |
|||
| Died: January 24, 2002 (aged 89) Elizabeth City, North Carolina |
|||
|
|||
| debut | |||
| 1938, for the Chicago American Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1948, for the New York Cubans | |||
| Teams | |||
|
|||
Thomas "Toots" Sampson (born August 31, 1912 – died January 24, 2002) was an important American baseball player. He was a skilled second baseman and later a manager in the Negro Leagues. These leagues were professional baseball leagues for African American players. They existed when Black players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball.
Contents
Who Was Tommy Sampson?
Tommy Sampson, also known as "Toots," was born in Calhoun, Alabama. He became a well-known figure in baseball. He played during a time when baseball was segregated. This meant Black and white players played in separate leagues. Sampson was part of a rich history of baseball talent.
Playing in the Negro Leagues
Sampson played professional baseball for many years. His career lasted from 1938 to 1948. He spent most of his playing time with the Birmingham Black Barons. The Black Barons were a very famous team. They were known for their exciting style of play.
A Tough Moment in 1944
In 1944, Sampson and his team were playing in the 1944 Negro World Series. This was a very important championship series. During this time, Sampson was involved in a car accident. He broke his right leg. This injury meant he could not finish playing in the series. Other players in the car had only minor injuries.
Sampson as a Manager
After his playing days, Sampson took on a new role. He became the manager for the Birmingham Black Barons. He managed the team in 1946 and 1947. A manager helps lead the team and makes important decisions during games. He was later replaced by another great baseball figure, Piper Davis.
Discovering a Baseball Legend
One of Tommy Sampson's most famous achievements happened in 1948. He discovered a young player named Willie Mays. Mays was an incredible talent. Sampson saw his potential and helped him sign with the Black Barons. Willie Mays later became one of the greatest players in baseball history. He is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Sampson's discovery helped bring Mays's amazing skills to the world.
