Dan Thomas (thomada01)

Danny Lee Thomas
(The Sundown Kid)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.
• School Southern Illinois University
• High School East St. Louis Senior High School
• Debut September 2, 1976
• Final Game May 18, 1977
• Born May 9, 1951 in Birmingham, AL USA
• Died June 12, 1980 in Mobile, AL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"No one was more haunted than Danny Thomas." - John Blanchette, Spokane Spokesman-Review

Danny Thomas showed considerable promise as a young ballplayer with the Milwaukee Brewers but he also displayed mental health issues from nearly the time he arrived in the big leagues. A member of the Worldwide Church of God, Thomas practiced strict observance of the Sabbath, refusing to suit up from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. In 1977, he was demoted to Triple-A, despite a .271 average, and took a pay cut for his refusal to play Saturday games in Triple-A. He was eventually demoted to Double-A, a demotion he refused, and played on the periphery of organized ball in 1978 and 1979.

Life did not go well for him after leaving baseball. He died after hanging himself in his jail cell after being charged with the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

Thomas won the 4th Eastern League Triple Crown, doing so in 1976. He followed Joe Munson (1925), Bob Chance (1963) and George Scott (1965). It would be 32 years until Luis Montanez was the 5th player to perform the feat.

Notable Achievements

• 1976 Player of the Year Eastern League Berkshire Brewers