Derrel Thomas

Derrel Osbon Thomas

• Bats Both, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 160 lb.
• High School: Dorsey High School
• Debut September 14, 1971
• Final Game October 5, 1985
• Born January 14, 1951 in Los Angeles, CA USA

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Biographical Information

In fifteen seasons in the majors, Derrel Thomas played every position but pitcher. His most common position was second base, but he was also in over 1,000 games where he appeared at other positions. He played most of his major league career in California with the San Diego Padres, the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels.

He managed in the minors in 1987. A graduate of Dorsey High School, he became the baseball coach there in December 1991. The following March, a player shot himself fatally on the team bus playing Russian roulette. One month later, Thomas was arrested for attempting to purchase 22 pounds of cocaine and sentenced to probation; probation that was extended after a 1997 drug possession arrest.

In 1989, Thomas played for the Gold Coast Suns of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. He hit .303 and stole 9 bases for the club. In 1990, he was with the San Bernardino Pride of the SPBA. He played in 13 games and batted .268 before the league folded.

Notable Achievement

• Won a World Series with the the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981

Related Sites

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Organization	Playoffs	Notes
1987	Boise Hawks	Northwest League	9-29	--	none		Replaced by Mal Fichman (17-21) on July 26
1998	Tri-City Posse	Western Baseball League	--	--	none	--	Replaced Jamie Nelson on May 29