Ormond Sampson

Ormond Garfield Sampson
(Sam)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 178 lb.
• School Florida A&M University
• Debut 1932
• Final Game 1941
• Born March 3, 1910 in San Salvador Island Bahamas
• Died July 2, 1966 in Miami, FL USA

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Biographical Information

Ormond Sampson was the first major leaguer born in the Bahamas.

Sampson debuted for the Atlanta Black Crackers in 1932, going 1 for 10 as a backup shortstop; it was the only major league season for the Negro Southern League but enough to make him the first major leaguer from the Bahamas (prior to 2020's declaration by MLB of the Negro Leagues as major leagues, Andre Rodgers had been listed as the first). He was Atlanta's starting shortstop and manager in 1937, hitting .261/.311/.351 (103 OPS+) against other top black teams. He also pitched one game, going 1-0 with three runs in six games.

In 1938, he was the most-used shortstop for the Chicago American Giants, fielding .918 (league average .907) and batting .250/.286/.300 for a 75 OPS+. He next surfaced as the starting left fielder for the 1940 Cleveland Bears, hitting .220/.352/.271 (95 OPS+). He was the most-used right fielder for the Jacksonville Red Caps in 1941 but was just 3-for-20 to end his career. Overall, he had a 79 OPS+ against top black competition.

Source:

• Seamheads.com