Samuel Thompson

Note: This page is for 1930s pitcher Samuel Thompson; for the Hall of Fame outfielder, click here.

Samuel Tommy Thompson
(Sad Sam, Long Tom)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.
• High School Sumner High School (Kansas City)
• Debut 1932
• Final Game 1942
• Born May 27, 1908 in Sulligent, AL USA
• Died January 29, 1978 in Los Angeles, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Sad Sam Thompson pitched for a decade in the Negro Leagues. He broke in during 1931 with the Kansas City Monarchs. In 1932, he was 11-6 for the Monroe Monarchs and 0-1 for the Indianapolis ABCs. He was 4th in the Negro Southern League in wins behind Bill Foster, Wee Willie Powell and Putt Powell.

Thompson moved to the Detroit Stars in 1933 and the Nashville Elite Giants in 1934. In 1935, he was 1-4 for the Columbus Elite Giants. Moving to the Philadelphia Stars in 1936, the right-hander posted a 5-4 record.

Thompson had his career year in 1937, going 11-5 for the Stars. He had a 2.21 RA. He led the Negro National League in wins and was second to Roy Welmaker in RA. Sad Sam was not as happy in 1938, going 0-1. He went 5-5 in 1939 and 2-6 in 1940. He wrapped up with the Chicago American Giants in 1941 and 1942 (0-3).

Notable Achievements

• NNL Shutouts Leader (1937)

Sources:

• The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley
• The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues by John Holway