Sidney Thompson

Sidney J. Thompson

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.

• Born ~1947

BR register page

Biographical Information

Sidney Thompson was the first player born and raised in Australia to play pro ball in the US.

He played for New South Wales in the 1966 Claxton Shield. He was then signed by the Philadelphia Phillies, while Neil Page signed with the Cincinnati Reds that year, making them the first two players born and raised in Australia to sign with MLB teams. While Page did not play in the minors, Thompson did, going 0-1 with a 2.84 ERA In eight games (one start) for the 1966 Huron Phillies. In 19 IP, he allowed 18 hits and 7 walks while fanning 11. He was 1 for 2 with two walks and a run on offense.

He then played for the Australian national team in the 1975 Asian Championship; they won Bronze, the only medal ever for Australia in an Asian Championship. It is surprising that Thompson played in the event as international competitions of the era were for players who were amateurs, not those with pro experience (however limited). Other situations like this occurred, though - like Team Canada having to forfeit a win from the 1967 Pan American Games for having four players with pro experience.