Monster Card Monday: 1894 Big Sam Thompson

First, a big thanks to Pastor Rich Zawadzki.  A big APBA baseball fan, Pastor Rich blessed with me several scans of APBA cards which will make viable Monster Card Monday candidates.  Thanks to him, I’m set for the next couple months!

We’re going back to the 19th century for this week’s MCM.  Today’s entry is 1894 Sam Thompson. 

‘Big Sam’ Thompson was one of the most prolific hitters of his time.  In fact, as I looked at his stats, I realized that in his fifteen year career (1885-1906), he led baseball in almost every major stat category.  Ironically (considering his speed), the only category he didn’t lead the league in was runs scored (though he scored over 1200) and steals. 

Here’s a piece of Sam Thompson trivia… In 1894, he was part of the only all-.400 hitting outfield with the Philadelphia Phillies.  That year, the Phils had not three but FOUR outfielders who hit .400. 

• Sam Thompson  .415
• Ed Delahanty  .407
• Billy Hamilton  .404
• Tuck Turner  .418*

[*Turner’s .418 average was accomplished with 382 PA]

At 34, the 6’2” Indiana native was nearing the end of his career peak when he lead the NL in rbis and slugging while hitting .415.  But what a season it was!  Thompson was rewarded for his 28 triples with a tasty 1-2-6-6-6 power numbers. With two more 7s plus an 11 and two more 10s, you could bat this card anywhere in the lineup and it would be productive.  His last 9 is at 64. 

One last note about Thompson’s card… there’s nary a 13.  With thirteen actual recorded strikeouts in 501 plate appearances in 1894, he won’t need one.

Thompson was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans’ Committee in 1974.  One of their better choices, in my opinion.

Thanks again to Pastor Rich! 

See other Monster Card Monday selections