On this day in 1923, Robert Brown "Bobby" Thomson was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He was three years old when his family immigrated to New York in 1926 and was signed by the New York Giants in 1942 but his major league career would have to wait: He missed the 1943-45 seasons while serving in World War II.
Thomson is, of course, best remembered for one specific feat as a Giant: On October 3, 1951 he hit the "Shot Heard 'Round The World," a walkoff ninth inning home run to give his team the NL pennant. Just two years later, though, the Giants traded Thomson to the Milwaukee Braves as part of a six player deal. Thomson spent most of the 1954-57 seasons in Milwaukee, hitting .242/.307/.400 before being sent back to the Giants midseason in exchange for infielder Red Schoendienst. With the future Hall of Fame second baseman on the roster, the Braves went on to win the 1957 World Series and reach the Classic again in 1958.
Thomson passed away in 2010, or he would have turned 88 today. With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, we'd also like to wish a happy birthday today to:
- Wisconsin Timber Rattler Tyler Roberts, who turns 21.
- 1985-86 Brewer Danny Darwin, who turns 56.