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Robby Thompson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Major League Baseball player and coach. For the Australian rules footballer, seeRobbie Thompson.For the Phillies manager, seeRob Thomson.For other people, seeRobert Thompson (disambiguation)andRobert Thomson (disambiguation).

Robby Thompson
Thompson with theSeattle Marinersin 2013
Second baseman
Born:(1962-05-10)May 10, 1962(age 62)
West Palm Beach, Florida,U.S.
Batted:Right
Threw:Right
MLB debut
April 8, 1986, for the San Francisco Giants
Last MLB appearance
September 22, 1996, for the San Francisco Giants
MLB statistics
Batting average.257
Home runs119
Runs batted in458
Teams
As player

As coach

Career highlights and awards

Robert Randall Thompson(born May 10, 1962) is anAmericanformer professionalbaseballplayer andcoach.He played his entire career inMajor League Baseball(1986–1996) as thesecond basemanfor theSan Francisco Giants.During the Giants' resurgence in the late 1980s, he was known as a team leader who played the game with a gritty determination.[1]Thompson served as the bench coach for theSeattle Mariners,for the 2011 through 2013 seasons.

Early life

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Thompson was born inWest Palm Beach, Florida.[2]He attendedForest Hill Community High Schoolin West Palm Beach, where he played high school baseball for the Forest Hill Falcons. Thompson received an athletic scholarship to attend theUniversity of Floridain 1983 where he played for coach Jack Rhine'sFlorida Gators baseballteam. He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the1983 Major League Baseball draft,and decided to forgo his remainingNCAAeligibility.[3]In 1985, while playing for theShreveport Captainsin theTexas League,he posted a.261batting averagealong with 9home runsand was named to the league All-Star team.[4][5]

MLB playing career

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Thompson made his major league debut with the Giants on April 8,1986,at the age of 24.[2]In June, he became the first player in major league history to becaught stealingfour times in one game (three occurred during attemptedhit and runplays).[6]Despite his rocky start, Thompson ended the season with a.271 batting average as the Giantsleadoff hitterand provided steady defense.[2]He won theSporting NewsRookie of the Year Awardand finished second toTodd Worrellin the 1986National LeagueRookie of the Year Award.[7][8]Thompson had surgery at the end of the season to have cartilage removed from his right knee.[9]

Thompson continued to perform well defensively in1987,teaming up with Giants shortstopJosé Uribeto form one of the bestdouble playcombinations in baseball, and helped the Giants lead the major leagues with 183 double plays.[10]The Giants clinched theNational League Western Divisiontitle by six games over the Cincinnati Reds.[11]In the1987 National League Championship Series,Thompson played in pain with a bulging disc but still played well defensively helping the Giants set a playoff record with 10 double plays.[9][10]He also hit 1 home run and had 2runs batted inas the Giants were defeated by theSt. Louis Cardinalsin a seven-game series.[12]

In1988,Thompson was hitting above.300 at mid-season to earn a spot as a reserve on the 1988National League All-Starteam.[13][14]Unfortunately, he was once again plagued by an injury and had to miss the game due to a pinched nerve in his leg.[15]Brett Butlertook over as the Giants leadoff hitter and Thompson, as the new number two hitter in thebatting order,struggled to make contact,striking out111 times and ending the year with a.264 average.[2]

In 1989, Thompson's batting average dropped to.241. However, he led the National League with 11triplesand scored a career-high 91runswhile hitting ahead ofWill ClarkandKevin Mitchellin the batting order.[2][16]The Giants once again won the Western Division crown and faced theChicago Cubsin the1989 National League Championship Series.[17]Thompson hit 2 home runs in the series including a game-winning two-run home run in Game 3 as the Giants went on to win the series in five games.[18][19]Thompson was held to only one hit in the1989 World Seriesagainst theOakland Athleticsas the Giants were swept in four straight games.[20]

Thompson's best year statistically was in1993when he was hitting for a.325 average at mid-season to earn his secondAll-Starselection; however, a leg injury would once again force him to miss the game.[21][22][23]The Giants had a nine-game lead on August 11 but faltered in September and were caught by theAtlanta Braves,though by no fault of Thompson, who increased his offensive output late in the season including a period in August where he hit home runs in five consecutive games.[21][24]With 10 games left in the season on September 24, Thompson suffered a broken cheek bone when he washit by a pitchthrown byTrevor Hoffmanof the San Diego Padres. He missed 8 games due to the injury, but with the Giants and Braves tied for first place Thompson returned to play the final game of the season.[21]Despite his determination, playing with a bloodshot eye and wearing a clear plastic mask in the field, the Giants lost the National League West on the last day of the season.[24][25]

Thompson ended the season with career highs in batting average (.312),doubles(30), home runs (19) andruns batted in(65).[2]Although Thompson was one of the best fielding second basemen in the National League, he was often overlooked in post-season awards because his playing career coincided with that ofBaseball Hall of Famesecond basemanRyne Sandberg.[26]By 1993, Sandberg was past his prime and Thompson finally received recognition when he won theGold Glove Awardfor fielding excellence and theSilver Slugger Award,which is awarded annually to the bestoffensiveplayer at eachposition.[27][28]He was rewarded by the Giants in November when he signed a three-year contract for $12 million, making him the second-highest paid second baseman in baseball after Ryne Sandberg.[29]

Duringspring trainingin1994,Thompson received a scare when he was hit on the left ear flap of his batting helmet by pitcherMike Harkeyof the Colorado Rockies.[30]Thompson later stated the twobeaningsby Hoffman and Harkey were on his mind when he batted during games.[31][32]In May, he went onto thedisabled listand missed almost two months of the season.[33]He returned in late June, but played in only seven games before undergoing surgery on his right shoulder and missed the rest of the season.[34]Thompson's injuries continued to hamper his playing time in1995and in September he had to undergo surgery again, this time on his left shoulder.[35]He returned to play in1996but injuries continued to take their toll as he appeared in only 63 games.[2][1]Thompson played his last major league game on September 22, 1996, at the age of 34.[2]

Thompson was known for the well-usedbaseball glovewith which he played for almost his entire career.[36]He was offended when theSan Francisco Chronicleprinted a story titled, "Thompson's Ugly, Pathetic Glove is a Gem."[36]His teammate,Rich Aurilia,who played at shortstop next to Thompson near the end of his career said, "I think by the time Robby was done, the glove mainly consisted ofpine tarandchewspit. I don't even know how much leather was left in it. I know for a fact Robby still has that glove. "[36]

Career statistics

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In an eleven-year major league career Thompson played in 1,304games,accumulating 1,187hitsin 4,612at batsfor a.257 career batting average along with 119 home runs, 458runs batted inand a.329on-base percentage.[2]He led the National League in triples in 1989 with 11 and he finished his career with a.983fielding percentage.[2]Thompson led National League second basemen in double plays for three consecutive seasons from1990to1992.[37]Hehit for the cyclein a game on April 22, 1991.[38]

A two-timeAll-Star,Thompson was the recipient of one Gold Glove Award and one Silver Slugger Award. He won theWillie Mac Awardin1991,honoring his spirit and leadership.[39]At the time of his retirement, Thompson was the all-time leader among Giants second basemen in games (1,304), at bats (4,612), runs (671), hits (1,187), doubles (238), triples (39), home runs (119), runs batted in (458),stolen bases(103), fielding percentage (.983) and double plays (873).[1][40]

Coaching career

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Thompson served as the Giants first base coach in2000and2001.[1]He was hired by theCleveland Indiansas a first base coach in December 2001.[41]In 2003, he was promoted to special assistant to the Cleveland Indians'general managerbefore returning to the field in June 2005 as the Indians' bench coach.[42]In November 2010, Thompson was hired by the Seattle Mariners as their bench coach.[43]On July 22, 2013, Thompson began serving as interim manager while Eric Wedge recovered from a minorstroke.Thompson returned to his role as bench coach on August 23, 2013.[44]On November 1, 2013, Thompson was fired by the organization.[45]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^abcdJohanson, Matt (2007).San Francisco Giants (Game of My Life).Sports Publishing, LLC.ISBN9781596701779.RetrievedMarch 5,2011.
  2. ^abcdefghij"Robby Thompson statistics".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  3. ^"1983 Major League Baseball draft, First Round".thebaseballcube.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  4. ^"Robby Thompson minor league statistics".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  5. ^"Area Pro Report".Gainesville Sun.July 21, 1985. p. 19.RetrievedMarch 1,2011.
  6. ^"Thompson Sets Wrong Mark".Rome News-Tribune.Associated Press. June 29, 1986. p. 19.RetrievedMarch 1,2011.
  7. ^"Schmidt, Mattingly selected top players".Reading Eagle.October 22, 1986. p. 44.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  8. ^"1986 National League Rookie of the Year Award".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  9. ^ab"Getting back on top helps ease the pain for former Falcon".The Palm Beach Post.October 13, 1987. p. 1.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  10. ^ab"Thompson Doubles Pleasure".Lewiston Morning Tribune.Associated Press. October 7, 1987. p. 6.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  11. ^"1987 National League Team Statistics and Standings".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  12. ^"1987 National League Championship Series".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  13. ^"1988 Robby Thompson batting log".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  14. ^"1988 All-Star Game".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  15. ^"Injury means Thompson not an All-Star".The Modesto Bee.Bee News Services. July 11, 1988. p. 3.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  16. ^"NLCS Matchups".The Milwaukee Journal.October 4, 1989. p. 4.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  17. ^"1989 San Francisco Giants".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  18. ^"1989 National League Championship Series".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  19. ^"Thompson's 2-run blast wins for Giants".Rock Hill Herald.Associated Press. October 8, 1989. p. 1.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  20. ^"1989 World Series".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  21. ^abc"1993 Robby Thompson batting log".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.
  22. ^"1993 All-Star Game".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  23. ^"Thompson uncertain about All-Star Game".Lodi News-Sentinel.McClatchy News Service. July 10, 1993. p. 13.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  24. ^ab"1993 San Francisco Giants".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  25. ^"Bonds not the cause of San Francisco's downfall".The Post and Courier.Associated Press. October 5, 1993. p. 4.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  26. ^Cunningham, Bob (July 1995).Middle Infielders Discuss Techniques of 'Turning Two'.RetrievedMarch 5,2011.{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help)
  27. ^"1993 Gold Glove Award Winners".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  28. ^"1993 Silver Slugger Award Winners".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  29. ^"Giants sign Robby Thompson".Lodi News-Sentinel.Associated Press. November 15, 1993. p. 15.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  30. ^"Jordan's agonizing wait for 1st hit ends against Twins".The Milwaukee Journal.Journal Wire Reports. March 15, 1994. p. 2.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  31. ^Kurk gian, Tim."Missing Persons".sportsillustrated.cnn. June 6, 1994
  32. ^Harding, Thomas."Giants Hunt Heads, Bag Win".Gazette, The (Colorado Springs). June 28, 2000.
  33. ^"1994 Robby Thompson batting log".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  34. ^"Thompson out for year".Sarasota Herald Tribune.July 9, 1994. p. 4.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  35. ^"Bonds Messes Up Several Times As Pirates Nip Giants".The Vindicator.September 18, 1995. p. 3.RetrievedMarch 5,2011.
  36. ^abcStone, Larry (August 2004).For The Love of a Glove.RetrievedMarch 2,2011.{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help)
  37. ^Stone, Larry (December 1993).In '93, Robby Thompson Came of Age As A Clutch Hitter.RetrievedMarch 5,2011.{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help)
  38. ^"Thompson Hits For Cycle; Giants Still Lose 7-5".The Albany Herald.Associated Press. April 23, 1991. p. 3.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  39. ^"Willie Mac Award Winners".Baseball Almanac.RetrievedOctober 19,2010.
  40. ^"Giants buy out Robby Thompson".Lodi News-Sentinel.Associated Press. October 4, 1996. p. 16.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  41. ^"Red Sox acquire Reese, Burkett".Herald Journal.Associated Press. December 19, 2001. p. 4.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  42. ^"Indians hire Robby Thompson as interim bench coach".Channel3000.June 4, 2005. Archived fromthe originalon July 8, 2011.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  43. ^"Mariners add Chambliss, Thompson to coach staff".Seattle Times.November 4, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon June 28, 2011.RetrievedMarch 3,2011.
  44. ^Eaton, Nick."Skipper Eric Wedge Couldn't Watch Mariners on TV for 9 Innings".Seattle Post-Intelligencer.RetrievedAugust 23,2013.
  45. ^"Mariners fire bench coach Robby Thompson, reassign Jeff Datz – Mariners blog – Seattle Times".blogs.seattletimes.RetrievedJanuary 12,2014.

Further reading

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[edit]
Achievements
Preceded by Hitting for the cycle
April 22, 1991 		Succeeded by
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