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Fresco Thompson
From BR Bullpen
Lafayette Fresco Thompson (Tommy)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 8", Weight 150 lb.
- School Columbia University
- Debut September 5, 1925
- Final Game April 22, 1934
- Born June 6, 1902 in Centreville, AL USA
- Died November 20, 1968 in Fullerton, CA USA
Contents |
[edit] Biographical Information
Fresco "Tommy" Thompson was a player, manager, scout, farm director and GM.
He was known as a good defensive infielder and bench jockey. Before a game when he was with the Brooklyn Dodgers Waite Hoyt asked Thompson why he was gargling a lot before a game, Thompson said he was getting in shape. In 1934 Thompson's tongue cost him a job; when Bill Terry told him to pinch-run, he said "I'd like to, but I just shined my shoes."
Thompson spent many years as a player, then managed in six different minor league cities. After that he became a Dodgers scout in 1942 and 1946-1947. He was the Dodgers' farm director from 1949 to 1968. In 1968 he became GM of the Dodgers but died only five months later.
Thompson was at Columbia University at the same time as Lou Gehrig. He played several years in the minors before leaving Columbia, and came to the majors in 1925. After his major league days he continued to play in the minors through 1941, hitting .300 several times. Although not a home run hitter in the majors, he had 26 homers for Buffalo in 1926.
Quote: "Willie Mays and his glove: where triples go to die."
| Preceded by Buzzie Bavasi |
Los Angeles Dodgers General Manager 1968 |
Succeeded by Al Campanis |
Source: "On a Clear Day They Could See Seventh Place" by George Robinson and Charles Salzberg
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1929)
- 200 Hits Seasons: 1 (1929)
- Won a World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1925 (he did not play in the World Series)
[edit] Year-by-Year Managerial Record
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Birmingham Barons | Southern Association | 73-79 | 6th | Chicago Cubs | |
| 1939 | Hartford Bees | Eastern League | 58-82 | 7th (t) | Boston Bees | |
| 1940 | Williamsport Grays | Eastern League | 60-74 | 7th | Philadelphia A's | |
| 1941 | Reading Brooks | Interstate League | 74-51 | 3rd | Brooklyn Dodgers | Lost in 1st round |
| 1943 | Montreal Royals | International League | 76-76 | 4th | Brooklyn Dodgers | Lost in 1st round |
| 1944 | New Orleans Pelicans | Southern Association | 57-83 | 8th | Brooklyn Dodgers | |
| 1945 | New Orleans Pelicans | Southern Association | 73-67 | 4th | Brooklyn Dodgers | Lost League Finals |
