Sam Chapman

From BR Bullpen

Samuel Blake Chapman

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 1", Weight 190 lb.
School University of California
Debut May 16, 1938
Final Game September 22, 1951
Born April 11, 1916 in Tiburon, CA USA
Died December 22, 2006 in Kentfield, CA USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Sam Chapman played halfback on the University of California football team that won the 1938 Rose Bowl and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Chapman was drafted by the Washington Redskins after his college career, but chose baseball instead. He also played baseball at Cal and following graduation was signed by Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics. Prior to his debut with the A's, he had never seen a major league game.

Chapman had his best season in 1941, when he hit .322 with 25 home runs and 106 RBIs. However, playing on a last place club, his numbers were overshadowed by Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. He missed most of the next four years while serving during World War II, entering the Navy in November 1941 and being discharged in September 1945. He made the All-Styar team his first year back from service, hitting .261 with 20 home runs for the 1946 Athletics. Chapman continued to play for the Athletics until being traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1951. After his big league career ended, he played for the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League.

Chapman died at age 90 after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.