Quote:
Originally Posted by Tabe
That's gotta be a thrill to see an item you donated on display. I'm guessing, based on the names, that Sam is a relative? So very cool.
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here goes. Yes, Samuel Luther Thompson (Detroit 1885-1888, Philadelphia 1889-1898, Detroit 1906, HOF 1974) was a brother of my grandfather. Sam and Ida had no children, so nieces and nephews were invited to Cooperstown in 1974 for his induction. My sons were 8 and 10 years old. We had special passes, and because I think they were mistaken for Mantle's young boys at times they had many opportunities to mingle with the players. For example: One afternoon my boys were lingering around a small out building where about a dozen old black players were holding a luncheon. Satchel Paige noticed them, put a long hand on each boys shoulder, took them inside and introduced them individually to each player. For myself, one noon I had luncheon and was seated next to Clair Ruth and Eleanor Gehrig.
to answer your question again, yes I, my father, Sam, his five brothers and three sisters all were born in Danville, Indiana. My father knew Sam, of course, and once told me: "we always welcomed Sam's visits, but he never would play catch with us."