Hank Thompson
On this date in 1949, two years after playing his first game with the St. Louis Browns, 24-year-old Hank Thompson became the first African American on another team, the New York Giants.
He started at second base on this date in 1949. Thompson, an alcoholic who had spent time in reform school, would later serve in prison for armed robbery. Ex-Newark Eagle and Army veteran Monte Irvin also played for the Giants in 1949 on his way to the Hall of Fame.
20th Century Baseball Chronicle
Year-By-Year History of major league Baseball
Copyright 1999, Publications International Ltd.
ISBN 0-7853-4074-2
