Bobby Thomson who hit famous "shot heard 'round the world" homer dies at age 86

[ralph wiggum]

Former baseball great Bobby Thomson, whose "shot heard 'round the world" capped a miracle comeback to win the 1951 National League pennant for the New York Giants over the Brooklyn Dodgers, has died. He was 86.

Thomson died Monday at his home in Savannah, Georgia after years of declining health, his family said this afternoon.

Nicknamed the "Staten Island Scot" because he was born in Glasgow and moved to Richmond County as a child, Thomson played for the Giants from 1946 to 1953. He also played for the team during the 1957 season.

Thomson would also go on to play for the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

A .270 career hitter, he became a legend for smacking the game-winning homer off Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca in the playoffs to win the 1951 NL pennant.

The home run -- dubbed the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" -- is considered the most famous in baseball history.

LINK

[marv]

I was in the eighth grade and Mr. Brinkman, the teacher, let us listen to the game. It's been one of the most vivid memories of my childhood.

RIP Bobby...........

[JB]

I was in the eighth grade and Mr. Brinkman, the teacher, let us listen to the game.

Pretty cool.

They were down by four in the bottom of the ninth in that game. Some finish.

[marv]

There was also a M*A*S*H episode that featured the '51 Giants season. Winchester lost his butt betting on the Dodgers 'cause he (and Klinger) didn't think the Giants could come back.

[obx]

I have a baseball signed by the entire NY Giants team from back in the 1930's. It has 3 or 4 Hall of Famers on it. The only name I can remember is Mel Ott.
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Ford starliner picture

[NJCardFan]

A very famous trivia question stems from that game. Who was on deck when Thompson hit that home run?

[ralph wiggum]

A very famous trivia question stems from that game. Who was on deck when Thompson hit that home run?

Willie Mays, I believe. Think I read that yesterday.

[NJCardFan]

Willie Mays, I believe. Think I read that yesterday.

Correct. He was but a wide eyed rookie.