Bobby Thomson

Bobby Thomson is best remembered for one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, his walk-off home run on October 3, 1951, known forever as the “Shot Heard ’Round the World.” That dramatic blast lifted the New York Giants over the Brooklyn Dodgers in a three-game playoff and secured the National League pennant. While that moment forever etched Thomson’s name into baseball lore, his full career tells the story of a talented, humble, and resilient player who excelled during one of the most racially transformative periods in the sport.

Born in Scotland and raised in Staten Island, Thomson served in the U.S. Army during World War II before debuting with the Giants in 1946. He hit 264 home runs over 15 seasons, was a three-time All-Star. In the bottom of the ninth inning of the deciding game of the 1951 National League playoff, Thomson faced the Dodgers’ Ralph Branca down 4 to 2 with two runners on base. He connected with Branca’s breaking ball for a walk-off three-run home run over the Polo Grounds’ short left field porch, sending the fans into delirium and the Giants to the World Series. As he circled the bases, Jackie Robinson stood at his position near second base, watching to ensure that Thomson touched each one. Thomson’s career was defined not only by his legendary moment but by the professionalism and grace he brought to the field every day. Over a fifteen-year career, Thompson brought a reliable bat to the National League.  Bobby Thomson’s story is a reminder that historic baseball moments are made by both the swing of a bat and the shared trust of a team moving forward together.