Fresco Thompson

Lafayette Fresco Thompson
(Tommy)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8", Weight 150 lb.
• School Columbia University
• High School George Washington High School (Manhattan)
• Debut September 5, 1925
• Final Game April 22, 1934
• Born June 6, 1902 in Centreville, AL USA
• Died November 20, 1968 in Fullerton, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Fresco "Tommy" Thompson was a player, manager, scout, farm director and GM.

He was known as a good defensive infielder and bench jockey. Before a game when he was with the Brooklyn Dodgers Waite Hoyt asked Thompson why he was gargling a lot before a game, Thompson said he was getting in shape. In 1934 Thompson's tongue cost him a job; when Bill Terry told him to pinch-run, he said "I'd like to, but I just shined my shoes."

Thompson spent many years as a player, then managed in six different minor league cities. After that he became a Dodgers scout in 1942 and 1946-1947. He was the Dodgers' farm director from 1949 to 1968. In 1968 he became GM of the now Los Angeles Dodgers but died only five months later.

Thompson was at Columbia University at the same time as Lou Gehrig. He played several years in the minors before leaving Columbia, and came to the majors in 1925. After his major league days he continued to play in the minors through 1941, hitting .300 several times. Although not a home run hitter in the majors, he had 26 homers for Buffalo in 1926.

Quote: "Willie Mays and his glove: where triples go to die."

Preceded by Buzzie Bavasi

Los Angeles Dodgers General Manager 1968

Succeeded by Al Campanis

Source: On a Clear Day They Could See Seventh Place by George Robinson and Charles Salzberg

Notable Achievements

• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1929)
• 200 Hits Seasons: 1 (1929)
• Won a World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1925 (he did not play in the World Series)

Year-by-Year Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Organization	Playoffs
1938	Birmingham Barons	Southern Association	73-79	6th	Chicago Cubs
1939	Hartford Bees	Eastern League	58-82	7th (t)	Boston Bees
1940	Williamsport Grays	Eastern League	60-74	7th	Philadelphia A's
1941	Reading Brooks	Interstate League	74-51	3rd	Brooklyn Dodgers	Lost in 1st round
1943	Montreal Royals	International League	76-76	4th	Brooklyn Dodgers	Lost in 1st round
1944	New Orleans Pelicans	Southern Association	57-83	8th	Brooklyn Dodgers
1945	New Orleans Pelicans	Southern Association	73-67	4th	Brooklyn Dodgers	Lost League Finals

Related Sites

• Fresco Thompson at the SABR Bio Project