Noted baseball player and coach who pitched a no-hitter in 1962 and later managed several MLB teams, including the Atlanta Braves.
John Thomson, born on October 1, 1973, is an American former starting pitcher who made a name for himself in Major League Baseball, playing for several teams including the Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Royals.
Thomson was born in Sulphur, Louisiana, and graduated from Sulphur High School in 1991. He went undrafted out of high school but continued to pursue his passion for baseball, pitching for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in 1992 and Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas, in 1993.
The Colorado Rockies selected Thomson in the seventh round of the 1993 amateur draft. He made his major league debut for the Rockies on May 11, 1997, giving up three runs (only one earned) on five hits in 7 2/3 innings with 7 strikeouts and 4 walks in a 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. He earned his first major league win in a complete game against the Florida Marlins on June 1, 1997.
Thomson remained in the Rockies' starting rotation for the rest of 1997, posting seven wins and nine losses with a 4.71 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 166 1/3 innings pitched. He made 26 starts for the Rockies in 1998 and led their starting pitchers with a 4.81 ERA.
Thomson's career was not without its challenges. He missed a month of the 1998 season with a blister on his right middle finger, which would become a recurring problem for him over the years. Despite this, he continued to persevere and made comebacks, playing for the New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Royals.
Throughout his 11-year major league career, Thomson demonstrated his resilience and determination. He may not have won any awards or accolades, but his contributions to the teams he played for are undeniable. Thomson's legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring baseball players, showing that hard work and perseverance can take you far in the game.
Today, Thomson resides in his hometown of Sulphur, Louisiana, where he continues to be involved in the baseball community.
John Thomson may not be a household name, but his dedication to the game of baseball has left an indelible mark on the sport.
60 Years Old
Left-handed pitcher with 305 wins and 10 All-Star appearances, known for his control and changeup, leading the Atlanta Braves to a World Series title in 1995.
60 Years Old
A legendary baseball player, coach, and manager renowned for his exceptional pitching skills, earning four Cy Young Awards and a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
58 Years Old
Legendary pitcher and broadcaster, known for his dominant fastball and 20-year career with the Atlanta Braves, including a Cy Young Award and eight All-Star appearances.
54 Years Old
A legendary third baseman who played his entire 19-year career with the Atlanta Braves, earning eight National League batting titles and a World Series championship. He's a sure-fire Hall of Famer and one of the greatest switch-hitters in baseball history.
49 Years Old
A talented outfielder with 434 home runs, known for his impressive defensive skills and 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards.
59 Years Old
A former MLB outfielder turned TV analyst, known for his 15-year playing career and current work as a broadcaster for MLB Network and Fox Sports.
55 Years Old
A talented catcher and coach with a 15-year MLB playing career, known for his defensive skills and World Series championship wins.
47 Years Old
A former MLB second baseman who played for the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres, known for his speed and power at the plate.