The first Black Texas Rangers player is Bobby Thompson.
About Bobby Thompson
The first African American born in Charlotte to play in the Major Leagues was Thompson, who graduated from Harding University High School and then went on to play in the league. He was chosen by the Texas Rangers in the 1972 amateur draft. He spent six years in the Rangers Minor League system before making his big league debut on April 16, 1978, when he played for the big team.
Bobby La Rue Thompson, better known as “Bull,” was an outfielder in Major League Baseball. He played mostly in center field for the Texas Rangers during the 1978 season. He was born in Charlotte, NC.
As a backup outfielder for Al Oliver, Juan Beniquez, and Bobby Bonds in his only major league year, Thompson also played pinch-hitting and running. He played 64 games, making his debut at the age of 25. He hit for a.225 average (27-for-120), with three doubles, three triples, two home runs, seven stolen bases, and 12 runs scored. He also drove in 12 runs and scored 23 times. When did he play his last game? It was September 25. He hit.273 and had 29 home runs in 520 games in the minor leagues over six years.
Thompson died at his home in Charlotte at the age of 57, and he was found dead there.
