Scottish Baseball Legend, Bobby Thomson, Ex New York Giants, Dies Age 86

A Glaswegian who became one of the most famous baseball players in American history has died at the age of 86.

Bobby Thomson, nicknamed the "Flying Scot", scored a home run dubbed "the shot heard round the world" to win the National League pennant for the New York Giants in 1951. He died on Monday in Savannah, Georgia.

In 1951, the New York Giants had been trailing the Brooklyn Dodgers throughout the season. However, a fantastic winning spell for the Giants meant the two teams went head-to-head in a playoff.

Thomson’s home run in the game clinched the title for the Giants, who became the San Francisco Giants in 1957.  The event is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in baseball history.

A report of Thomson’s death by MLB.com - the official website of Major League baseball in the USA - highlighted an earlier article about the famous shot, where Thomson recalled, "Right away after I hit it, I thought it was a home run. Going around the bases, I could hardly breathe. I was starting to hyperventilate."

During his 15-year career in professional baseball, which began in 1946, Thomson played for the Giants, the Milwaukee Braves, the Chicago Cubs, the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. He was an All-Star player three times.

Born in Glasgow, Thomson moved to America at the age of two with his family. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II before becoming a professional baseball player. He returned to Scotland in 2003 to be inducted in to the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame for his contribution to baseball.

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Edinburgh connection

During that visit, Thomson went to the home of the Edinburgh Diamond Devils. The Scottish side named their ground the ‘Bobby Thomson field’ in honour of the baseball great.

Following the announcement of Thomson’s death, US Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig said: "Bobby Thomson will always hold a special place in our game for hitting one of the signature home runs in baseball history. 'The Shot Heard 'Round the World' will always remain a defining moment for our game, illustrating the timeless quality of the national pastime.

"Bobby's baseball career was highlighted by that long drive at the Polo Grounds on October 3, 1951, but 'The Flying Scot' was an accomplished, three-time All-Star in a 15-year Major League career. A true gentleman, Bobby was a perfect choice to have earned one of the game's most memorable moments.

"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to Bobby's family and friends as well as to all the fans of the Giants franchise."