1950 Bowman #174, Hank Thompson ⭐ RC
Hank Thompson is generally recognized as the third Black player in the modern Major League Baseball (MLB) era to break the color barrier, debuting for the St. Louis Browns on July 17, 1947. He followed Jackie Robinson (April 15, 1947) and Larry Doby (July 5, 1947) in integrating the league.

Key facts regarding Hank Thompson and his contributions during this period of integration include:

• Thompson is notable for integrating two different franchises; he played for the St. Louis Browns in 1947 and later for the NY Giants (along with Monte Irvin) in 1949.

• He is also recognized as the first Black batter to face a Black pitcher in a MLB game when he batted against Don Newcombe on July 8, 1949.

• Hank was also part of the first all-Black outfield in MLB history when he played right field along with teammates Willie Mays (centerfield) and Monte Irvin (left field) in Game 1 of the 1951 World Series on October 4, 1951.