Tell me a bio of Bobby Thomson.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Robert Ellis "Bobby" Thomson was a Scottish-American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1946 to 1960. He is best known for hitting the famous "Shot Heard 'Round the World" home run in 1951.

**Early Life and Career**

Born on October 18, 1923, in Glasgow, Scotland, Thomson immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 10. He grew up in San Francisco and developed a passion for baseball. Thomson attended Polytechnic High School and later enrolled at the University of San Francisco, where he played college baseball.

**Professional Career**

Thomson began his professional baseball career in 1946 with the New York Giants, where he played for 12 seasons. He was a versatile player who excelled as a third baseman, first baseman, and outfielder. In 1947, he won the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year award.

**The "Shot Heard 'Round the World"**

On October 3, 1951, Thomson hit a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers 5-4 in Game 3 of the National League playoff series. This iconic home run, which gave the Giants the lead in the series, is considered one of the most memorable moments in baseball history.

**Achievements and Impact**

Thomson's career achievements include:

* 3-time National League All-Star (1951, 1952, 1953)
* 2-time National League home run leader (1951, 1952)
* National League Rookie of the Year (1947)
* Member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame (1983)

Thomson's impact on baseball extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. His "Shot Heard 'Round the World" home run is an enduring symbol of the sport's excitement and drama. The home run has been immortalized in popular culture, with references in literature, film, and music.

**Personal Life and Later Years**

Thomson married his wife, Dorothy, in 1947, and they had two children together. He was a devoted husband and father, and his family was a source of inspiration for him throughout his life.

After retiring from baseball in 1960, Thomson went on to become a successful businessman and investor. He passed away on August 16, 2010, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

In conclusion, Bobby Thomson was a talented and charismatic baseball player who left an indelible mark on the sport. His "Shot Heard 'Round the World" home run remains an iconic moment in baseball history, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans and players.
Robert Gaston "Bobby" Thomson was a Canadian-American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1946 to 1960. He is best known for hitting the "Shot Heard 'Round the World," a historic home run that clinched the National League pennant for the New York Giants in 1951.

**Early Life:**
Thomson was born on October 18, 1923, in Glasgow, Scotland, to Scottish parents. His family immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old, settling in Preston, Ontario, Canada. Thomson's father, a Scottish sailor, died in a shipwreck when Thomson was 15 years old.

**Baseball Career:**
Thomson began playing baseball in his hometown of Preston, eventually joining the Canadian National Exhibition team. He made his professional debut in 1941 with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League. During World War II, Thomson served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was assigned to the Macdonald Bagpipe Band.

Thomson's MLB career started in 1946 with the New York Giants, where he played for 14 seasons. He was a power hitter who excelled at third base and the outfield. Thomson's peak season was in 1951, when he hit 32 home runs, 101 RBIs, and batted .292. His most famous moment came on October 3, 1951, when he hit a walk-off three-run home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the ninth inning of Game 3, securing the National League pennant for the Giants.

**Achievements and Awards:**
Thomson's awards and accolades include:

* 6-time All-Star (1947-1951, 1954)
* National League home run leader in 1948
* National League Silver Slugger Award winner in 1951
* Inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006
* Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 (9-year wait)

**Impact and Legacy:**
Thomson's "Shot Heard 'Round the World" is one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, cementing his legacy as a clutch hitter. He was known for his strong work ethic and popularity among fans. After retiring from baseball in 1960, Thomson coached in minor league baseball and worked as a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies. He died on August 16, 2010, at the age of 86, due to complications from leukemia.