Thompson roamed the outfield of Ebbets Field, a magical place in the 1950s. He threw out Billy Martin of the Yankees at the plate to end Game 3 of the 1953 World Series.

Thompson was born in Swepsonville, N.C., on Dec. 28, 1923. He signed his first professional contract in 1943 with the Boston Braves and made his major-league debut with them in 1949. He played with the Dodgers in 1951, ‘53 and ‘54. Mainly a utility outfielder, Thompson had a career batting average of .217.

His best season was in 1953 when he hit .242 while playing in 96 regular-season games for the Dodgers, who lost the World Series in six games to the Yankees.

Thompson appeared in two games as a defensive replacement, including the third game, when he had one of his best moments as a ballplayer.

Martin was on second base with two outs and the Dodgers ahead by one. Mickey Mantle singled to left. Thompson took the ball on the second hop and threw home, where catcher Roy Campanella positioned himself for Martin, who had rounded third.