'The Tigers believe they have found the man with the big stick in Jason Thompson, the handsome California first baseman who was rushed into action in 1976 and promptly became the Tigers' leading home run hitter with less than two seasons of experience under his belt. Thompson was drafted off the campus of California St - Northridge in June, 1975 and was promoted to Evansville to start the following season but was summoned to Tiger Stadium after only four games there because Detroit sorely needed a left-handed hitter. Thompson proved to be just what the doctor ordered. He batted safety in 14 of his first 16 games after reporting to the Tigers; hit nine home runs and had 22 RBI's in June; and wound up with 17 four-baggers for the season to lead the Tigers in that important department. At the end of the season, he was honored by selection for one Major League All-Star team and two additional AL all-rookie Teams.' From the '1977 Detroit Tigers Yearbook'. |