Milton Bernard Thompson, a distinguished American former professional baseball outfielder, pinch hitter, and coach, etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball (MLB) history with a career spanning multiple iconic teams. Born on January 5, 1959, Thompson showcased his prowess on the field as a versatile player for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Colorado Rockies.
Thompson’s journey in MLB was highlighted by a commendable batting average of .274, attesting to his skill as a consistent and reliable contributor. His crowning achievement came in 1993 when he played a pivotal role for the Philadelphia Phillies, earning the distinction of being part of the National League Champions. Thompson stands shoulder to shoulder with Phillies legends Larry Bowa and John Vukovich as the only individuals in franchise history to experience the World Series both as a player and a coach for the club.
Following the conclusion of his playing career, Thompson seamlessly transitioned into coaching, returning to the Cincinnati Reds as their minor league hitting instructor in 2019. His dedication to the sport and wealth of experience continue to leave an indelible mark on the baseball community, solidifying his legacy as a player-coach par excellence.