Books and articles about Sam Chapman

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Chapman went right to the majors from the University of California, where he had been an All-American football player. He had it all: speed, power, and a strong arm. He hit 20 or more homers five seasons, but struck out often, leading the AL with 96 in 1940. Chapman became a popular team leader, and batted .322 with 25 HR in 1941. By 1942, he was a Navy flier. After he returned at the end of 1945, he never again hit .300, but he had not lost his power, and in 1949 drove in 108 runs. He led AL outfielders in putouts four times, assists once, and errors twice. (NLM)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 2, 1938: University of California All-American football star Sam Chapman signs with the Athletics for a $8,500 bonus. » May 5, 1939: In a 10–5 A's win, the A's Sam Chapman hits for the cycle against the Browns Harry Kimberlin. Tomorrow he'll homer in his first two at bats against Johnny Marcum. » June 26, 1940: Sam Chapman is 5-for-5 including a grand slam to lead the Browns to a win over the A's. » June 2, 1942: Red Sox star Ted Williams enlists as a Navy aviator. He will finish the season with his team as will many other players who enlist or await draft, which moves slowly despite the early discouragements of the war. Among AL regulars of 1941 who are now in the service: Johnny Rigney, Joe Grace, Johnny Berardino, Cecil Travis, Bob Feller, Pat Mullin, Buddy Lewis, Sam Chapman, Johnny Sturm. » July 7, 1942: A military all-star team that includes Bob Feller, Cecil Travis, Sam Chapman, Benny McCoy, Johnny Sturm, and Frank Pytlak loses 5-0 to AL stars in a game at Cleveland in front of more than 60,000 fans. Jim Bagby wins against his Indian teammate Feller. Military relief receives $160,000. » May 27, 1948: The Yankees pound 14 hits to the A's 7, but come up short, 6–5. It is the first-place A's 7th straight win. A hit and run single in the 8th scores Sam Chapman all the way from 1B. Phil Rizzuto and Hank Majeski match home runs. » August 15, 1948: Before 72,468—the largest crowd of the season at Yankee Stadium—the A's sweep a pair from the Yanks by 5–3 scores and regain second place in the American League. The A's win the opener in 10 innings after Joe DiMaggio ties the score with his 20th homer of the year. Joe D also triples home a run in the extra frame but Lou Brissie preserves the win for Carl Scheib. The A's total 20 hits in the two games, including a triple and double by Sam Chapman. New York is now in 4th place, five games back.