YOUNGBLOOD | Hank Thompson was the hard-hitting thumper for the Monarchs from 1943-48, with some time off for military duty. "We nicknamed him Youngblood" said teammate Sammie Haynes. "He had a lot of little kid in him. He would wear right handers out. He couldn't touch lefties." On July 17, 1947, Thompson became the third Negro Leaguer (after Jackie Robinson and Doby) to play in the majors, with the St. Louis Browns. Later on July 8, 1948, Thompson and Monte Irvin became the first blacks with the N.Y. Giants. Another first occurred that day when Thompson batted against Dodger Don Newcombe, making it the first time (in major league history) that a black pitcher faced a black batter. Another trivia first included his appearance against Cleveland Indians and Larry Doby back on August 9, 1947, making it the first time black players of opposing teams appeared on the same field. And, in the 1951 playoffs against the Dodgers, he was forced to play right field for injured Don Mueller, with Willie Mays and Irvin, creating the first all-black outfield in major league history. (Courtesy of NoirTech Research, Inc.)

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