
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 25, 1995                   TAG: 9510250060
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

THOMSON TO SPEAK AT INDUCTION BANQUET

Bobby Thomson, who hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history, will be the speaker at the fifth annual Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame induction banquet Feb.4 at the Salem Civic Center.

Thomson's name became symbolic with all underdogs rising to win against incredible odds as he smashed a three-run shot in the bottom of the ninth to give the New York Giants the 1951 National League pennant in a best-of-three playoff against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The Giants trailed their arch rivals by 131/2 games at one point in August but caught the Dodgers in the final week to force a playoff.

After splitting the first two games, Brooklyn appeared to have the third game wrapped up when it carried a 4-1 lead into the ninth.

The Giants had only four singles going into the ninth against Dodger ace Don Newcombe when they rallied. Thomson's homer became known as the shot heard around the world for the way it put a sudden and dramatic ending to the National League pennant race.

Thomson played 14 years in the majors for five teams and had a career batting average of .270 with 264 homers.

Inductees for the hall, which was founded in 1991, will be named later this year.

Tickets for the banquet are on sale at the Salem Civic Center for $25. For more information, contact Brian Hoffman at 703-389-9355.

by CNB