Danny Thompson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Danny Thompson’s name doesn’t show up in the Hall of Fame, but honestly, his story stands out as one of baseball’s most inspiring tales of courage and grit. The Minnesota Twins shortstop spent seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1976. He put together a .248 batting average with 15 home runs over 694 games for the Twins and Texas Rangers.

People don’t remember Thompson for his stats. They remember him for the incredible choice he made to keep playing professional baseball for four seasons after doctors diagnosed him with leukemia at just 26.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in the tiny town of Capron, Oklahoma, Thompson came from a graduating class of just four students. He went on to become an All-American at Oklahoma State University.

His path to the majors felt like destiny after he led all American League shortstops with a .276 average in 1972 and even got MVP votes at 25. But then, a routine physical in January 1973 changed everything.

Doctors diagnosed Thompson with chronic granulocytic leukemia, turning him from a rising young infielder into a symbol of perseverance in sports. He faced experimental treatments, including injections of live leukemia cells, but he still kept his spot on major league rosters.

His story touches on the challenges of playing through illness, the support from teammates and fans, and the impact a single player can have on the baseball community long after his last at-bat.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Danny Thompson’s journey to pro baseball started in rural Oklahoma. He honed his skills at a small high school before becoming a standout at Oklahoma State University.

His strong performances in high school and college baseball set him up for the first round of the 1968 MLB draft.

Family Background in Oklahoma

Danny Leon Thompson was born on February 1, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in Capron, a tiny town in northwestern Oklahoma’s Woods County.

He came from a tight-knit family of five. They always backed his baseball dreams.

His younger sister, Sheila Ferrell, remembered him as “a good big brother” who left a mark on the family. The Thompsons often made the 138-mile drive to Stillwater just to watch him play at Oklahoma State.

Family ties ran deep on his Capron High School baseball team, too. Several cousins played with him, and that support really helped shape his early skills and character.

Capron High School Achievements

Thompson went to Capron High School, a tiny place that closed in the late 1960s. He graduated with just three other boys.

His high school baseball stats were eye-popping. In three years, he hit .665, .570, and .576. As a pitcher, he went 10-4, 12-4, and 12-1.

He didn’t just shine in high school. In 1964, he led Enid’s American Legion team to a 55-8 record.

That performance got him a spot on the 1965 All-State team, where he played alongside future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.

Oklahoma State University Star

Thompson played for Oklahoma State University in 1967 and 1968. He made an impact right away.

Both years, he made the All-Big Eight team and helped OSU reach the College World Series. As a junior in 1968, he earned All-American honors while hitting .349 with five home runs.

Sheila Ferrell remembered those days fondly. “My memory of Stillwater, there was a hill over at the side of the bleachers,” she said. “You could go lay out on or just sit on the hill. Us as kids could run up and down the hill.”

Major league scouts definitely noticed Thompson’s college success. His hitting and defense at shortstop made him a hot prospect.

College World Series Appearances

Thompson’s leadership took Oklahoma State to the College World Series in both 1967 and 1968. Those appearances gave him a chance to show his skills on a national stage.

Playing under pressure in big games toughened him up for the majors. That experience really paid off later.

His stellar college career led to the Minnesota Twins picking him in the first round of the 1968 MLB draft, 18th overall. Scouts clearly thought highly of his potential.

Major League Baseball Career

Danny Thompson played seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1976. He mostly played shortstop for the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers.

The Minnesota Twins drafted him in 1968, and he made his MLB debut on June 25, 1970, at just 23.

MLB Draft and Minor League Journey

The Minnesota Twins picked Danny Thompson 18th overall in the first round of the 1968 draft during the secondary phase.

They drafted him out of Oklahoma State, where he’d become an All-American. The Twins saw his promise as a middle infielder and started developing him right away.

After the draft, Thompson worked his way up through the Twins’ farm system. He sharpened his skills at shortstop and got ready for the big leagues.

His steady defense and consistent approach earned him a call-up in 1970.

Minnesota Twins Years

Thompson made his big league debut on June 25, 1970, with the Minnesota Twins. He didn’t play much that first season, just getting his feet wet.

He became the Twins’ regular shortstop in 1972. Thompson quickly established himself as a reliable defender in the infield.

His years with Minnesota were marked by steady play, even as he faced huge health issues. In early 1973, doctors diagnosed him with leukemia during a pre-season physical.

He got the news right before his 26th birthday. Even after hearing this, Thompson kept playing for the Twins.

He received the Hutch Award in 1974, which recognized his courage and dedication. In 1975, he batted .270 and led American League shortstops in several defensive stats.

Texas Rangers Trade

On June 1, 1976, the Twins traded Thompson and pitcher Bert Blyleven to the Texas Rangers. It was a big six-player deal that shook things up for both teams.

The Twins got Roy Smalley III, Mike Cubbage, Bill Singer, and Jim Gideon in return. That move took Thompson away from the only team he’d ever known.

He adjusted to his new team quickly and kept playing, even as his fight with leukemia continued. Thompson suited up for the Rangers during the 1976 season.

His last MLB appearance came on October 2, 1976, as a pinch hitter. In his final start on September 29 at Minnesota’s Metropolitan Stadium, he went 1-for-3.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Thompson finished his career with a .248 batting average over seven seasons. He hit 15 home runs and had 194 RBIs in 694 games.

He played from 1970 to 1976 for the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers. Thompson mostly played shortstop but also filled in at second and third base.

Key Career Numbers:

• Batting Average: .248
• Home Runs: 15
• RBI: 194
• Games Played: 694
• Teams: Minnesota Twins (1970-1976), Texas Rangers (1976)

His best year at the plate came in 1975, when he hit .270. Both teams valued his steady glove and reliable defense.

The Texas Rangers honored Thompson in 1977. Players wore black armbands with his number 4 on their left sleeves, which you can spot on baseball cards from that time.

Notable Teammates and Influential Figures

Danny Thompson played with some of baseball’s greats during his seven years with the Twins and Rangers. He formed bonds with Hall of Famers like Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew, and pitchers Bert Blyleven and Jim Kaat became close friends who kept his memory alive.

Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew

Thompson shared the infield with Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew, both future Hall of Famers. The 1970s Twins had a stacked lineup, with Carew at second and Killebrew at first or DH.

Carew won seven batting titles and brought steady leadership to the infield. He and Thompson worked together on double plays and defensive shifts.

Killebrew hit 573 home runs in his career. He became Thompson’s biggest supporter after Thompson passed away. After Thompson died in December 1976, Killebrew wrote a $6,000 check for cancer research.

Killebrew wanted to do more to honor his friend. He teamed up with former Idaho congressman Ralph Harding to start the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament in Sun Valley, Idaho. The first event in 1977 even brought in President Gerald Ford and Mickey Mantle.

Bert Blyleven and Jim Kaat

Bert Blyleven was probably Thompson’s closest friend on the Twins. The Hall of Fame pitcher and Thompson roomed together on road trips. Their bond lasted right up until Thompson’s death.

“I still think of Danny a lot,” Blyleven said years later. “I see No. 5, whether it’s worn on Roy Smalley or whoever, I think of Danny.”

They even got traded together to the Texas Rangers in 1976. Thompson lived with Blyleven during his last month as his illness worsened.

Jim Kaat, who won 283 games in the majors, remembered Thompson as a steady teammate. “Always on an even keel,” Kaat said. “Never got emotionally high or low.”

Kaat and Thompson liked to golf together on road trips. They joked about a kind of magic—Thompson would often get called to pinch hit after golfing, and he’d usually get a hit.

Sid Hartman and Media Coverage

Details about Sid Hartman and Thompson’s coverage in the media are a bit scarce, but Minnesota sports reporters definitely followed the story in the 1970s. Thompson’s fight with leukemia became a big story as he kept playing.

Thompson wanted to keep his diagnosis private at first. “Thompson hoped word wouldn’t get out, that it would remain hidden,” according to reports. “He just wanted to be Danny Thompson, the baseball player, not Danny Thompson, the baseball player with leukemia.”

His teammates and the media respected that wish as long as they could. The story of his courage in finishing the 1976 season became a lasting part of Minnesota baseball history.

Battle with Leukemia and Legacy

Danny Thompson got the terrible news that he had leukemia just before the 1973 season, when he was 26. That changed his life, turning him from a promising shortstop into a courageous fighter.

Even with the diagnosis, he played four more seasons and went through experimental treatments at the Mayo Clinic.

Leukemia Diagnosis

Thompson found out he had chronic granulocytic leukemia in January 1973, just a day before turning 26. The doctors discovered it during a routine exam before the season.

He’d been feeling run down from working 65 hours as a car salesman. Thompson also gave three or four talks to fans every night during the off-season.

When the doctor called for more tests, Thompson asked what they were looking for. The doctor replied, “we’re checking on leukemia.”

Thompson just couldn’t believe it at first. He was in great shape and didn’t think it could happen to him. The news left him “scared to death” about what was coming.

He worried about his wife Jo and their young daughters. He also feared what it meant for his baseball career.

The diagnosis embarrassed him at first. Thompson wondered what his teammates, the manager, and fans would think about his condition.

Playing Through Adversity

Thompson really wanted to keep his diagnosis private. He just wanted to be known as “Danny Thompson, the baseball player,” not “Danny Thompson, the baseball player with leukemia.”

But before the 1973 season even started, a Minneapolis columnist broke the news. Suddenly, Thompson had to deal with nonstop questions about his health and condition.

His performance took a big hit after the diagnosis. In 1973, he hit only .225 and played just 99 games, losing his spot as the starting shortstop.

The Mayo Clinic tried several experimental treatments during his career. In 1975, doctors injected him with live leukemia cells six times, hoping to kickstart his immune system.

These shots left quarter-sized sores all over his arms and shoulders. The sores opened up and oozed, ruining most of his shirts and messing with his swing.

Thompson kept playing, even when he felt awful. One morning after a treatment, he woke up with a 101-degree fever but still showed up in the lineup.

By the fifth inning, his vision blurred, and the whole stadium spun. He had to leave the game and crawl into bed.

Final Games and Passing

The Minnesota Twins traded Thompson to the Texas Rangers in June 1976 as part of a six-player deal. His first game with Texas brought back some of his old spark.

He singled twice, doubled, and even hit a three-run homer in his Rangers debut. That homer turned out to be his only one in 1976.

Rangers fans gave him his first career standing ovation during an at-bat. Thompson hesitated, unsure whether to tip his cap or just keep hitting.

In July 1976, he went back to Minnesota for more Mayo Clinic treatments. He spent a full day on his hotel bathroom floor, throwing up and sweating.

After the season, Thompson returned to Oklahoma. Around Thanksgiving, he told former teammate Bert Blyleven, “I’m not doing real well.”

His joints stiffened so much he couldn’t walk anymore. Thompson traveled by ambulance and private plane back to the Mayo Clinic.

Doctors removed his spleen in early December 1976, hoping to slow down the disease. Danny Thompson died a week later on December 10, 1976, at age 29.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

Danny Thompson received the Hutch Award in 1974 while fighting leukemia. His legacy lives on through an annual memorial golf tournament that’s raised money for cancer research since 1977.

Hutch Award and Fred Hutchinson

Thompson won the Hutch Award in 1974, one of baseball’s most meaningful honors. The award goes to an active MLB player who shows the fighting spirit and will of Fred Hutchinson by pushing through adversity.

He earned this recognition after doctors found leukemia during a routine physical in 1973. They told him he had about five years before the disease would catch up to him. Thompson said, “I’m going to put the whole thing out of my mind and just think about baseball.”

He kept playing shortstop for the Minnesota Twins from 1973 to 1976. The award committee picked him after the 1974 season because he kept playing with courage, even after hearing he had a terminal illness.

Memorial Golf Tournaments

The Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament started in 1977, just months after Thompson died. Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, Thompson’s old teammate, and former Idaho congressman Ralph Harding organized it.

Each year, the tournament happens in late August in Sun Valley, Idaho. All the proceeds go to leukemia and cancer research. The event has lasted nearly five decades, raising a lot of money for medical research.

Killebrew stayed close with Thompson during his illness. The tournament became a way for the baseball community to remember Thompson and fight back against the disease that took him.

Retrospective Tributes

Writers have retold Thompson’s story in baseball books and articles. They often focus on his determination to keep playing despite his leukemia.

His final game happened on October 2, 1976. He pinch-hit for the Texas Rangers against the Chicago White Sox at Arlington Stadium. It was the bottom of the ninth—his last moment on the field, closing out a career marked by courage.

Baseball historians still mention Thompson as a symbol of perseverance in sports. His Hutch Award stands out as one of the most meaningful in the award’s history, honoring a player who truly fought through adversity.

Personal Life and Lasting Impact

Danny Thompson left a legacy that reaches far beyond his seven years in baseball. His family, his courage fighting leukemia, and the cancer research efforts he inspired all keep his memory alive. Fans still collect his memorabilia today.

Family and Remembrances

Danny Thompson married Jo, and together they had two daughters, Tracy and Dana. He grew up with a close-knit family of five in Woods County, northwestern Oklahoma.

His sister Sheila Ferrell, nine years younger, called him “a good big brother” who was “very personable, very likable.” She remembered family trips to Stillwater for his Oklahoma State games and said, “we just didn’t have him long enough.”

Tracy Mickle, his older daughter, was only six when Thompson died. She holds onto memories like:

• Riding a pony he bought for them on the family farm in Woods County
• Stopping at Bob’s General Store in Burlington for cherry Cokes
• Playing a father-child baseball game at Arlington Stadium, wearing his No. 4 Rangers uniform

When Tracy needed her tonsils out and got scared about blood draws, Thompson showed her his own needle marks from cancer treatments. He told her, “Look, I’m going to get my done, too.”

His younger sister Phoebe spent a summer in Minnesota, working at the stadium concession stands and helping Jo during road trips. The family stuck together throughout his illness.

Influence on Cancer Research

Thompson’s fight with leukemia inspired major charitable efforts that still go on. Harmon Killebrew, his Hall of Fame teammate, wrote a $6,000 check for cancer research after Thompson passed away.

Killebrew wanted to do more, so he teamed up with former Idaho congressman Ralph Harding to launch the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1977.

The tournament really took off:

• Gerald Ford and Mickey Mantle played in the first year
• Raises money for the University of Minnesota cancer center
• Still runs today as the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament

Thompson got his treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Doctors tried to remove his spleen in his final season. His roommate Bert Blyleven described the endless tests and said Thompson was “almost like a guinea pig, all the welts on his shoulders and his arms.”

Collectible Baseball Cards

Thompson’s baseball cards still draw plenty of interest from fans and memorabilia collectors. His daughter, Tracy Mickle, keeps a few of his cards on display in her office in Burke, Virginia.

She loves telling visitors about “the guy who played shortstop next to Rod Carew and Harmon Killebrew.” Those cards feel like real, physical reminders of his seven-year run with the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers.

Thompson had some standout years, but collectors especially value cards from his 1972 season. That year, he finished 23rd in American League MVP voting, and he led all regular major league shortstops with a .276 batting average.

Most of his cards show Thompson in a Twins uniform, which makes sense since he spent more time in Minnesota. His last season cards with the Rangers pop up less often, so collectors who care about the bittersweet story of his career-ending trade seem to want those even more.