LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert Brown Thomson, The
Staten Island Scot

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Robert Brown Thomson, better known as "Bobby Thomson", died
on Monday, August 16, 2010, in Savannah, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Thomson distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Thomson's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Thomson hit the most famous home run in baseball histo-
ry, "The Shot Heard 'Round the World", which won the 1951 National Leag-
ue pennant for the New York Giants; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Thomson who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and brought
to Staten Island at the age of two, lived on the Island throughout his
major league career and had strong ties to the borough his entire life;
and
WHEREAS, Those who knew Bobby Thomson agree that his legacy is that of
a great ballplayer and one of the game's, and one of life's, true
gentlemen; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Thomson graduated Curtis High School in 1942; he was
signed by the New York Giants as an amateur free agent in 1942, and made
his debut with the Giants on Sept. 9, 1946; he played 15 Major League
seasons, and made three National League All-Star teams (1948, 1949,
1952) as a member of the Giants; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Thomson played most of his major-league career in the
outfield, but did play some third base, especially in 1951, when he gave
way in centerfield to a rookie named Willie Mays, who was on deck when
he hit his famous homerun; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Elaine, and his son, Robert, Jr.,
Bobby Thomson is survived by his two daughters, Nancy and Megan, along
with six grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Aimed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, his life was a portrait of
service, a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert Brown Thomson, The Staten Island Scot; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Robert Brown Thomson.