Sam Chapman

Samuel Blake Chapman
Born: April 11, 1916 in Tiburon, Calif.
Died: Dec. 23, 2006 in Tiburon, Calif.
Debut: 1938 | Pos: OF
H: 6'1" | W: 190 | B: R | T: R

Yr	G	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	SB	BA
11	1368	4988	754	1329	180	773	41	.266

>> Visit the Sam Chapman biography on Baseball Almanac for complete statistics.

Sam Chapman, an outfielder who spent the majority of his career with the Philadelphia Athletics, died on Dec. 23, 2006 in Tiburon, Calif. He was 90.

According to news reports, Chapman had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

In his 11-year career, Chapman hit .266 with 180 home runs, 733 RBI and 41 stolen bases. One of his best seasons in the major leagues came in 1941, when he hit .322 with 25 home runs and 106 RBI.

According to published reports, his first contract in the major leagues came, in part, thanks to a recommendation from Ty Cobb. He made his professional debut in the major leagues.

Following the 1941 season, he missed three years while serving in the Navy during World War II as a Navy pilot and instructor.

He returned to the majors in 1945 and was named to the All-Star team in 1946.

In his last season in the major leagues in 1951, he was traded by the Athletics to the Indians for Allie Clark and Lou Klein.

He finished his baseball career with the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League.

Prior to his success in the major leagues, Chapman had been a part of Cal's team that won the 1938 Rose Bowl. He received All-America honors in football and baseball. He had also been drafted by the Washington Redskins but opted to play baseball.

His hometown of Tiburon honored him by erecting a statue of him at Ferry Plaza.