A speedy spray hitter and decent outfielder who strikes out more often than he walks, Thompson hit .302 as a rookie with Atlanta in 1985 and led the NL in pinch-hitting (.433). He was traded to Philadelphia with Steve Bedrosian and in 1987 hit .302 again with 46 stolen bases in his first full ML season as a starter. Dealt to the Cardinals for Curt Ford before the 1989 season, he saw considerable action due to the injuries and decline of Willie McGee.
