The 5’9″ Sample began his pro career as a second baseman but was quickly converted to the outfield, and in 1978 he hit .352 and scored 141 runs at Tucson (Pacific Coast League) to earn a job with the Rangers the following year. Sample hit .292 as a rookie in 1979 and was the Rangers regular left fielder until 1985, when he was traded to the Yankees for Toby Harrah. He spent less than a year in New York before another trade sent him to Atlanta for his final ML season, where he hit .285 as a reserve outfielder and righthanded pinch hitter. He now works as an announcer on Braves radio and television broadcasts.
