Sam Chapman Inducted into Philadelphia's Wall of Fame

By Ernie Montella

On August 30, 2000, Sam Chapman, was inducted into the Phillies "Wall of Fame". Chapman, prior to his 11 year major league career, played football at the University of California at Berkeley for the group still known as the "Thunder Team." He began his major league career in 1938 with the Philadelphia Athletics. His best year occurred in 1941, as he finished with a .322 Batting Average, 25 homeruns, and a very respectable 106 RBI's.

Chapman, one of the most popular of Connie Mack's Athletics, in a phone conversation with a representative of the A's Historical Society said, " I am elated to receive such an honor".

His career, like many others was interrupted by World War II as he entered the Navy as a flyer.

In 1987, Chapman was also inducted into the prestigious Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in San Francisco, his hometown.

In voting conducted by the Phillies, local sports media each year select a former member of the Phillies & A's for induction. Tug McGraw was also inducted for the Phillies. The complete wall of Fame is visible in the 200 Section at Veterans Stadium.

The inductions of Sam Chapman & Tug McGraw was held on the evening of Wednesday, August 30th, at 7:10pm prior to the start of the Phillies game with the Colorado Rockies.

Sam Chapman Career Table Topper is now available in the Society's Gift shoppe. This collage of Chapman collectibles is a tribute to one of the most popular Athletics of all time. For more details click here.

May 4, 1938 This photo of Sam Chapman was taken prior to him joining the A's, during his time as a baseball and football star at the University of California.

July 30, 1941 Sam Chapman 'Tees' off against the Chicago White Sox.

   

   

The Philadelphia "Wall of Fame" was started in 1978 and is located at Veterans Stadium level 200. Click here to view the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Societies on-line "Wall of Fame".

	Athletics	Phillies
1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002	Connie Mack Jimmie Foxx Lefty Grove Al Simmons Mickey Cochrane Jimmy Dykes Eddie Plank Rube Waddell Eddie Collins Wally Moses Bob Johnson Elmer Valo Chief Bender Jack Coombs Frank Baker Bobby Shantz Eddie Joost Ferris Fain Bing Miller Sam Chapman Gus Zernial George "Moose" Earnshaw George "Rube" Walberg	Robin Roberts Richie Ashburn Chuck Klein Grover Alexander Del Ennis Jim Bunning Ed Delahanty Cy Williams Granny Hamner Paul Owens Steve Carlton Mike Schmidt Larry Bowa Chris Short Curt Simmons Dick Allen Willie Jones Johnny Callison Greg Luzinski Tug McGraw Clifford "Gavvy" Cravath Garry Maddox Tony Taylor

If you are not already a member of the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society and are interested in becoming a member, click here to find out the details.

Sam Chapman Web Links

• Baseball-Reference.com
• Baseball Almanac
• CNN - Sports Illustrated