In a six-player trade the Braves trade for playoff hero Bobby Thomson
On February 1, 1954 — In a six-player trade, the Braves deal a pair of southpaws, Johnny Antonelli and Don Liddle, catcher Ebba St. Claire as well as shortstop Billy Klaus to the Giants in exchange for playoff hero Bobby Thomson and backstop Sammy Calderone.
Thomson was best known for his historic “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” home run in 1951, which secured the Giants’ victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers in a playoff game to clinch the National League pennant. However, the outfielder’s time with the Milwaukee Braves would be marred by an unfortunate injury.
After the trade, Bobby Thomson broke his ankle in an exhibition game, limiting his playing time during the 1954 season. Thomson managed to appear in only 43 games for the Braves in that season.
On the other hand, Johnny Antonelli, one of the pitchers acquired by the Giants, had a standout season. Antonelli posted a remarkable 21-7 record and led the league with an impressive ERA of 2.30 in 1954. His contributions were instrumental in the Giants’ success that season.
The outcome of the trade turned out to be more favorable for the New York Giants, as Antonelli’s exceptional performance provided a significant boost to their pitching staff. While Thomson’s injury hampered his impact on the Braves, Antonelli’s success with the Giants made the trade a notable chapter in the baseball history of the 1950s.
