Roy Allen Thomas was a center fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1899 through 1911, he played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Doves. Thomas batted and threw left-handed. He was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas was the brother of fellow Major Leaguer, Bill Thomas. According to baseball analyst Bill James, Thomas is the only major league regular to have scored three times as many runs as he drove in. In 1470 games played, Thomas compiled 1011 runs scored and 299 runs batted in, as he posted a .290 batting average with a .412 on-base average and 244 stolen bases. During his 13-season career, Thomas was one of the most productive table-setters in the National League. His relentless patience at the plate infuriated opposing pitchers and prompted the NL to change its rule regarding foul balls in 1901. The new rule also was adopted by the American League two years later. He is, in fact, reported by James to hold the unofficial consecutive foul-ball record - 22, in one plate appearance. 

March 24th, 1874 in Norristown  /  Died:   Nov 20th, 1959