Billy Sample
Born: 4/2/1955 in Roanoke, VA, USA
MLB Debut: 1978-09-02 | Final Game: 1986-10-05
Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 5'9" | Weight: 175 lbs
Full name: William Amos Sample
Biography
Billy Sample was born in 1955 and enjoyed a seven-year Major League Baseball career that spanned from 1978 to 1986. Primarily a position player, Sample made a significant impact on the field during his time in the league. He played in a total of 826 games, amassing 684 hits, 46 home runs, and 230 RBIs. With a solid batting average of .272, he demonstrated a consistent ability to contribute offensively. Additionally, Sample showcased his speed on the bases, successfully stealing 98 bases throughout his career, which highlighted his versatility and dynamic playing style.
Sample played during an era characterized by its transition from the deadball period into a more offensive-focused game. His ability to blend power and speed made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for, including the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees. While Sample may not have reached the heights of some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the game and his role in the evolution of baseball in the late 20th century remain noteworthy. After retiring from professional play, he left behind a legacy as a player who exemplified the spirit of competition in the sport.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 826 | 2516 | 371 | 684 | 127 | 9 | 46 | 230 | 98 | 195 | 230 | 0.272 | 0.329 | 0.384 | 0.713 | -109.2 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | TEX | AL | 8 | 15 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.467 | 0.0 |
| 1979 | TEX | AL | 128 | 325 | 60 | 95 | 21 | 2 | 5 | 35 | 8 | 37 | 28 | 0.292 | 535.8 |
| 1980 | TEX | AL | 99 | 204 | 29 | 53 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 19 | 8 | 18 | 15 | 0.260 | -12.4 |
| 1981 | TEX | AL | 66 | 230 | 36 | 65 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 4 | 17 | 21 | 0.283 | 301.6 |
| 1982 | TEX | AL | 97 | 360 | 56 | 94 | 14 | 2 | 10 | 29 | 10 | 27 | 35 | 0.261 | 4.0 |
| 1983 | TEX | AL | 147 | 554 | 80 | 152 | 28 | 3 | 12 | 57 | 44 | 44 | 46 | 0.274 | 268.4 |
| 1984 | TEX | AL | 130 | 489 | 67 | 121 | 20 | 2 | 5 | 33 | 18 | 29 | 46 | 0.247 | -1339.5 |
| 1985 | NYY | AL | 59 | 139 | 18 | 40 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 2 | 9 | 10 | 0.288 | -96.6 |
| 1986 | ATL | NL | 92 | 200 | 23 | 57 | 11 | 0 | 6 | 14 | 4 | 14 | 26 | 0.285 | 229.4 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2B | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| OF | 711 | 620 | 1378 | 32 | 18 | 5 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | TEX | OF | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1979 | TEX | OF | 103 | 79 | 173 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| 1980 | TEX | OF | 72 | 52 | 105 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 1981 | TEX | OF | 64 | 63 | 132 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 1982 | TEX | OF | 91 | 88 | 196 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| 1983 | TEX | OF | 146 | 139 | 329 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| 1984 | TEX | OF | 122 | 112 | 285 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| 1985 | NYA | OF | 55 | 43 | 89 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1986 | ATL | 2B | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1986 | ATL | OF | 56 | 43 | 69 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| First Base | 1 |
| Second Base | 1 |
| Left Field | 531 |
| Center Field | 103 |
| Right Field | 99 |
| Designated Hitter | 31 |
Salary History
| Year | Team | League | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | ATL | NL | $470,000 |
| 1985 | NYA | AL | $435,000 |
| Total Career Earnings | $905,000 | ||
College History
| School Name | City | State | Years Attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg | VA | 1974, 1975, 1976 |