MLBbro Billy Sample is a gentleman that spent nine seasons in the Major Leagues. He came up in 1978 and spent a majority of his career with the Texas Rangers before spending one season each with the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves. Sample went from the playing field to the broadcast booth after he retired, but these days he keeps abreast of the game from afar.

“I have the freedom to watch games when I want” the Florida resident told MLBbro. “I appreciate the talent that I see on the field and the plays they make” the former outfielder added.  

Billy Sample Drafted By Texas Rangers Out of High School & College

Sample who is from Virginia, caught and kept the Rangers eye as a teenager.

“I was drafted in the 28th round out of high school but didn’t sign” he spoke about his first professional opportunity.

“Playing in a good collegiate summer league with and against guys like Willie Aikens and Gene Richards helped me measure up against other talented players in the east” he spoke about a couple of MLBbros in the mid 1970’s.

Sample once again would be drafted by the Rangers after three seasons at James Madison University in the tenth round. Players who have worn the Rangers uniform since 2020 have gotten to play in a very comfortable Globe Life Field for their home games. Things were a bit different when Sample patrolled the outfield.

“It was hot. There was one year where the area had 42 straight days over 100 degrees,” Sample said, recalling the challenges of playing in Arlington Stadium. The Rangers never reached the post season while he was there but from getting a base hit on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues to having a career high 44 stolen bases in 1983, he was a big part of the clubhouse.

Traded To New York Yankees: Big City Media Hits Different 

Sample was traded to New York during spring training of 1985 and realized that playing for the Yankees is a far different experience than in Arlington.

“There seemed to be something going on every day. Berra fired 16 games into the season to Martin coming back as a skipper. I don’t think the media ever had to look for a story, because something was always happening” he recalled his lone year in pinstripes. “Your throwaway statements may have been a bit more highlighted because there were so many more media members in NYC” he added.

The Virginia native felt at home during the season as he contributed a .288 batting average to a team that finished just 2 games out of first place in the American League East.

“I’m glad I got that season in New York. Playing on a squad with Winfield, Henderson, and Griffey was special. I was the 4th outfielder” Sample stated.

Much Has Changed Since Sample Left The Game In 1986

Since his last game in 1986 baseball has changed quite a bit. Division changes, replays, and more teams in the post season are just a few items. He feels the game has benefitted from these changes, but one new addition really stands out to him.

“I would have had ten more points on my batting average if we had the ABS when I was playing” he chuckled. Sample’s career batting average was a solid.272. “You wouldn’t have to chase balls off the plate and an umpire couldn’t ring you up on something that was wrong. The ABS also moves along pretty quickly” he elaborated. 

 When you play nine seasons at the Major League level you will go through a lot of teammates. There was one in particular that stuck out to Sample who gave 100 percent every day that many folks may not have heard of.

“Centerfielder George Wright. He made great plays and covered a lot of ground out there. I’m older than him but I looked up to him. He hurt his shoulder making a diving catch that took a grand slam away from somebody and never was quite the same” Sample said of his former teammate. 

The MLBbro that Sample referred to played in every game in that 1983 campaign with 18 homeruns, 80 RBI with a .276 batting average. 

Sample’s career concluded with the Atlanta Braves where he hit .285 in his final season. Good memories there but talk went back to his days in the Bronx.

“It was quite a season. Mattingly won the MVP. Niekro won his 300th game. Baylor and Randolph were terrific teammates among others” he concluded.