Conversation so far:
What was The Shot Heard 'Round the World?
The Shot Heard 'Round the World was a game-winning home run by Bobby Thomson off Ralph Branca at the Polo Grounds in New York City on October 3, 1951.
Who was at bat for The Shot Heard 'Round the World?
Thomson was now at bat, with first base open and Willie Mays on deck.

Question: What was Bobby Thomson's role in this?
Self-contained rewrite: What was Bobby Thomson's role in The Shot Heard 'Round the World in 1951?