Robert Burns Thurman (May 14, 1917 – October 31, 1998) was a professional baseball pitcher, outfielder and pinch-hitter.

However, like so many Negro leaguers, Thurman took some years off his age in order to interest scouts in developing him as a prospect.

Thurman played semipro ball with various teams in the Wichita area before entering the U.S. Army at the beginning of World War II.

He started with the Grays in 1946, playing alongside such greats as catcher Josh Gibson, first baseman Buck Leonard and outfielder Cool Papa Bell.

In 1948 he posted a 6–4 win–loss record as a starting pitcher, and also hit .345 to help the Grays win the last Negro National League pennant.

They went on to defeat the Birmingham Black Barons in the World Series, but after this season the powerhouse Grays were dismantled, along with the league.

He played in the Dominican Republic for two years, leading the league in homers and RBI in 1954 and also pitching occasionally.

Zimmer played shortstop, Ron Samford was the second baseman, Valmy Thomas and Harry Chiti were the catchers, and Thurman was in right field.

Rubén Gómez, Sam Jones (MVP and Triple Crown winner) and Bill Greason were the pitching staff.

Impressed with his winter season, the Cincinnati Reds bought his contract from the Cubs, for a reported $2,000.

He made his major league debut on April 14, 1955, the same day Elston Howard became the first black man to play for the New York Yankees.

His home run per at-bat percentage of 8.4% was better than Duke Snider who led the league at 7.9%, although Thurman lacked the plate appearances to qualify officially.

He was sent back to the minor leagues that year, but failed to hit well with Seattle or with Omaha of the American Association.

He is the league's all-time home run hitter, and a member of the Puerto Rican Baseball Hall of Fame.