Frank Thomas Announces Retirement

Frank Thomas was one of the biggest and best stars in baseball back when my love for the game was at its peak. In my opinion he was one of the best player to ever play for the Chicago White Sox. Broadcaster Ken Harrelson coined the nickname “The Big Hurt” for Thomas in the 1992 season. Frank Thomas is known for his menacing home run power; he routinely swung a rusted piece of rebar (reportedly found during a renovation project in Old Comiskey Park in the on-deck circle. He is part of an elite group of four players (including Mel Ott, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams) to have at least a .300 batting average, 500 home runs, 1,500 RBI, 1,000 runs and 1,500 walks in a career.

Today Thomas decided to retire. This was not surprising given his age and how long its been since he last suited up for a baseball game. Fanhouse had this to say about his retirement:

Saying he’s “at peace” with his decision, Frank Thomas announced his retirement Friday following a 19-season career in which he hit 521 homers and won two American League MVP awards with the Chicago White Sox.

Considering he didn’t play last season, the news was hardly shocking.

“It took awhile to get to this point,” the 41-year-old Thomas said during a news conference at U.S. Cellular Field. “I know I hadn’t played since 2008, but I had to get baseball out of my system before I made this announcement. I’m happy with this announcement. I’m at peace with it. I had one heck of a career. I’m proud of it.”

With his power and ability to hit for a high average and reach base, Thomas figures to land in the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.

A five-time All-Star who batted .301 with a .419 on-base average, Thomas is tied for 18th with Ted Williams and Willie McCovey on baseball’s home run list while driving in 1,704 runs. And in an era clouded by performance-enhancing drugs, he was outspoken against their use.

Thomas split his final three seasons between Oakland and Toronto, but he’ll be remembered most for a 16-year run with the White Sox.

Thomas’s departure from the White Sox was somewhat controversial. He and White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams exchanged words before Thomas left for Oakland. After signing with Oakland, Thomas said that he didn’t appreciate the way his 16-year run with the White Sox ended, saying that chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t call him to tell him he wasn’t coming back. He also said that he and Williams didn’t see eye-to-eye after Williams became GM following the 2000 season. At the time, Thomas was unhappy that his next-to-last deal with the White Sox contained a “diminished skills” clause. He said the White Sox should have traded him after the playoffs that season.

Thomas went on to play for the Oakland Athletics in 2006, the Toronto Blue Jays in 2007-2008, and then back to the Oakland A’s in ’08, but regardless of where Thomas played during his career however he will go down in history best remembered as a member of the White Sox and will always be considered one of the greatest designated hitters of all-time.

February 12, 2010 – Dr. Sidearm Frank Thomas was one of the biggest and best stars in baseball back when my love for the game was at its peak. In my opinion he was one of the best player to ever play for the Chicago White Sox. Broadcaster Ken Harrelson coined the nickname “The Big [...]