James Howard Thome He's a rare slugger who's not afraid to hang in for a free pass and he has a great clutch bat. Considered to be one of the top pure power hitters in the game, Jim Thome can spray the ball on a line all over the field for singles and doubles. Selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 13rd round (331st overall) of the 1989 amateur entry draft, Jim Thome made his Major League debut on September 4, 1991 against the Minnesota Twins in Metrodome as a third baseman. In 1988, he graduated from Limestone High School (IL) where he was All-State in baseball and basketball. He played baseball and basketball at Illinois Central College . In 2001, he was named the Marvin Miller "Man of the Year" by the MLBPA for his numerous efforts in the community. In 2002, he became the recipient of the John Hancock Roberto Clemente Award for exemplifying Clemente's passion for the game, sportsmanship and community involvement. He also participated in the First Energy Grand Slam Summer Literacy Program with wife, Andrea, and served as team's honorary captain. In 2003, he served as Chairman of the Phillies Phundamentals after-school program for inner city children and was named 2003 Pro Athlete of the Year and 2004 Media Good Guy, by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. Jim's father was also a legend in the Outlaw League. Jim's work ethic and natural ability served him well on the basketball court. In 1994, the Phillies christened its new state-of-the art stadium, Jacobs Field. With Jim and slugger Manny Ramirezon their line-up, the Indians had all the requisite offense they needed to conquer the curse of Rocky Colavito. Jim emerged as a threat at the plate. He led all AL third basemen with 20 homers with an average of .266 and 41 hits. In 1995, Thome hit 25 home runs and 73 runs batted in with a .314 batting average. In 1997, when the Indians traded for Matt Williams, Thome shifted over to first base. The same season for the first time in his career, he made the All-Star team. He repeated this feat in 1998 and 1999. Over a period of time Thome became a productive home run hitter. He hit 511-foot shot that landed above the picnic plaza at Jacobs Field in 2000, recording the longest home run ever recorded at a Cleveland ballpark. In 2001, Thome hit 49 home runs and then a career-high 52 homers in 2002. on December 3, 2002, he was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies to a six-year, $85 million deal, with a $12 million option for a seventh year. In his first season with the Phillies, Thome hit 47 home runs. In 2004, he became the 2nd player in MLB history to have two 40-HR seasons in both AL and NL and 2nd Phillie in history to have consecutive 40-HR seasons. Despite of the injuries that Thome suffered in 2005, he hit .207 with 7 homers and 30 RBIs going into the All-Star break. |
