Frank Thomas announced his retirement on Friday following a 19-season Major League Baseball career that included 521 home runs and two American League MVP awards with the Chicago White Sox. The news wasn’t unexpected, considering the 41-year-old didn’t play last season.
“It took awhile to get to this point,” the “Big Hurt” said. “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, the five-time All-Star batted .301 with a .419 on-base average and is tied for 18th with Ted Williams and Willie McCovey on baseball’s home run list.
He also drove in 1,704 runs, and in an era clouded by performance-enhancing drugs, he was outspoken against their use.
Thomas divided his final three seasons between Oakland and Toronto, but he’ll be remembered most for his 16-year spell with the White Sox.
After his debut in 1990, he won Most Valuable Player honors in 1993 and 1994 and the batting title in 1997.
He set White Sox records for home runs (448) and RBIs (1,465) before an acrimonious split in the wake of the 2005 World Series-winning season.
Thomas ended up going to Oakland and hit 39 homers with 114 RBIs in 2006 before joining Toronto.
The Blue Jays released him early in the 2008 season and he returned to Oakland, playing 55 games before his season ended because of a right thigh injury.
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