Just wanted to tip my cap to one of my baseball heroes growing up. Frank Thomas had a towering career and finishes with numbers that scream Cooperstown. Some highlights include winning back-to-back MVPs in 1993-1994 and finishing with a career .974 OBP + SLG, good for 15th overall, right behind such names as Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. This is the type of player they're referring to when they say the phrase "First-ballot Hall of Famer."
What I'll remember most about The Big Hurt is the fear he struck into opposing pitchers. He was a menacing figure at the plate and more often than not he got the best of his opponent, whether working a walk or knocking a pitch out of the stadium. For a player of his stature and power to have the type of plate discipline he displayed was astounding. In 18 seasons in the league as a full time player he only had more strikeouts than walks three times! His legacy as the greatest DH of all time can now be discussed.
Thanks for the memories Frank.
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