Frank Thomas Childhood

Frank Edward Thomas was born on May 27, 1968 in Columbus, GA. He is the son of Charlie Mae and Frank Thomas Sr. One of six children, Frank from a young age was one of the bigger kids when it came to sports. He would often play with older kids because of his size. His physical stature would become a symbol of his greatness at the major league level. Early in his life, Frank and his family experienced tragedy. Pamela, Frank’s younger sister, died of leukemia at the age of two. The death inspired young Frank to honor his sister by becoming a professional baseball player.

Frank Thomas High School Stats and Awards

Frank attended Columbus High School. He excelled at football and baseball. He had the physical gifts to play either sport at the next level but Frank really wanted to continue playing baseball. However, to his surprise he wasn’t drafted by any of the major league teams out of high school. He was dejected but with the support of his father, decided to accept a football scholarship to Auburn University.

Frank Thomas College Stats and Awards

Thomas was determined to make professional baseball a reality. He tried out for the Auburn baseball team while still playing football. His life plans changed once he made the baseball team. Frank fully committed to the sport and stopped playing football. After three years on the diamond, Frank’s hard work and perseverance paid off and this time the MLB teams were ready. The three-time All-SEC first baseman was drafted seventh overall by the Chicago White Sox in 1989.

Frank Thomas MLB Career Stats and Notes

On August 2, 1990, Thomas made his MLB Debut. He played 16 seasons with the White Sox, and in 2005, the team won the World Series for the first time since 1908. Frank wasn't on the postseason roster because he was injured but he still earned the ring. This moment was also the last time he would be part of the Chicago White Sox franchise as a player as he was not brought back for another season.

Frank signed with the Oakland Athletics for the 2006 season. In 2007, Thomas and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a deal. It was for two seasons; however, Thomas was released early in the 2008 season. He returned to Oakland, which would be the last team he played for and his last season in the majors. In 2014, Thomas was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Frank Thomas 1993 AL MVP Season

By the 1993 season, Frank was a household name for baseball fans. Nicknamed The Big Hurt, Thomas headed a White Sox team considered one of the best in the American League. As his nickname suggested, Frank provided the muscle behind a sensational season for the team.

That season the White Sox finished 94-68, first in the AL West and won their first division title since 1983. Thomas had one of his best all-around seasons. The 25-year old superstar hit .317 with 41 HRs and 128 RBI. The White Sox met the defending champion Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS. As great as Thomas and the White Sox were all season, the Blue Jays ousted them in six games and went on to repeat as champs. For Thomas, his play earned him the 1993 AL MVP. But he wasn’t done. The following year, The Big Hurt was on pace to have an even better season. Before the strike ended the 1994 season early, Thomas was hitting .353 with 38 HRs and 101 RBI. Thomas was awarded his second straight AL MVP.

List of Baseball Hall of Fame Members