Last Updated: May 9th, 2024 by Michael Schatz
Frank Thomas, also known as “The Big Hurt,” was one of the most feared hitters of his time. Although he was known for hitting mammoth home runs, Thomas was a pure hitter, consistently hitting in the .300s and drawing triple-digit walks.
Join us as we look back at the moments and achievements that made Frank Thomas a legend.
Majestic Major League Debut: Hitting the Ground Running in 1990
Frank Thomas got the call to the Show on August 2, 1990, and wasted no time living up to the hype. Although he only played in 60 games that year, Thomas hit .330 with a .454 on-base percentage, 7 home runs and 31 RBIs. He also walked 44 times, displaying remarkable knowledge of the strike zone for a young hitter.
It was clear from the start that Thomas wasn’t just a flash in the pan but a force to be reckoned with, setting the stage for a career that baseball fans would talk about for generations.
Back-to-Back AL MVP Awards in 1993 & 1994
Frank Thomas proved his rookie year was no fluke by winning the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in consecutive years, 1993 and 1994.
In ’93, he boasted a .317 batting average, crushed 41 home runs, and notched 128 RBIs. The following year, despite the season being cut short due to a strike, Thomas hit .353, with 38 homers and 101 RBIs, and led the league in runs (106), walks (109), on-base percentage (.487) and slugging percentage (.729).
Consistency at the Plate
Frank Thomas is thought of as a power hitter. But he was one of the best all around hitters in baseball, and he showed that with an incredible streak of consistency from 1991-1997. In this span, he boasted a batting average above .300, hit over 20 home runs, and knocked in at least 100 RBIs each season.
Fans and analysts alike watched in awe as “The Big Hurt” cemented his status as a baseball legend, making this streak a cornerstone of his illustrious career.
Taking Home the Batting Title in 1997
Following his streak of dominance at the plate from 1991 to 1997, Frank Thomas took home the American League batting title in 1997 with a .347 average, proving once and for all that he was a pure hitter.
And as an added bonus that year, he also led the league in on-base percentage (.456) and OPS (1.067).
A World Series Ring With the White Sox
Despite being limited to only 34 games due to a fractured left ankle, Thomas hit 12 home runs and knocked in 26 runs. Even though he was not on the postseason roster because of his injury, Thomas’ impact and importance to the White Sox was on full display before Game One of their Division Series when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
His White Sox teammates would honor him in another way, going 11-1 in the playoffs and capping it off with a sweep of the Houston Astros in the World Series.
Joining the 500 Home Run Club
On June 28, 2007, Frank Thomas joined the exclusive 500 Home Run Club while wearing a Toronto Blue Jays uniform. He took Twins pitcher Carlos Silva deep for the historic home run, cementing his place as one of the game’s best power hitters.
He’d finish his illustrious career with 521 home runs.
A White Sox Legend
When you think Frank Thomas you think Chicago White Sox. So it should come as no surprise that he holds numerous franchise records including home runs (448), on-base percentage (.427) and slugging percentage (.568).
These stats not only showcase his skill as a power hitter but also his ability to consistently get on base, making him one of the most feared hitters during his career and a true White Sox legend.
The Big Hurt’s Number Retirement and Statue
In August 2010, the White Sox retired Thomas’s number 35, a fitting tribute to one of the franchise’s greatest players. The following year, they unveiled a bronze statue in honor of the Big Hurt.
Frank Thomas was an all-time great, but these honors weren’t just about the numbers; it was about paying homage to a hero who embodied the spirit and determination of the team, ensuring his legacy would forever be a part of White Sox lore.
Entering Baseball Immortality in 2014
In 2014, Frank Thomas was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, receiving 83.7% of the vote. This achievement stamped him as one of the game’s all-time greats.
He finished his storied career with a .301 batting average, 2,468 hits, 512 home runs, 1,704 RBIs, a .419 on-base percentage, a .555 slugging, 2 MVPs, 5 All-Star appearances, 4 Silver Sluggers and a World Series ring.