Jim Thome becomes fourth player in Major League history to score 100 home runs for three teams - MLB
Penultimate moments as a Major Leaguer for Jim Thome are underway, but that does not mean his hunger for reaching milestones has been satiated. By hitting a home run in the last game, Thome became fourth player in the history of baseball who has struck more
than 100 home runs for three different teams namely Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Not too long ago, Thome was put on the Disabled List, which kept him out from the season for around five weeks. His injury was preceded by a fairly forgettable performance. Along with rest of the hitters, he was also declining and was unable to make big
hits.
Contrary to his role as a slugger, he was wasting at-bats for Phillies.
However, ever since he has returned from the injury, he has been terrific. Not only he is flying massive hits, he is keeping base-runners on the move.
Despite being stopped for playing in the field by the club, he has turned out to be a major contributor for whatever little success Phillies have had.
The latest feather in the cape is going to be the most cherished one, as it has come at a time when questions at his ability to produce runs were starting to emerge.
While Thome has rebounded largely, Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel is not convinced of the idea that he may be given the role at first-base. Manager is happy to use him as a pinch-hitter, but sending Thome anywhere on the park for fielding is not a part
of his plans.
“First base is out of the question,” Charlie Manuel said. “That’ll be kind of tough (not having Thome for an entire game). But at the same time we have to keep him ready to pinch hit. We have to find a way to get him to see the speed of the ball in practice.
… That’s where we have to keep him sharp.”
For as long as Inter-League games continue, Thome will be playing as a designated hitter.
If one goes by his recent performances, one can believe that he is going to strike many more home runs in the games to come.
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