greasywheels121 Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 http://whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/ar...sp&c_id=cws Fans pick Thomas as Hometown Hero Slugger won Most Valuable Player awards in 1993 and 1994 By Scott Merkin / MLB.com Frank Thomas has been classified as one of the best hitters during his entire generation of big-league players, let alone in the storied White Sox franchise history. And when you come up with as many big hits as the Big Hurt has over the years, it's of no great surprise to eventually be classified as a Hometown Hero. That title became official on Tuesday, when the inaugural episode of DHL Presents Major League Baseball Hometown Heroes debuted and unveiled the first 10 Major Leaguers selected by fan ballot. Thomas was selected as the White Sox Hometown Hero, and he was announced as part of fairly select and impressive company. Hank Aaron, a personal hero of Thomas' growing up, was named the Braves' recipient, getting the most votes of any nominee at 452,824. Cal Ripken (Baltimore), Babe Ruth (Yankees), Reggie Jackson (A's), Mike Schmidt (Phillies), Wade Boggs (Devil Rays), Joe Carter (Blue Jays), Gary Carter (Nationals) and Dontrelle Willis (Marlins) also were chosen by the fans. Although Thomas no longer plays for the White Sox, moving on to Oakland during the past offseason when the South Siders chose not to pick up his option, his name still lives on in the annals of the team's records on offense. The prolific slugger won back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards in 1993 and 1994 and sits atop 11 separate franchise records for the White Sox. Those categories include home runs (448), doubles (447), RBIs (1,465), walks (1,466), slugging percentage (.568) and on-base percentage (.427), to name a few. Although he was limited in his contributions last season by a fracture in his left navicular bone, Thomas still managed to knock out 12 home runs in only 105 at-bats as part of the White Sox run to the 2005 World Series title. Thomas made his presence felt among the White Sox again two weekends ago in Oakland, hitting two home runs that led to two victories for the A's, and helping Oakland complete a three-game sweep. It was this sort of exemplary offensive work the White Sox had come to expect from Thomas for them over the years, instead of against them. "Frank Thomas kicked our butts," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, a former teammate of Thomas, of Thomas' effort in Oakland. "Two bad pitches to Frank and it changed the momentum of our road trip." "Look, if you put up what Frank Thomas has done in his career, you are doing OK," added White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome, who effectively replaced Thomas in the lineup. "I'm happy for him. He battled an injury, not knowing what was going to happen, and now we both have had really nice years." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hi8is Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 im glad i have a reason to watch the playoffs this year... go A's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyho7476 Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 I watched this last night...not a bad program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamTell Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 I feel asleep in it, lol. But I was under the weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthSideSox72 Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 I dislike this promotion primarily because it butchers the use of the term "hometown". Almost none of these people are from, or in some cases even ever lived in, these towns. They are not "hometown heroes". They are just favorite players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greasywheels121 Posted September 27, 2006 Author Share Posted September 27, 2006 QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Sep 27, 2006 -> 05:17 PM) I dislike this promotion primarily because it butchers the use of the term "hometown". Almost none of these people are from, or in some cases even ever lived in, these towns. They are not "hometown heroes". They are just favorite players. You're looking too deep into this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthSideSox72 Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Sep 27, 2006 -> 04:18 PM) You're looking too deep into this. Well, its less depressing than looking deeply into this team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hi8is Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Sep 27, 2006 -> 09:20 PM) Well, its less depressing than looking deeply into this team. that is the only responce i think that by reading, i completely forgot that i agreed with the other guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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