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The Big Hurt returns The Big Hurt started on the comeback trail today at the A’s complex in Papago Park. For the first time since last July, Frank Thomas faced live pitching in a game. Alternating between the AAA and AA game, Big Frank got about eight at bats. He walked twice and hit a nice line drive which would have been a double except he didn’t run anything out. As any slugger of his stature should, Thomas drew a crowd looking for his autograph.
One can imagine the thrill young Sean Thompson felt when he struck Thomas out in his first at bat. However, Thompson's triumph was short lived as Thomas later smacked one of his offerings for a beautiful line drive which bounced off the left center field fence. The White Sox made Big Hurt their first selection in the 1989 draft, number seven overall. After a stellar career at Auburn, where he set the school record for total career home runs (49) and single season record for both walks (73) and home runs (21), Thomas was the SEC MVP in 1989 as well as all SEC Tournament first baseman. Thomas broke in with the Sox in 1990. He played 60 games in his first major league season, batting .330 with seven homeruns in 191 at bats. Since then, the Big Hurt has played 1,899 more games in the majors, all with the White Sox. Big Frank has hit 448 home runs while carrying a career batting average of .307, making him one of only 10 players who have at least 400 homeruns and a career .300 average, 1000 RBI, 1000 walks and 1000 runs scored. He joins Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx and Stan Musial. Today’s game marked the first time he has made a game appearance in anything other than a Chicago White Sox uniform. Last season marked the second time in his career he spent considerable time on the DL. After suffering a stress fracture in his left ankle, he missed the remainder of the season, eventually undergoing surgery on October 6th. The injury caused some consternation between the Sox and Thomas after General Manager Ken Williams questioned why he would not make himself available to pinch hit after the initial injury. After the season, the White Sox bought out his contract for $3.5 million rather than exercise his $10 million option for the 2006 season. All told, the Big Hurt has made more than $86 million playing baseball for 16 season. Not too bad. So today, at age 37, the Big Hurt started back. The A’s are hoping he has at least one more season left. Today’s AAA game was very one-sided, as the A’s won by 12 runs. The A’s squad featured top prospects such as Daric Barton and Landon Powell. Also on taking the field for the A’s was "Moneyballer" Brant Coamarino. --- John
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