Frank J. Thomas

For the late-20th century Chicago White Sox / Oakland A's / Toronto Blue Jays player known as the "Big Hurt," see Frank E. Thomas.

Frank Thomas on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1958.

Frank Joseph Thomas (born June 11, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1951-58), Cincinnati Reds (1959), Chicago Cubs (1960-61), Milwaukee Braves (1961), New York Mets (1962-64), Philadelphia Phillies (1964-65), Houston Astros (1965), Milwaukee Braves (1965), and Chicago Cubs (1966). He batted and threw right handed.

In a 16-season career, Thomas posted a .266 batting average with 286 home runs and 962 RBIs in 1766 games.

[edit] Highlights

3-time All-Star (1954-55, 1958)
12 straight years with double-figure home runs (1953-64)
Best season, 1958 - Hit .281, finished second in the National League to Ernie Banks with 35 home runs and 109 RBIs, and belted three consecutive HR in a game (August 16). Despite his efforts, he was shipped to Cincinnati in the off-season in the same trade that sent Harvey Haddix and Don Hoak to Pittsburgh.
In 1962, led the expansion Mets with 34 HRs and 94 RBIs. His home run mark would last as a Mets' team record until 1975, when Dave Kingman hit 36.
Appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1958.
Frank Thomas is also the name of a successful Major League ballplayer currently playing (1990-current). Even more successful then Frank J. Thomas, the younger Frank Thomas is one of the 25 greatest home run hitters of all time, ranking 23 on the list as of 2006 (the older day Thomas is 126th). Both have also been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, in 1958 ^[1] and 2000 ^[2], respectively.