This year, as a 60-turning-61 white man, I am going to highlight African Americans that have had some kind of influence in my life. Some are famous, some are friends, and others are just people. #blackhistorymonth
February 8th
Frank Thomas
My last year in California, and the last year I had season tickets to the Oakland Athletics, they signed 37-year old Frank Thomas on a one year contract. He was signed as designated hitter to supplement their mostly uninspiring offense and hopefully ride their good pitching back to the playoffs. I had seen him a couple of games over the years, but I got to see him on a regular basis.
What a great hitter.
He was giant, 6’5”, listed at 240 lbs in Baseball Reference. You would think he would be easy to strike out with that large a strike zone, but he lead the league in walks four times, and walked over 100 times in 10 different seasons. He only walked 81 times in 2006, as he was only in 137 games. But he hit 39 home runs in 137 games. He demolished Minnesota pitching in the A’s first playoff series win in 16 years, but alas, the Tigers completely shut him down in the ALCS.
With his super-fast swing from those huge biceps, and giant tree-trunk legs giving him even more power, he was a fearsome presence.
When not playing, he seemed gracious and gregarious, with a beaming smile, and an easy-going nature. It was easy to love having him on your team. He also made it through the nineties and early 2000s without ever being implicated in baseball’s performing-enhancing drug scandal.
I am lucky I got to experience him, and wish I could have seen him more in his peak.
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