Jim Thome

Designated Hitter and First Baseman Jim Thome currently plays for the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball. He previously played for the Cleveland Indians and the Philadelphia Phillies before being traded to the White Sox in 2005. He is widely regarded as one of the most feared and respected power hitters in the game, and part of the exclusive 500 Home Run Club.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: James Howard Thome
2. Born: August 27, 1970
3. Height: 6'4"
4. Weight: 220 lbs
5. Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois
6. Bats: Left
7. Throws: Right
8. 1991: Debuts with Cleveland Indians
9. 2003 Home Run Champion
10. 2006 A.L Comeback Player of the Year

Early Life

James Howard Thome was born in Peoria, Illinois on August 27, 1970. The child of Chuck and Joyce Thome, he has a twin sister named Jenny and two brothers Chuck and Randy. He attended Limestone High School in Illinois, and would evenutally go on to Illinois Central College.

Pro Career

Thome made his major league debut on September 4, 1991 for the Cleveland Indians. He would steadly develop into a legitimate power threat and in 1996 he would win the Silver Slugger Award. He would make the first of 5 All-Star Appearances in 1997. In 2002, he would become a free agent and he would sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. He would lead the National League in Home Runs in 2003, but with the emergence of power hitting first baseman Ryan Howard the Phillies elected to trade Thome to the Chicago White Sox in 2005 for outfielder Aaron Rowand. In Chicago, Thome has developed into one of the premiere Designated Hitters in the game, and paired with fellow sluggers Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye have helped to make the White Sox line-up one of the most fearsome in the game.

Jim Thome Timeline

• 1970: Born on August 27 in Peoria, Illinois
• 1991: Debuts for Cleveland Indians
• 2002: Hits career-high 52 Home Runs
• 2005: Traded to Chicago White Sox from Philadelphia Phillies

Categories