'Big Hurt' says goodbye
The greatest slugger in White Sox history will call it quits today when Frank Thomas officially announces his retirement at U.S. Cellular Field.
The Sox will retire Thomas' No. 35 during an on-field ceremony Aug. 29 against the New York Yankees. The team has designated that day as "Frank Thomas Day" at U.S. Cellular Field.
Thomas, 41, did not play last season and appeared in only 71 games in 2008. Although he was not expected to return to baseball, his appearance today on the South Side should go a long way toward repairing any hard feelings that existed after he and the Sox parted ways in 2006.
Known as "Big Hurt," the 6-foot-5, 257-pound Thomas posted Hall of Fame numbers in his 19-season career. He is the White Sox all-time leader with 448 home runs, 906 extra-base hits and 1,465 RBIs. He also is No. 1 in team history in slugging percentage and on base percentage.
No one will touch those records anytime soon.
Here is a look at the Sox top 10 home run hitters.
1. Frank Thomas, 448
2. Paul Konerko, 319
3. Harold Baines, 221
4. Carlton Fisk, 214
5. Magglio Ordonez, 187
6. Robin Ventura, 171
7. Jermaine Dye, 164
8. Bill Melton, 154
9. Carlos Lee, 152
10. Ron Kittle, 140
-Tom Musick
