White Sox retire Thomas' number, make him team ambassador
CHICAGO -- Frank Thomas has returned to the Chicago White Sox, just five years after his bitter departure.
Thomas will serve as a team ambassador, a role that could include everything from helping the current players to speaking engagements on behalf of the club.
"This is a great day today, to be named team ambassador, because I really care about this team," Thomas said before the White Sox hosted the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
Thomas retired in February after a 19-year career that included 521 homers and 1,704 RBI. The two-time AL MVP also finished with a .301 career batting average.
The Big Hurt split his final three seasons between Oakland and Toronto, but is remembered most for his long run with the White Sox.
Thomas left Chicago after the White Sox won the 2005 World Series, becoming upset when the club bought out his option for $3.5 million. He criticized the organization, and general manager Ken Williams responded by calling him "an idiot."
"Time heals all wounds," Thomas said. "It's part of being a great player. You know I spent 16 long years here, and, unfortunately, departures are never nice. You've seen it with some of the greatest players in all sports.
"But eventually I figured I would be back here in some capacity," he added. "It just takes time."
Thomas made his major league debut in 1990 and still owns the White Sox records for homers (448) and RBI (1,465). The team will retire his No. 35 on Frank Thomas Day at U.S. Cellular Field on Aug. 29.
"The best hitter to ever wear this uniform was Frank," manager Ozzie Guillen said.
Thomas' number will be the 10th retired by the White Sox, following 2 (Nellie Fox), 3 (Harold Baines), 4 (Luke Appling), 9 (Minnie Minoso), 11 (Luis Aparicio), 16 (Ted Lyons), 19 (Billy Pierce), 42 (Jackie Robinson) and 72 (Carlton Fisk). Robinson's number is retired by all 30 major league teams.
Thomas will make appearances for the team and join its speakers bureau, which includes Fisk, Minoso, Ron Kittle, Bill Melton and Bill Skowron.
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