Jim Thome
Jim Thome
James Howard "Jim" Thomeis a retired American baseball player who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1991 to 2012. He played for six different teams, most notably the Cleveland Indians during the 1990s and the Philadelphia Phillies in the early 2000s. A prolific power hitter, Thome hit 612 home runs during his career—the seventh-most all time—along with 2,328 hits, 1,699 runs batted in, and a .276 batting average. He was a member of five All-Star teams and won...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionAthlete
Date of Birth27 August 1970
CountryUnited States of America
He had good command of all his pitches. I've faced him over the years and he had really good stuff. Credit him a lot.
He was one of my idols growing up. Those guys every moment and every minute that they talk to you, you just sit back and take it all in.
There are so many. We could sit here all night.
Starting with spring training, from Day 1, they really talk about winning here, and preaching winning. It's been very fun. It's been great. I can see now why this team wins. They're very focused, they're very upbeat about playing every day, and it's great.
Being hurt last year and having those injuries, I think it has kind of put it all in perspective for me as to how much I really appreciate the game.
The last thing you think about against that guy is hitting a home run. That guy can pitch.
The last thing you are ever thinking about against that guy is hitting a home run. As a left-handed hitter against him, you are trying to put the ball in play and make something happen.
I really don't care where I hit, as long as I'm in the lineup. ...That's Ozzie's decision. Whatever role I'm in, whatever position I'm in, I'll try to do the best I can and try to produce.
I haven't had any setbacks at all. I'm excited. I called a couple of my buddies the other day and said, 'Man, I'm a baseball player again. Forget this rehab.' Everything's been good.
I really enjoyed my time in Philadelphia, and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for a heck of a ride.
I had the back and elbow injury that put me on the shelf for a long time. I haven't had a bat in my hand in a competitive situation for almost half a season. It was just nice for me to get back out again and get a feel for the game.
I'll be honest, my back is really just a maintenance issue. I had a few problems last year, but it's never been anything I have to worry about. I've had periods where I've had a sore back, but I think every player gets that.
It was just a night of booing. That's all it was.
I do take a lot of pride in when I get on base, to be able to give it that best effort.