Goodbye, Big Hurt

The greatest player in White Sox history has finally decided to call it a career.

And what a magnificent one it was, for the man known as "The Big Hurt," for during the majority of the 1990s, he was one of the most feared hitters in the game. He was known during his prime as an exceptional hitter, one who could hit for average just as easily as he could hit for power. Later in his career, when he made the switch to DH for good and when his batting average capabilities started to slip, he was still feared for his power, and because of his sheer size.

Ah yes, his size. That massive, immense, monolithic, six-foot-five, 260-plus pound frame that easily placed fear into the hearts of some of the most unflappable pitchers in MLB. That frame, combined with the impeccable bat control that he displayed in his prime was what made him legendary. It is no wonder why Sox announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson christened him with the nickname that he'll carry with him for the rest of his life, "The Big Hurt."

Thomas would finish his illustrious 19-year career with 521 home runs (tied for 18th all-time), 1,704 career RBIs (22nd all-time), two MVP awards (along with being robbed of a third by Jason Giambi in 2000), and one World Championship in 2005 which unfortunately, his contributions toward that were marginal due to injury. It is also fitting that he is tied with Ted Williams for 18th on the all-time home run list because it was Williams who many people were comparing Thomas to during his prime (a right-handed version of him, of course).

As a result of this announcement, the White Sox have announced that they will be retiring Thomas' number 35 in what will be called "Frank Thomas Day" at U.S. Cellular Field on August 29. Once that day arrives, Thomas will share a place on the wall at U.S. Cellular Field along with other Sox greats such as Luke Appling, Billy Pierce, Ted Lyons, and his former teammate, Carlton Fisk. Hopefully, six years from now, he'll be able to have a place reserved in the walls of baseball's most hallowed grounds, the Hall of Fame.

Thanks for the memories, big fella. See you in Cooperstown.