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Frank Edward Thomas, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player. A designated hitter and first baseman, Thomas became one of baseball's biggest stars in the 1990s. Broadcaster Ken Harrelson nicknamed Thomas "The Big Hurt" in the 1992 season. Thomas was known for his menacing home run power; he routinely swung a rusted piece of rebar that he reportedly found during a renovation project in Old Comiskey Park in the on-deck circle.
Thomas played college baseball and college football for the Auburn Tigers of Auburn University. He retired February 12, 2010. Playing in Major League Baseball, Thomas played for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays. He is a five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and two-time AL MVP. He won the AL batting title in 1997, was named AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2000, and his uniform number was retired by the White Sox. He is now a commentator for Comcast SportsNet White Sox broadcasts.
He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, with his election being announced on January 8, 2014. He will be formally inducted on July 27.
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