Jim Thome Enters 600 Club
Added on Aug 16, 2011 by Scott in
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The Minnesota Twins are mired in a disappointing season, but they had something to cheer about last night when Jim Thome smacked a pair of homers versus the Tigers and entered the exclusive 600 Club. He is only the eighth major leaguer to reach the 600 home run plateau and also the oldest. The Detroit home crowd gave Thome a congratulatory standing ovation as he rounded the bases.
The 40-year-old slugger is nearing the end of a lengthy and very productive career. In 21 seasons, he’s compiled a .277 average and 1662 RBI. Injuries have slowed him in recent years and limited him to 64 games so far in 2011. Let the debate begin as to whether his stats are Hall of Fame worthy.
Thome has one of baseball’s best reputations. He’s a clean-cut professional who goes about his business with little fanfare. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the game with a bad word to say about him. In an era beset by steroid abuse and numerous allegations, Thome stood out for never being linked to performance enhancing drugs.
He was a consistent power hitter for two decades, having first hit 40 home runs in 1997 and most recently in 2006. Some pundits will penalize him for playing during the steroid era and never winning a World Series or MVP, but it’s hard to ignore his gaudy numbers and longevity.
He was a five-time All-Star, led the National League in homers in 2003, was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year in 2006 and oh by the way, hit 600 dingers.
On paper, he seems like a surefire Hall of Famer. However, baseball voters can be very critical in their evaluation. Reaching 600 probably sealed his entry, although he might not be a first ballot invite.
With fellow 600 Club members Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Alex Rodriguez tangled in webs of controversy, Thome represents the antithesis. Bottom line: he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Source: MLB.com
