Career Timeline of Frank Thomas: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Frank Thomas, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Frank Thomas, "the Big Hurt," was a dominant MLB designated hitter and first baseman (1990-2008). Primarily with the Chicago White Sox, he achieved a rare feat of seven consecutive seasons (.300+ average, 100+ RBIs/runs/walks, 20+ home runs) from 1991-1997. A five-time All-Star, Thomas won the 1997 AL batting title (.347) and two AL MVP awards. He was part of the 2005 World Series-winning White Sox team, though injured. He is considered among the best right-handed hitters in baseball history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

June 1989: Drafted by White Sox

In June 1989, The Chicago White Sox selected Frank Thomas with the seventh pick in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft.

1989: Drafted by White Sox

In 1989, Frank Thomas was drafted seventh overall by the White Sox in the MLB draft.

August 2, 1990: MLB Debut

On August 2, 1990, Frank Thomas made his major league debut against the Milwaukee Brewers, going 0-for-4 but recording an RBI.

1990: MLB Debut

In 1990, Frank Thomas began his MLB career, playing for three American League teams until 2008, predominantly with the Chicago White Sox.

1991: Finished Third in MVP Voting

In 1991, Frank Thomas finished third in MVP voting with a .318 batting average, 32 home runs, and 109 RBI. He also won the first of four Silver Slugger Awards.

1993: Unanimous AL MVP Award

In 1993, Frank Thomas batted .317 with 41 homers and 128 RBI. Thomas collected all 28 votes from baseball writers for a unanimous AL Most Valuable Player award, leading the White Sox to their first AL West crown in 10 years.

1994: Second MVP Award

Frank Thomas repeated as MVP in the strike-shortened 1994 season, batting .353 and leading the league in slugging percentage and runs.

1995: Advocating for Drug Testing in 1995

As early as 1995, Frank Thomas was advocating for drug testing for professional baseball players.

1995: Significant Offensive Numbers

In 1995, Frank Thomas continued to put up significant offensive numbers, hitting .308 with 40 home runs and 111 RBI.

September 15, 1996: First Three Home Run Game Against the Red Sox on September 15, 1996

September 15, 1996, Frank Thomas hit three home runs against the Red Sox in a White Sox loss.

1996: Fourth All-Star Selection

In 1996, Frank Thomas hit .349 with 40 home runs and 134 RBI, earning his fourth All-Star selection and finishing eighth in MVP voting.

1997: AL Batting Title

In 1997, Frank Thomas won the AL batting title with a .347 mark, adding to his already impressive career statistics.

1997: Batting Title and Third in MVP Voting

In 1997, Frank Thomas won the batting title and finished third in MVP voting, solidifying his reputation as an elite hitter.

2000: Last Postseason Games Since 2000

Due to having missed the 2005 playoffs with an injury, the 2006 postseason provided Thomas the opportunity to play in his first postseason games since 2000.

2000: Tension with Management in 2000

In 2000, Frank Thomas experienced tension with Kenny Williams after Williams became general manager, and Thomas was unhappy with the "diminished skills" clause in his contract.

2000: AL Comeback Player of the Year Award

In 2000, Frank Thomas rebounded with a strong season, hitting .328 with career highs in home runs and RBI, earning him the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

2003: Solid Season in 2003

In 2003, Frank Thomas had a strong season, tying for second in the AL with 42 home runs. He was also among the league's top players in walks, extra-base hits, slugging average, and on-base plus slugging, and led the major leagues in fly ball percentage.

2004: Home Runs and Walks Amidst Injuries in 2004 and 2005

Between 2004 and 2005, despite injuries limiting his playing time to fewer than 350 at-bats, Frank Thomas hit 30 home runs and drew 80 walks.

2005: World Series Win

Despite being injured during the regular season, Frank Thomas won a World Series in 2005 with the Chicago White Sox.

2005: Release from the White Sox in 2005

In 2005, despite his offensive production and popularity, the White Sox released Frank Thomas, leading to his disappointment due to a perceived lack of communication from chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

2005: White Sox Honored Thomas During World Series

In 2005, despite not being on the postseason roster due to injury, Frank Thomas was honored by the White Sox during Game 1 of the Division Series against the Boston Red Sox and threw out the ceremonial first pitch, after the White Sox won the World Series, their first in 88 years.

2005: Injury and Home Runs in 2005

In 2005, despite suffering from injury, Frank Thomas demonstrated his continued power by hitting 12 home runs in 105 at-bats over 35 games.

January 26, 2006: Signed with the Oakland Athletics in 2006

On January 26, 2006, Frank Thomas signed a one-year, $500,000 deal with the Oakland Athletics, where he became their everyday designated hitter.

May 22, 2006: Home Runs Against Former Team on May 22, 2006

On May 22, 2006, Frank Thomas homered twice in his first game against his former team, the White Sox, at U.S. Cellular Field, receiving a standing ovation from Chicago fans after his first home run.

November 16, 2006: Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays on November 16, 2006

On November 16, 2006, Frank Thomas signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

2006: Rejuvenated Career with the Athletics in 2006

In 2006, Frank Thomas rejuvenated his career with the Athletics, finishing fifth in the American League with 39 home runs and eighth with 114 RBI. He was also named player of the week ending September 10 and hit two solo home runs in the A's first playoff game on October 3.

June 17, 2007: DH Home Run Record in 2007

On June 17, 2007, Frank Thomas hit his 496th career home run, his 244th as a DH, breaking the record previously held by Edgar Martínez.

June 28, 2007: 500th Career Home Run on June 28, 2007

On June 28, 2007, Frank Thomas hit his 500th career home run against Carlos Silva of the Minnesota Twins, becoming the 21st major league player to reach this milestone. He was later ejected from the game.

September 17, 2007: Three Home Runs Against the Red Sox on September 17, 2007

On September 17, 2007, Frank Thomas hit three home runs in a 6–1 win over the Red Sox. This was the second time in his career hitting three home runs in a game, with the first time also against the Red Sox.

2007: TBS Analyst during 2007 MLB Playoffs

During the 2007 MLB playoffs, Frank Thomas appeared as a guest analyst for TBS's coverage.

2007: Mitchell Report Interview

In 2007, Frank Thomas was the only active player who agreed to be interviewed for the Mitchell Report, highlighting his commitment to integrity in baseball.

April 20, 2008: Release from the Blue Jays on April 20, 2008

On April 20, 2008, Frank Thomas was released by the Toronto Blue Jays after expressing frustration about being benched.

October 31, 2008: Free Agency in 2008

On October 31, 2008, Frank Thomas became a free agent after playing his final game with the Athletics on August 29, ending the season with 521 career home runs and a .263 batting average.

2008: Final Season

Frank Thomas played until 2008, marking his final season in Major League Baseball.

2009: Did not play in 2009

After not playing in the 2009 season, Frank Thomas retired from baseball.

February 12, 2010: Retirement Announcement on February 12, 2010

On February 12, 2010, Frank Thomas signed a one-day contract with the White Sox and announced his retirement, with the team also announcing that they would retire his No. 35 on August 29.

2010: Retirement

Frank Thomas signed a one-day contract with the White Sox in 2010 and then announced his retirement from professional baseball.

2010: NBC Sports Chicago Analyst Since 2010

Since 2010, Frank Thomas has occasionally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago as a studio analyst during their Chicago White Sox broadcasts and other sports talk shows.

2011: Started Big Hurt Beer

In 2011, Frank Thomas started his own craft beer company, Big Hurt Beer.

November 2014: Opened Big Hurt Brewhouse

In November 2014, Frank Thomas opened a brewpub called Big Hurt Brewhouse in Berwyn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

2014: Fox Sports Analyst in 2014

In 2014, Frank Thomas joined Fox Sports as a studio analyst for MLB on Fox.

2015: Spokesman for Nugenix

Since 2015, Frank Thomas has been a spokesman for testosterone supplement Nugenix.

November 2016: Big Hurt Brewhouse Closed

In November 2016, Frank Thomas's brewpub, Big Hurt Brewhouse, located in Berwyn, Illinois, closed.

2017: First project released under Liger Enterprises

In 2017, the first project released under the Liger Enterprises label co-founded by Frank Thomas and Ron Spaulding, was Kenny Lattimore's album, Vulnerable.

February 2018: 35 Sports Bar and Grill Closed

In February 2018, the establishment previously known as Big Hurt Brewhouse and reopened as 35 Sports Bar and Grill, closed for good.

2018: Named spokesperson for Guaranteed Rate

In 2018, Frank Thomas was named the spokesperson for Guaranteed Rate, a mortgage lender based in Chicago.

2020: Analyst role until 2020

Frank Thomas worked as a substitute color analyst for the Chicago White Sox on NBC Sports Chicago and WGN broadcasts until WGN ceased broadcasting the White Sox in 2020.