Thou shall not boo Frank Thomas

by The Cheat on May 21, 2006 8:26 PM CDT in White Sox News

Less than 24 hours from now, The Greatest Hitter in White Sox history will make his return to the south side wearing enemy colors. As we witnessed first hand during Jim Thome's first trip back to Cleveland, once friendly crowds can turn on a player quickly once he's in a new uniform.

It is my hope that this will not be the case tomorrow night. I'm sure there will be a smattering of boos from those who just don't know any better. And there will be quite a few of them, as it's half-priced night. (Or not. I just checked Ticketmaster. While there are still tickets available, they could not fulfill my request for 2 best availables.)

Just to refresh your memory, here's a quick and easy demonstration of Frank's greatness.

Frank Thomas is #1 in White Sox history in OBP, SLG, OPS, BB, HR, XBH, & RBI. I'm sure there are others, but that just gives you an idea of his greatness and longevity relative to other White Sox.
Among active hitters, He's #2(behind Barry) in BB, #3(behind Barry and Todd Helton) in OBP, #3(behind Barry and Ken Griffey Jr.) in HR, #4 in Runs Created, #5 in OPS, #3 in sac flys, #5 in RBI, and this list could go on an on. -- In other words, he's one of the top 4 or 5 players of his generation.
For his career, he ranks #13 all-time in OBP, #15 all-time in SLG, and #11 all-time in OPS. And my favorite obscure stat, somehow Thomas is #12 all-time in sac flies. (I assume this is because they were not recorded as such until relatively late in baseball history.)

I'm sure someone is going to bring up his recent attacks at the White Sox front office. To that I say, 'so what?' Frank is hurt because he's no longer playing for the White Sox. He'd rather play for the Sox than any other team in the league. Should we boo him because he had an angry spat with the team he loves? I think not.

So I'm asking you all, when Frank comes up to bat for the first time, get off your ass and give him a bigger ovation than he could have ever imagined. Not only will you help drown out the few boobirds, you'll show the best hitter in White Sox history how much he was appreciated, and help out Jon Garland in the process.

After all, it's gotta be pretty hard to hit a baseball with tears in your eyes.

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Comments

Agreed...

I havn't watched a single A's game this year because it is hard for me to imagine watching Frank in another team's uniform. I grew up worshiping the guy and honestly I'll probably stand up and clap for the big hurt watching the game from home.

AIM: BrentBrookhouse

by Brent Brookhouse on May 21, 2006 8:50 PM CDT reply actions

That's Perfect.

I completely agree with you, Cheat. I was planning to go to the park and do just that but, like you said, there's only scattered seats left. Hopefully people remember the good times, the ones as recently as last summer, even.

by defensive indifference on May 21, 2006 9:04 PM CDT reply actions

Frank

He's the reason this boy from Upstate NY grew up rooting for the White Sox.

by twoeightnine on May 21, 2006 9:14 PM CDT reply actions

Thank you

One of your best blogs yet Cheat. Frank is and will always be my favorite player. He's the best player in Sox history, and there's absolutely no reason the fans should not be able to appreciate that. I expect a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd for Frank.

by greasywheels121 on May 21, 2006 9:42 PM CDT reply actions

Since I'm not in Chicago...

...I'll have to settle for giving him a standing ovation from my liviing room tomorrow. And I definitely will.

I think Sox fans have always liked Frank more than the media is willing to believe. And I'm optimistic that he will get a good welcome tomorrow.

by hitlesswonder on May 21, 2006 9:43 PM CDT reply actions

Frank

All hail Frank the baseball player. He was an unreal hitter before injuries wore him down. He combined power, with an unparallelled eye. He hit for average, he hit for power. It's sad that his numbers get obscured (to a degree) by the steroid era.

Frank the person I'm not so high on, but he who am I to demand he does every interview and be the media's darling.

Frank Thomas = The White Sox in the 90's, without him we could have been the Royals for all I know.

Give the man his due... and he deserves a round of applause, no less.

-Jeeves Chi-Sox Blog

by jeeves on May 21, 2006 9:49 PM CDT reply actions

I'll be there

He'll get a standing O the first time up. After that we'll see.

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on May 21, 2006 9:55 PM CDT reply actions

but to be clear after that first at bat

I will not participate in nor condone the type of treatment that Thome got in Cleveland. I don't think its going to happen. Frank will not be jeered.

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on May 21, 2006 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Big Frank...

I'll be there, and me and my brother will definitly be giving the big guy a standing ovation.

my blog

by simplesinger on May 22, 2006 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions

cheer him

Well done, cheat.

Last month I was bitching to a co-worker about how Thome was booed in Cleveland. He told me about Molitor and that he was booed when he came to Milwaukee as a visitor player. I was too young to remember this, but it's just proof at how sadly reactionary the sport can get.

I'm not a booer, and I'm actually a quiet game watcher (except I cheer on Joe Crede and Bill Hall whenever I see them live at every at bat).

I wish I had tickets for tomorrow's game, I'd stand up for Thomas and cheer him from his walk from the on deck circle to the end of his at bat. He deserves it, and hopefully with the world series title came class for the white sox fans.

AIM: shaftr01

XBL: TheMattressMan

by shaftr on May 21, 2006 10:23 PM CDT reply actions

standing argument at my weekly poker game...

...here in LA w/ a bunch of ex-pat Yankee scum is Frank's HOF creds. They just don't get it. It makes me feel good when I take their money.

by solbro on May 21, 2006 10:43 PM CDT reply actions

Another thing

It seems no one's a fence-sitter, when it comes to the topic of Frank Thomas. There's been some ugly arguments whenever his name is mentioned this year. I just hope after the first half of the week, a lot of that can be in the past. Hopefully his return to Chicago brings some closure.

by greasywheels121 on May 21, 2006 10:52 PM CDT reply actions

Big Frank

He'd better get a standing ovation that you can hear throughout the city. Let's just see what caliber of fans we have.

The thing about audiences and throngs of people is that they often follow the leader. Well, I guess it all depends on who's louder--the boo-ers or the cheerers. If you're at the game, be loud in your support. Bring a noisemaker. Or some fireworks.

by Stealfirstbase on May 21, 2006 11:47 PM CDT reply actions

According to the MLB-Sox site...

..."A video montage of Thomas' highlights will be shown before the game [Monday], and another special tribute will be paid to Thomas later in the evening."

by KenBrett34 on May 22, 2006 12:27 AM CDT reply actions

It is pretty clear where SSS

bloggers stand on this.

for those of you who are new (or who have poor or compromised memories), landfill said it best. frank was the best we've had.

those offseason weeks during which KW let frank go and then acquired thome were a little weird. frank had been around a long time. i even remember being pretty sure that frank was going to have glorious season for the A's this year. it'll be fun to look at our projections for the 2 sluggers at the end of the year.

for those of you who can make it to the game, please put in a cheer for big frank for me.

AIM: ozspengler

by spengler on May 22, 2006 12:39 AM CDT reply actions

I'm glad left with a White Sox World Series ring .

even though his playing time was limited during the 2005 season due to injuries, he still contributed to the Championship season and left the Sox with a WS ring.

Let's not forget that Frank did take a lot of jabs at KW on his way out, that this was not just a one-sided mistreatment of Frank. I don't remember Ozzie getting along with Frank too well when they played togenther in the 1990s. My gut feeling is Ozzie had no problems seeing Frank leave the Sox in 2006.

But I'll stand and clap for Frank tonight, he was the best hitter in MLB in the early and mid-1990s.

by CarlosMaysThumb on May 22, 2006 8:07 AM CDT reply actions

White Sox fans class?

Since I've been accused of only posting here when the
Tigers are in first place, I figured I better get used to it. Shaftr hoped that the World Series title brings out some class in White Sox fans. I've never been to Comiskey, errr. US Cellular, but from the yahoos I've seen at Tigers games, there is litle chance that Thomas won't be booed roundly. I hope you guys on this site are the majority and Frank gets the cheers he deserves, but I hardly expect it.

BTW Michael Barrett for President.

tigerdroppings.blogspot.com

p.s. Isn't Magglio the greatest hitter in White Sox history.

Magg Pipes
Frank Thomas
Joe Jackson

4a. Juan Uribe
4b. Scott Posednik

"I want to take a nap, I wanna watch Scarface, I want a turkey sandwich and I want to have sex all day." Sean 'Diddy' Combs

by TigerDroppings on May 22, 2006 11:03 AM CDT reply actions

I've been Detroit, you have a lot of apologies

to the entire nation and the U.S. in particular, how anyone can even admit they're from that toilet bowl is beyond my comprehension.

Enjoy your tigger's 15 minutes of fame, nobody takes them seriously, just like that cesspool city you live in.

by CarlosMaysThumb on May 22, 2006 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Thank you...

for your informative and well written post. Diddy would be proud.

I was actually born in the Detroit area back in the Fidrych era. Thankfully my parents moved shortly after and we ended up settling in Sox territory. Good break for me, eh?

Thank us for Curtis Granderson. He's a quality South sider and a cool guy. I hope he continues to play well and make a name for himself.

I still think the Indians are a bigger threat, although the Tigers have a lot of the qualities of the 2005 White Sox. I really like Shelton and Maggs and the young pitchers are excellent. If you could just shed the a-hole contingent of Pudge, Dmitri Young and Todd Jones, this would be an easy team to root for. Plus, who doesn't love a massive championship riot?

by Bull Pain on May 22, 2006 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Granderson

My half brother coached him in little league and his son played ball with him.

AIM: shaftr01

XBL: TheMattressMan

by shaftr on May 22, 2006 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Regression

The Tigers are winning because of run prevention, lets look at their starters:

Mike Maroth 2.45 ERA (28 year old with a career 4.68 ERA)
Kenny Rogers: 2.91 ERA (41 year old with a career 4.19 ERA)
Nate Robertson: 3.02 ERA (28 year old with a 4.77 ERA)

I think Verlander will end the season with an ERA in the high 3s/low 4s, and Bonderman will improve.

Detroit will likely win 85-90 games, I just don't see them staying ahead of the White Sox all season long since their lineup relies on injury-prone guys and the rotation is pitching way above their heads.

AIM: shaftr01

XBL: TheMattressMan

by shaftr on May 22, 2006 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions

And you define "class" how?

So I guess "classy" is trolling and stomping on a thread about Frank Thomas's HOF career with some comments about South Side "yahoos" and a little knife-twisting about Magglio. Yeah, that's all class.

How about this deal: South Side Sox takes up a collection and ships you a World Series replica trophy you can hold over your head while yelling "Tigers win!" in your basement, and in return you go troll over on a Yankee or Red Sox blog?

by hitlesswonder on May 22, 2006 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Classy is also celebrating a sucker punch.

Stay classy Detroit bloggers.

by chrome on May 22, 2006 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions

He's very religious

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 22, 2006 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

It's kinda cute actually

A team enjoys it's best season in a generation and one of their bloggers celebrates by attacking other teams.
Free piece of advice to Detroit: enjoy it while it's happening. You never know when success will leave.

-Peder

by Peder on May 22, 2006 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Are you saying that RevHalo

Has moved to Detroit?
And I thought that city was bad enough.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on May 22, 2006 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Are you really that dense?

I hope you're enjoying Magglio. While the Tigers were out handing Maggs a five year, $75 million dollar deal (surprise surprise, the Tigers giving out a ridiculously stupid contract), the Sox found Jermaine Dye for about a fifth of that.

This year, Jermaine Dye is putting up a .297/.385/.595 line, while Maggs is putting up a .316/.360/.582 line.

But, you enjoy Mike Maroth and Nate Robertson pitching way over their heads -- it ain't gonna last.

by CWSKeith on May 22, 2006 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Man...

I'm so torn. Being from Michigan I spent a lot of time in Detroit going to shows (saw a lot of great bands there) and really as long as you're in the right part of the city it is great.

But this guy is a bit of a moron...normally I'm all for fans of other teams coming here, I enjoy the interaction. But it's different when you're going out of your way to be antagonistic.

AIM: BrentBrookhouse

by Brent Brookhouse on May 22, 2006 2:49 PM CDT reply actions

Well put, Cheat.

I'm an A's fan, and I expect the White Sox fans to give Big Frank the respect he deserves. He has always seemed (to me) to be one of the good guys.

by salb918 on May 22, 2006 3:04 PM CDT reply actions

Has anyone actually talked to

any White Sox fans, especially since Thome's return to Cleveland, who planned on booing Thomas?

To be honest, even among those of us who were happy to see Kenny fire back over the offseason, I didn't know anyone who said they'd boo Thomas before Cleveland, and certainly not after.

The Thome treatment all but guaranteed Frank would get huge applause from our fans, because I think just about everyone recognized how foolish Cleveland fans looked that night.

by chrome on May 22, 2006 3:09 PM CDT reply actions

No...

...but...those of us posting here on the interweb aren't necessarily indicative of the average sox fan who might be attending tonight's game.

I think it's safe to say that there will be decent amount of fans giving frank a standing O. Hopefully it'll be enough to overcome the booing contingent, however sizeable it is.

by hiphopnerd on May 22, 2006 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Granted, those of us on SSS

are smarter, wittier, and better looking than your average Sox fan, but has anyone even had or overheard a conversation where anyone indicated they would boo Thomas?

Even in the barren wasteland of stupid known as sports talk radio, I've only heard callers who talk of the need for everyone to respect what Frank has done and applaud him.

I don't know, maybe I'm isolated in my ivory tower, but I'm going to be surprised if I hear any boos tonight.

by chrome on May 22, 2006 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions

I've heard a few...

Mostly on non-sports talk shows this morning. Saying they'd boo him for the comments he made after he left...etc.

AIM: BrentBrookhouse

by Brent Brookhouse on May 22, 2006 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Well there goes that thesis...

Now I don't feel quite as confident.

by chrome on May 22, 2006 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

A poll on ChicagoSports.com about this issue

Currently shows the following:

How will you treat Frank Thomas when he plays for Oakland Monday night?

57.7% With loud applause (243 responses)

25.4% With polite applause (107 responses)

9.5% With a boo (40 morons)

7.4% With no reaction at all (31 responses)

421 total responses

by Ryno on May 22, 2006 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Ozuna in left and Widger behind the plate

tonight...damnit.

by chrome on May 22, 2006 4:15 PM CDT reply actions

2 changes should be OK

anyone has the records? doesn't tbe big dropoff in our win-loss record occur anyone with 3 or more changes?

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on May 22, 2006 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Help...

Is tonight officially sold out? I can't seem to find a ticket... Anybody wanna help me out?

by CWSKeith on May 22, 2006 4:15 PM CDT reply actions

usually

even if a game is "sold out" there are seats available if you go to the stadium box office. especially if you just want a single.

by larry on May 22, 2006 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions

mariotti (heinie-bird)

sorry to mention him but he just made the ridiculous statement on around the horn that AJ's mocking of Z yesterday was "mocking his religious beliefs"

I guess mariotti is in charge of telling us who is and is not religious in sports, what an ass.

by pappysux on May 22, 2006 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

religion in sports

the "point to god" antic in sports is a pretty tired schtick. In some cases, it means something, but for the most part I think it is safe to assume it is showing off.

AIM: shaftr01

XBL: TheMattressMan

by shaftr on May 22, 2006 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Jay Mariotti is like the Bill O'Reilly of

sports journalism.

by chrome on May 22, 2006 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions

agreed

he seems like a right wing kind of guy to me, chicago gets screwed with the "marquee" sports writers, first we had bayless and now mariotti. I cringe every time I have to hear this guy on the boo-ya network. But then again I cringe at almost everything on that network.

by pappysux on May 22, 2006 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Even their fake press conferences?

by chrome on May 22, 2006 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Mariotti...

Does anyone anywhere take him serious ?

His only "worth" is at attemting to create controversy / headlines and since he's SO off base all the time, he can't even succeed at that.

Between the lines, Frank Thomas was the Best and gave us many exciting moments in his time here. He will get a nice greeting tonight -& don't be surprised if he jacks one out too !

by DickdaStick on May 22, 2006 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions

By the way...

AJ on The Score today said that he did the point to the sky bit as a promise he made to his family. It had nothing to do with 'Big Z.'

If that's true then this is continuing to get blown up even more than needed.

And as for the whole "conversation" at home that he and Barrett had. He said it wasnt an arguement, they were just getting some things out in the open about the day before. It wasn't Barrett offering an appology...but close.

AIM: BrentBrookhouse

by Brent Brookhouse on May 22, 2006 5:32 PM CDT reply actions