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Thome's Blackout: Cleveland Legend Sparks Fan Outrage
8 Oct
Summary
- Jim Thome wore all black to a White Sox game, upsetting Guardians fans.
- Thome has a statue outside Progressive Field for his Cleveland career.
- He hit 337 home runs with Cleveland and 134 with Chicago.
Hall of Fame slugger Jim Thome has ignited fan frustration by attending a Chicago White Sox game against the Cleveland Guardians while wearing all black. Thome, a beloved figure in Cleveland for his extensive career and a statue erected in his honor outside Progressive Field, was seen participating in the stadium-wide "Black Out" event, a decision that deeply disappointed many Cleveland supporters.
Thome's connection to Cleveland is profound; he was drafted by the Indians in 1989 and spent 12 seasons with the team, later returning for another stint. During his time in Cleveland, he achieved significant milestones, including 337 home runs, 937 RBIs, and a .980 OPS over 1,399 games. His Hall of Fame induction is further symbolized by the block 'C' on his cap, representing his deep ties to the city.
However, Thome also had a successful period with the Chicago White Sox, joining them in 2006 and playing three-and-a-half seasons. He was an All-Star during his tenure and hit 134 home runs with a .933 OPS in 529 games, his second-highest total for any team. Despite his accomplishments in Chicago, his legacy in Cleveland remains paramount for many fans, making his choice of attire at the recent game a source of considerable consternation.
