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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Frank Thomas is ‘close’ to retirement

Ya Ho Wa 35! Sky Saxon and now this!

“That percent right now [that he’ll play again] is probably about five percent, since we’re so deep into the season now,” Thomas said on ESPN 1000. “But I’m still in shape, ready to go, if anything happens.

“But I’m getting close to announcing my retirement because I just turned 41. I just want to make sure that it’s the move I really want to make. I don’t want to be one of those guys that keeps coming back and keeps saying, ‘I’m unretiring, I’m coming back.’ I want to make sure it’s out of my system.”

Thomas, who was interviewed on the “Waddle & Silvy” show, said he believes he can come back and contribute, but he knows there’s a perception among teams because of his age.

“There’s probably 25 percent in me that’s saying I could still get this done, and to be honest, I know I can get it done,” he said. “But at 41 years old, it’s just one of those things now that teams look at me as an old player.”

Repoz Posted: June 25, 2009 at 08:47 PM | 21 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: hall of fame, history, white sox

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1. James Darnell's #1 Fan Posted: June 25, 2009 at 08:57 PM (#3233208)

I thought he had already retired...

He was one hell of a hitter in his hey day. Pujols is trying his best to be the next Thomas. (As far as hitting goes)

2. The Good Face Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:04 PM (#3233218)

In related news, I'm close to announcing that I don't plan on dating Megan Fox.

3. RJ in TO Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:07 PM (#3233224)

When every team decides that you're retired, it really doesn't matter whether or not you officially announce that you're retired.

4. PASTE is not impressed by Albert Pujols (Zeth) Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:10 PM (#3233229)

When every team decides that you're retired, it really doesn't matter whether or not you officially announce that you're retired.

That's basically how it went with Rickey Henderson, right? I don't think he has ever 'officially' retired.

Actually, bringing Henderson back now that he's in the Hall of Fame would be a pretty fun PR stunt for a bad team in September, let him pinch run and start a few games here and there, and he'd probably go for it.

5. phredbird

Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:20 PM (#3233244)

When every team decides that you're retired, it really doesn't matter whether or not you officially announce that you're retired.

barry bonds says hi!

*ducks*

6. RJ in TO Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:24 PM (#3233254)

Actually, bringing Henderson back now that he's in the Hall of Fame would be a pretty fun PR stunt for a bad team in September, let him pinch run and start a few games here and there, and he'd probably go for it.

There is absolutely no need to have "probably" in that sentence.

7. Dag Nabbit apealing [sic] his own check swing Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:47 PM (#3233287)

That's basically how it went with Rickey Henderson, right? I don't think he has ever 'officially' retired.

He did. It was at a Hard Rock Cafe or something like that. I found it appropriate, somehow.

8. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:56 PM (#3233295)

Rickey Henderson is the Lorax. He's completely and totally retired... unless.

9. Robinson Cano Plate Like Home Posted: June 25, 2009 at 09:59 PM (#3233299)

Of course Thomas is close to retirement.

From the other side.

10. KJOK Posted: June 25, 2009 at 10:03 PM (#3233302)

That's basically how it went with Rickey Henderson, right? I don't think he has ever 'officially' retired.

But at least Henderson was playing, in the Independent League. Thomas is just taking batting practice and lifting weights apparently. If he were serious about still playing, he needs to be actually PLAYING somewhere for some Independent League team.

11. Swoboda is freedom Posted: June 25, 2009 at 10:11 PM (#3233311)

And Francisco Franco is close to dying.

12. Tom Nawrocki Posted: June 25, 2009 at 10:17 PM (#3233316)

Michael Jackson is 'close' to dead.

13. Greg Pope Posted: June 25, 2009 at 10:42 PM (#3233342)

Oh, sure we get steroid testing in place and Thomas falls off a cliff.

14. Hang down your head, Tom Foley Posted: June 25, 2009 at 10:59 PM (#3233365)

Because of Michael Jackson, Frank's not thinking clearly.

15. Shock Posted: June 25, 2009 at 11:08 PM (#3233379)

Thomas in AA would be hilarious. .000/1.000/.000

16. Obama Bomaye Posted: June 25, 2009 at 11:10 PM (#3233384)

If he were serious about still playing, he needs to be actually PLAYING somewhere for some Independent League team.

Disagree. He may not be so fanatic about playing baseball that he wants to go back to cramped locker rooms and bus rides. He wants to play major league baseball. I doubt there's anything he could reasonably do in the Atlantic League that would convince someone who currently has no interest to sign him.

17. Scafeets Posted: June 25, 2009 at 11:32 PM (#3233443)

"Paging Dr. Martinez....Dr. Pedro Martinez please report to the Frank Thomas ward."

18. zonk Posted: June 25, 2009 at 11:57 PM (#3233480)

Rickey wants to know if Justin Zeth is really Ted Lerner. Rickey can be in Boston by the 7th inning.

19. michaelplank Posted: June 26, 2009 at 03:48 AM (#3233711)

But if he stops now, he ends with the same number of career HRs as Ted Williams and Willie McCovey, and with Jeff Bagwell, with whom he shares a birthday, as his top comp in BBref.

20. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: June 26, 2009 at 03:53 AM (#3233715)

Rickey wants to know if Justin Zeth is really Ted Lerner. Rickey can be in Boston by the 7th inning.

The best part of this is that no one would be shocked if Rickey showed up at Fenway for a Nats home game against the Red Sox.

21. Steve Balboni's Personal Trainer Posted: June 26, 2009 at 04:05 AM (#3233728)

I once heard a wise man say that you never want to be the last person to find out that you retired...

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Frank Thomas is ‘close’ to retirement

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