From Burlington to Cooperstown

Former Burlington Indian, and 2018 Hall of Famer, Jim Thome spent 34 games of his 1990 season in Burlington. During his time, he hit .373, with an on-base percentage of .503. He hit twelve home runs and drove in 34 RBIs in that season. Following his stint in the Appalachian League, he would go on to have a very successful Major League career. He was first called up to the big leagues in September of 1991. He went 2-4 in his debut with an RBI and finished the season playing in 27 games. Thome struggled to play over 100 games in a season till 1995, where he had a slash line of .314/.438/.558 and hit 25 home runs. Thome would go on to have amazing seasons, including his 2002 season, where he had 52 home runs and 118 RBIs. His 22-year career was spent with six teams, including the Indians, Phillies, White Sox, Twins, Orioles, and Dodgers. He was a five-time All-Star and 1996 Silver Slugger winner. Thome ended his career with 612 home runs, making him one of nine players to have 600-plus home runs in a career.