James Howard Thome, born on August 27, 1970, is a former professional baseball player who enjoyed a stellar 22-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1991 to 2012. Known for his power hitting, Thome ranks eighth on the all-time home run list with 612 career homers. His impressive career also includes 2,328 hits and 1,699 RBIs, with a career batting average of .276. Thome was a five-time All-Star and won the Silver Slugger Award in 1996, solidifying his reputation as one of the most feared hitters of his era.

Thome grew up in Peoria, Illinois, in a family of athletes, and his early exposure to sports helped shape his future in baseball. After attending Illinois Central College, he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1989 and made his MLB debut in 1991. Initially playing third base, Thome transitioned to first base as his career progressed. He was a key player for the Indians during their dominant run in the 1990s, helping the team reach the World Series in 1995 and 1997. After more than a decade with Cleveland, Thome signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2002, where he continued to excel.

In 2006, Thome was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he won the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award and joined the prestigious 500 home run club. His time with the White Sox was marked by his continued power at the plate, despite back issues that limited him to the designated hitter role. Thome later played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and had brief returns to Cleveland and Philadelphia before finishing his career with the Baltimore Orioles. After retiring, he took on an executive role with the White Sox, further contributing to the sport.

Thome's legacy is defined by his power hitting and his ability to draw walks, finishing his career with a .402 on-base percentage and a .956 OPS, ranking 19th all-time. He hit at least 30 home runs in 12 different seasons, including a career-high 52 in 2002. Thome also holds the record for the most walk-off home runs in MLB history with 13. Known for his positive attitude and unique batting stance, Thome was a beloved figure both on and off the field. His contributions to the community earned him several prestigious awards, including the Roberto Clemente Award. In 2018, Thome was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

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