1) So many jacks against the Yankees... Beautiful. Heh. 2) So many Hammy calls... Those never get old. 3) His swing was always just so smooth, fluid, and EASY... Probably one of the most natural power hitters in baseball. And that stance. And the high socks. Worthy Hall Of Famer.
Thome was the most active underrated player...never got the bling bling but was always on ESPN highlights...dude was pure baseball for 22 years! Never a bad word on Big Jim. Best words ever, "O'Neill is turning, and looking...it's gone!"
Not even about Cleveland , i just love this dude he just seems like he was a normal ass dude that drank beer and just cranked bombs and was an extremely likeable dude who never did roids. Hes one of my heros
I wouldn't say that, he did make it into the Hall of Fame. There are dudes that didn't get in that absolutely should. He may be underrated, but there are definitely guys moreso.
Life long Phillies fan and after their appearance in the 1993 World Series the Phillies had some rough years to say the least. However, the Phillies signing Jim Thome to coincide with the new stadium got a ton of people interested in the Phillies again. The crowds were filling up again and for the first time since that 1993 World Series run we were watching exciting baseball. Thome helped make the Phillies competitive again and they were actually playing meaningful September baseball fighting for wild card spots. While they never made the playoffs with Thome there I guess he made them realize "hey, this winning thing is kind of cool" and just a few years later they would win the World Series in 2008. As for Thome himself, the dude was a beast in Philly and we loved him. He played two fantastic seasons here and unfortunately what would have been a 3rd fantastic season was cut short due to injury. Was really happy to see him get into the Hall of Fame.
Thome is my all time favorite Indian. He was up for FA in 01, wanted to come back and resigned for half of what he was worth. I wish the team could have closed it out for him. When he left for Philly I was bummed; but never stopped liking him as a player.
Excited for you Jim!! Always knew since I was a kid you were destined for greatness! You're still my favorite most beloved player to this day. Their is a reason why. So good and man, just the purest baseball player you'll ever meet and enjoy the game to watch. Anyways, Congratulations, God Bless and looking forward the induction at last as "you guessed it", A Cleveland Indian!!
My childhood idol. I get goosebumps watching these old videos. I can still remember most of these highlights like they were yesterday. The purest home run hitter of all time. I was at the game @ NYY when his consecutive game home run streak was broken, July 4, 2002 (the day after the homer off Wells 06:55). He flew out to deep center his last at bat. Oh, and a Yankee killer.
What an amazing player, and such a wonderful guy! I didn't mind so much when he moved on to other teams--I knew he was on the way to the Hall, and he belonged to us. In Cooperstown at his induction, I think he was most moved by his daughter singing the National Anthem. It was a magical day in a true holy place..⚾
Ridiculous (not against the Yankees, just how it worked out) that they kept Andy Pettitte in multiple times against Thome. It make4s sense, lefty vs lefty - but Thome was REEEEALLY good against left handed pitchers, as we see. Great era for my Tribe (Guardians, whatever), and had no known juicers at the time (Manny obviously later). Loved watching them and the Yankees back then too.
So many years the Indians had an all-star lineup at every position and they never won the big one but they were exciting to watch and a great new stadium the Jake. And Jim Thome since his start has always been my favorite player I knew how good he was just by watching him when he was a rookie
A shame he reaches those milestone hit for other teams while most of the work was done in Cleveland. Jim was a great , great ball player...but is an even better human being. I first saw him play in Canton , Oh with Manny with the Akron/ Canton Indians...yes the same Canton as the Football HOF...Akron sits equally between the football and Rock HOF
Also, the Cleveland Indians of this era is where the "beating each other up at home plate after a walk off" started. See it all the time now, and that's cool....just saying where it started.
an aside, but it was so great to hear Harry Kalas' wonderful voice again calling Big Jim's Phillies homers. although he only played 361 games for the Phillies, (not counting his 2012 return), Jim Thome quickly carved a place in Phillies' fans hearts, just as he did around both leagues. even in opponent cities. Thome's Ruthian power was a joy to see first hand. but his class and decency made him even more special. it is hard to believe it's been ten years since his last game, and 19 years since he joined my Phillies. we used to cheer legitimate sluggers like Thome, players that came through the biggest when we needed them the most. unlike the $300 million man we have in right field now. Phillies fans booed Mike Schmidt, the greatest third baseman ever, but cheer a guy that has had one big game winning hit in 3 years. Phillies fans have dropped a long way
Thome hitting in those gnarly Indians lineups with the likes of Manny, Eddie Murray, Albert Belle, Matt Williams, and David Justice was just absurd. As a fan of an AL team, he was the scariest guy to see at the plate in the mid-late 90s.
I'm just disappointed that his 500 and something foot shot to right field that left Jacobs Field isn't in this video. Or maybe it is and I just didn't see it because I stopped watching when he was wearing a Phillies uniform
I'll get it all wrong, so forgive me. I heard Paul Kanerko was asked about Thome. He said something like this "He might have gone 3-3 that night, but would consul a young player that was sent down that evening."
Counting stats wise hell yea he had 600+ HRs in the steroid era clean as a whistle lol. Mattingly was a different player (burned brighter for shorter) but I agree they both should be in
The fans in Cleveland booed Jim ruthlessly all those years he was on the White Sox and Twins (probably Phillies too assuming they played there in interleague play). Moms and dads, kids, the whole family... All booing as loud and as long as they could every time Jim Thome came up to bat against the Indians. I understand why... And I realize they welcomed him back with open arms with that "Welcome T(Home)" thing they did for him. I have to wonder: When was was back at Philly and then Baltimore the next year, did the fans in Cleveland resort to booing him again? Stay classy, Cleveland. Jim set the bar high; you need to try harder to live up to it. Shame about blowing the Series against the Scrubs.... Blew a 3-1 lead! :(
Phillies fans used to boo, harass, and throw stuff at Mike Schmidt, one of the best all-around 3B the MLB has ever seen, *when he was playing for them.* Indians fans have a long way to go
RIP Chief Wahoo :(
EXE-Edits I know people are dumb first it’s tide pods and now people are saying no chief wahoo
Now they better do the Redskins...
Your telling me. We need the Chief!
Make Chief Wahoo Great Again
Imma big indians fan, but screw wahoo, only white people care about wahoo
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. One of the sweetest most beautiful swings in baseball history.
1) So many jacks against the Yankees... Beautiful. Heh.
2) So many Hammy calls... Those never get old.
3) His swing was always just so smooth, fluid, and EASY... Probably one of the most natural power hitters in baseball. And that stance. And the high socks.
Worthy Hall Of Famer.
Thome was the most active underrated player...never got the bling bling but was always on ESPN highlights...dude was pure baseball for 22 years! Never a bad word on Big Jim. Best words ever, "O'Neill is turning, and looking...it's gone!"
So happy he got elected into The Hall.
BronxBomber42 you’re not dead!
BronxBomber42 we miss you!!!!
He only had to beat out 20 plus juicers, glad the voters got it right w Thome
Bc
Life long Tribe fan, and Jim Thome is my favorite player of all time. RIP Wahoo.
Not even about Cleveland , i just love this dude he just seems like he was a normal ass dude that drank beer and just cranked bombs and was an extremely likeable dude who never did roids.
Hes one of my heros
the fact his first career home run was a triple decker is still wild to me
Thome is the most underrated player ever. He was putting up monster numbers and unlike everyone else never used steroids.
I wouldn't say that, he did make it into the Hall of Fame. There are dudes that didn't get in that absolutely should. He may be underrated, but there are definitely guys moreso.
Life long Phillies fan and after their appearance in the 1993 World Series the Phillies had some rough years to say the least. However, the Phillies signing Jim Thome to coincide with the new stadium got a ton of people interested in the Phillies again. The crowds were filling up again and for the first time since that 1993 World Series run we were watching exciting baseball. Thome helped make the Phillies competitive again and they were actually playing meaningful September baseball fighting for wild card spots. While they never made the playoffs with Thome there I guess he made them realize "hey, this winning thing is kind of cool" and just a few years later they would win the World Series in 2008.
As for Thome himself, the dude was a beast in Philly and we loved him. He played two fantastic seasons here and unfortunately what would have been a 3rd fantastic season was cut short due to injury. Was really happy to see him get into the Hall of Fame.
Thome is my all time favorite Indian. He was up for FA in 01, wanted to come back and resigned for half of what he was worth. I wish the team could have closed it out for him. When he left for Philly I was bummed; but never stopped liking him as a player.
One of my favorite players growing up and a well deserved HOFer
Excited for you Jim!! Always knew since I was a kid you were destined for greatness! You're still my favorite most beloved player to this day. Their is a reason why. So good and man, just the purest baseball player you'll ever meet and enjoy the game to watch. Anyways, Congratulations, God Bless and looking forward the induction at last as "you guessed it", A Cleveland Indian!!
My childhood idol. I get goosebumps watching these old videos. I can still remember most of these highlights like they were yesterday. The purest home run hitter of all time. I was at the game @ NYY when his consecutive game home run streak was broken, July 4, 2002 (the day after the homer off Wells 06:55). He flew out to deep center his last at bat. Oh, and a Yankee killer.
Cleveland has had some awsome uniforms
What an amazing player, and such a wonderful guy! I didn't mind so much when he moved on to other teams--I knew he was on the way to the Hall, and he belonged to us.
In Cooperstown at his induction, I think he was most moved by his daughter singing the National Anthem. It was a magical day in a true holy place..⚾
Most walk-off HR ever! HOF'er definitely.
I hated to see Jim leave Cleveland! He has the longest Home Run in Cleveland History. A Class Guy! Hey Cheers!
@2:56, Omar Vizquel, David Justice, and Kenny Lofton waiting to high-five Thome after that HR. What a f*****g team that was!
The Lofton HoF snub is criminal imo
grew up in NE ohio in the 90s - early 00s what a team to follow
Man i love Hammy calls!!
Jamesx9822 imo Hamilton is one of the worst announcers ever.
Coming from a Yankees fan i can see why you would say that. Never said he was a great announcer. Just love his home run calls.
I hate him to
Love ya, Jimmy! Cleveland 4 life!
Ridiculous (not against the Yankees, just how it worked out) that they kept Andy Pettitte in multiple times against Thome. It make4s sense, lefty vs lefty - but Thome was REEEEALLY good against left handed pitchers, as we see. Great era for my Tribe (Guardians, whatever), and had no known juicers at the time (Manny obviously later). Loved watching them and the Yankees back then too.
Ahhh man, my childhood.
Theres no greater nostalgia for me than baseball it was my first love in sports.
So many years the Indians had an all-star lineup at every position and they never won the big one but they were exciting to watch and a great new stadium the Jake. And Jim Thome since his start has always been my favorite player I knew how good he was just by watching him when he was a rookie
They had all-stars at every position besides pitcher, unfortunately
A shame he reaches those milestone hit for other teams while most of the work was done in Cleveland. Jim was a great , great ball player...but is an even better human being. I first saw him play in Canton , Oh with Manny with the Akron/ Canton Indians...yes the same Canton as the Football HOF...Akron sits equally between the football and Rock HOF
Also, the Cleveland Indians of this era is where the "beating each other up at home plate after a walk off" started. See it all the time now, and that's cool....just saying where it started.
Thome hit a ton of walk-off bombs
Born and raised in Cleveland, Jim Thome is my all time favorite baseball player.
Man, I don't think anyone will ever play with the Tribe long enough to surpass Jimmy's 337 HRs with the Indians
Jose Ramirez
Man he could turn on a ball. He had what you call “Exit Velocity”.
Glad to see him wearing the Dodgers uniform!
an aside, but it was so great to hear Harry Kalas' wonderful voice again calling Big Jim's Phillies homers.
although he only played 361 games for the Phillies, (not counting his 2012 return), Jim Thome quickly carved a place in Phillies' fans hearts, just as he did around both leagues. even in opponent cities.
Thome's Ruthian power was a joy to see first hand. but his class and decency made him even more special. it is hard to believe it's been ten years since his last game, and 19 years since he joined my Phillies.
we used to cheer legitimate sluggers like Thome, players that came through the biggest when we needed them the most. unlike the $300 million man we have in right field now. Phillies fans booed Mike Schmidt, the greatest third baseman ever, but cheer a guy that has had one big game winning hit in 3 years. Phillies fans have dropped a long way
GOAT
mattloveOHIOST5 not quite, but definitely top 10.
ジム・トーミはソックスがクラシックスタイル
Thome hitting in those gnarly Indians lineups with the likes of Manny, Eddie Murray, Albert Belle, Matt Williams, and David Justice was just absurd. As a fan of an AL team, he was the scariest guy to see at the plate in the mid-late 90s.
One of the all time best swings
the best
my parents fav player, they always talked about him...and were very sad when he chose to leave.
The man!
I'm just disappointed that his 500 and something foot shot to right field that left Jacobs Field isn't in this video. Or maybe it is and I just didn't see it because I stopped watching when he was wearing a Phillies uniform
That stadium in the beginning has to be the most emptiest stadium I ever seen
ClevelandMenace Yankee Stadium during the dark ages (Mid 80s-Early 90s)
I thought he had the best opposite field lefty power I've ever seen.
beast
I love being an indians fan :) for the most part...
It's great except for all the tears pain and suffering 😂
How many walk off he have , man...
I'll get it all wrong, so forgive me. I heard Paul Kanerko was asked about Thome. He said something like this "He might have gone 3-3 that night, but would consul a young player that was sent down that evening."
He was really good at baseball
To the young man wearing the Detroit gear; you stood and applauded, begrudgingly, when Jimmy hit 600. You sir, are a class act.
He loves those closing pitchers
Point the bat
Fix your hat
Adjust your junk
BOOOM
Look at the difference of his body when he was first with the Indians and then last with the Orioles
That's age 20 vs age 41. That's what it looks like.
His first home run was a monster.
I wonder what the stats would say lol
I actually think Thome could have over 700 home runs if his hand-eye coronation was better in his early years.
Love this as a white sox fan
How quaint, all those old clips of capacity crowds at Jacobs Field...
Jim never took steroid either like Barry mark Sammy and Rafael and bunch others jim and ken to real dudes didn't use steroids
I was at the game when Thome hit 599 and 600...I thought 599 was the more impressive of the 2
1 silver slugger. HOF. Longevity? Yes.
Young CC 6:43
Not a single highlight of all the bombs he hit while he was with the Phillies...sad
That 2:32 shot.... wow
So he's HOF but Mattingly isn't?
Counting stats wise hell yea he had 600+ HRs in the steroid era clean as a whistle lol. Mattingly was a different player (burned brighter for shorter) but I agree they both should be in
The fans in Cleveland booed Jim ruthlessly all those years he was on the White Sox and Twins (probably Phillies too assuming they played there in interleague play). Moms and dads, kids, the whole family... All booing as loud and as long as they could every time Jim Thome came up to bat against the Indians. I understand why... And I realize they welcomed him back with open arms with that "Welcome T(Home)" thing they did for him. I have to wonder: When was was back at Philly and then Baltimore the next year, did the fans in Cleveland resort to booing him again? Stay classy, Cleveland. Jim set the bar high; you need to try harder to live up to it.
Shame about blowing the Series against the Scrubs.... Blew a 3-1 lead! :(
Phillies fans used to boo, harass, and throw stuff at Mike Schmidt, one of the best all-around 3B the MLB has ever seen, *when he was playing for them.* Indians fans have a long way to go
Too bad his mlb the show card sucks
I wanted to see his 2548 strikeouts...
I was interested in his 1747 walks myself