The Big Hurt is now an official member of the Hall of Fame.
Frank Thomas was inducted into the Hall of Fame after a 19-year career with the White Sox, blue Jays, and Athletics.
Thomas was introduced by a video featuring White Sox announcer Hawk Harrelson, who coined the nickname The Big Hurt. "He was a line drive hitter, but they just didn't come down."
Commissioner Bud Selig and Hall curator Jane Forbes Clark introduced Thomas before he gave his speech.
Thomas, choked up from the beginning, said he was "humbled," "honored," and "speechless" to be inducted.
He thanked his father, Frank Thomas, Sr., saying he knew he was "watching and smiling from heaven."
He continued to thank his parents: "We're a long way from Columbus, Georgia."
He thanked his wife, Megan, as well: "When I met you, life was throwing me a curveball, one I could not hit ... You put pep in my step and made me believe in love again."
.@TheBigHurt_35 receives his @BaseballHall plaque. #HOFWKND http://ift.tt/X03Dss
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2014
He thanked coaches, teammates, and many members of the White Sox organization. He also thanked Hawk Harrelson specifically for nicknaming him The Big Hurt, saying it "changed his life forever." Ozzie Guillen, a former teammate and manager, was singled out as well.
"In my career I had so many magical moments in all three uniforms. … I will always be thankful, for all of you." - @TheBigHurt_35. #HOFWKND
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2014
Walt Hrniak, Thomas' favorite hitting coach, told him: "Anyone can be good, Frank, but the special ones want to be great," and ""It was the same process every day. No freelancing... I'm so grateful for your tutelage... 'Keep your effing head down and finish, Frank.' Thank you, Walter. Without you, I know I wouldn't be here in Cooperstown."
"I’m an emotional guy because I wear my emotions on my sleeve." - @TheBigHurt_35. #HOFWKND http://ift.tt/1o4xfdP
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2014
Thomas also thanked the Blue Jays and Athletics organizations for believing in him as a free agent.
He thanked every coach, manager, player, clubhouse guy, executive, doctor, that he came into contact with from college to his last year with the A's.
Frank Thomas especially mentions former #Athletics starter Joe Kennedy, "gone too soon, a special friend."
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 27, 2014
In closing, he said: "There is no shortcut to success. Hardwork. Dedication ... Commitment. Stay true to who you are."
#FirstLook: Frank Thomas' Hall of Fame plaque. #HOFWKND #BigHurtHOF http://ift.tt/X03DsG
— Baseball Hall (@BaseballHall) July 27, 2014
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