Jim Thome had a day to remember Saturday.
The Cleveland Indians revealed Thome’s statue at Progressive Field on the same day they offered him a one-day contract to retire as a member of the team. Thome played in Cleveland for 12 of his 22 seasons in the MLB.
“I haven’t officially retired yet,” Thome said Saturday, via The Cleveland Plain-Dealer. “I had always hoped I could do it as a Cleveland Indian and, this afternoon, I signed an honorary one-day contract so that I could make a dream come true.
“I am humbled and grateful, after a 25-year career, I am officially retiring as a member of the Cleveland Indians.”
Thome finished his career with 612 home runs, good for seventh on the all-time list behind Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Alex Rodriguez, and Ken Griffey, Jr.
The five-time All-Star will be eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot in 2018.
Photo via USA Today Sports
