Cheers for Jim Thome, who last night hit his 599th and 600th home runs. It is a marvelous feat by a great guy. All the best to one of the best!
Thome got his start with the Cleveland Indians, where his hitting coach was Charlie Manuel. Asked after hitting his historic home run who had influenced his career the most, he replied without hesitation, "Charlie Manuel." Thome was later rejoined with Manuel when he signed with the Phillies. He hit his 400th home run at the new park in Philadelphia, where he was a tremendously popular player. He was traded, however, to the White Sox to make room for the emerging Ryan Howard. By then, Thome was about ready to make the shift to DH.
