Everyone has their favorite player growing up. That’s just a part of sports, regardless of what team, state, gender, or whatnot. LeBon James, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Bernie Kosar. The list goes on and on…
Growing up, I remember watching the elite slugger Jim Thome as a member of the Indians. I literally thought the man could do no harm and was expecting a home run with every single at-bat of his, sporting the beloved Chief Wahoo back in the day.
The top graphic was posted on Tuesday after Jose Ramirez had two solo home runs in the Guardians’ 4-3 win in Cleveland against the Miami Marlins
Seeing the sluggers that Ramirez has surpassed with his performance is just incredible to me. If you had told me growing up that someone on a Cleveland baseball team would have more multi-home run games than Jim Thome, I would’ve started to cry. Of course, Albert Belle is an elite as well, but he was more my father’s time and not mine…although I wish.
In his 13th season, all with Cleveland, Ramirez is at 280 home runs total.
Now, let’s pump the brakes a bit. Wipe the tears a little.
Jim Thome has 612 home runs for his career. Of course, that’s in 22 seasons total. Thome played 13 seasons in Cleveland (’91-’02) and then a single stint back in 2011 just to have a little more fun.
Let’s do some math.
Thome had 337 home runs in his time with the Indians. Only three home runs in that ’11 year. Thus, he leads in that category still.
Regardless, there was something about that graphic and seeing just how great Jose has been with Cleveland. It’s fun to think about. It’s also been great seeing the team thrive after a horrible 10-game losing streak this season. (Currently at 62-56) Only 5.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in first place for the AL Central. Also, the team is a single game out of the AL Wild Card Race (the New York Yankees are the team ahead).
Well, Jim Thome is a player I’ll never forget, no matter what. However, it’s always fun to see new players of greatness like a Jose Ramirez make watching your team fun once again. That’s why the graphic was so special to take in.
What makes it even more fun is that Ramirez is not done. He still will be playing for the Guardians through the 2028 season (via current contract). That number of 27 will certainly grow as the years go on.
Now, let’s focus on making the playoffs this year!
The post Jose Ramirez: Jim Thome Was Like a God to Me appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .