Jim Thome statue unveiled at Cleveland's Progressive Field

[Auggie]

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Growing up in Peoria, Ill., Jim Thome could only dream of getting his own statue. As a player at the end of his career, Thome dreamed of retiring as a member of the Indians.

He went two-for-two in dreams fulfilled Saturday at Progressive Field.

"I haven't officially retired yet," Thome announced at the unveiling of his statue just beyond the centerfield wall. "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."

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2014/08/jim_thome_officially_retires_a.html#incart_river

I find this odd since Thome left Cleveland at the prime of his career in 2002 to play for the Phillies, White Sox, Dodgers, Twins & Orioles for the next ten years (one year in Cleveland, 2011).

337 of his 612 home runs were with Cleveland.

Desperate for heroes, I guess.

[El Supremo]

1. I saw Thome in The Springs in the early 90's.

He was rehabbing. And drew a big crowd.