The bongino report

MLB Legend Frank Thomas Called Out as “Douchebag” & “Selfish Pr**k” by Ex-Teammate in New Book

Chicago White Sox legend Frank Thomas apparently had a diva complex and was “a selfish prick,” according to author Jeff Pearlman.

In his new book, “The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson,” Pearlman explains how Thomas was an “intimidating presence” in the clubhouse, per an excerpt shared on Twitter by The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg.

Pearlman — who starts off by saying that the Chicago clubhouse “was a riveting mix of personalities” — includes quotes from Thomas’ former teammates describing him as a “douchebag” who treated his teammates like “garbage.”

Thomas played for the White Sox from 1990 to 2005. Bo Jackson joined the team before the 1993 season. At the time, the then-25-year-old Thomas, who Pearlman described as “the biggest enigma” was a two-time All-Star, coming off back-to-back 100 RBI seasons.

MLB Legend Frank Thomas Called Out as “Douchebag” & “Selfish Pr**k” by Ex-Teammate in New Book
First baseman Frank Thomas #35 of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Oakland Athletics during a game circa 1996 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Ca.
Getty Images
Hall of Famer Frank Thomas is introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 29, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York.
Hall of Famer Frank Thomas is introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 29, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York.
MLB Photos via Getty Images

“Thomas was one of the best players in the game, but a selfish prick of a teammate.” Pearlman writes. “At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he was an intimidating presence who moped with the best of them. ‘Frank was a douchebag,’ said one Chicago standout.

“‘I judge people by how they treat those they don’t need to be nice to. Frank treated the clubhouse guys like garbage.’”

Former White Sox center fielder Lance Johnson said Thomas was “just a baby” and whined when coaches wanted to bat him fifth to protect other players in the lineup. 

“He refused. Just said, straight up, he wouldn’t hit fourth or fifth,” Johnson is quoted as saying. “I heard that and thought, ‘There goes our shot at the World Series.’ Because everyone would just pitch around him. Which they did.”

Pearlman goes on to explain that Jackson did not experience the wrath of Thomas due to their shared bond of both playing football and baseball at Auburn (not together).

1 of 2

Former White Sox players Bo Jackson (L) and Frank Thomas talk before a game between the White Sox and the Kansas City Royals on July 17, 2015 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Former White Sox players Bo Jackson (L) and Frank Thomas talk before a game between the White Sox and the Kansas City Royals on July 17, 2015 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Lance Johnson #1, Frank Thomas #35 and Bo Jackson #8 of the Chicago White Sox stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of a game circa 1991 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois.

“Jackson knew Thomas well enough to regularly say, with authority, ‘Frank, seriously, shut the f–k up,’” Pearlman writes.

“Bo was the best thing for Frank,” said Doug Mansolino, the first base coach.

Thomas has not yet addressed Pearlman’s book.


Read More From Original Article Here:

" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Related Articles

Sponsored Content
Back to top button
Available for Amazon Prime
Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker