Jim Thome is not the first name that comes to mind when you think of clutch hitters, but the slugger joined Hall of Famers Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial and Frank Robinson with the most walk-off home runs all-time (12) when he belted the game-winning shot for the Twins on Tuesday night.
Thome is also just 19 homers from joining another illustrious group — the 600 club.
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And unlike Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Alex Rodriguez, Thome has avoided being labeled a cheater during the highly scrutinized steroid era.
Although the 39-year-old has never finished better than fourth in the MVP voting, he has been a model of consistency. Thome has hit at least 20 home runs in a season 15 times and is just three away from reaching that mark in his 20th season.
Hall of Fame voters will be looking for a power hitter who stayed clean during the dirtiest era of baseball. Thome is their savior … for now.
