I forgot who sent this sent in… Doug S? Regardless, it’s a Monster as long as you don’t mind a butcher in the field. Frank “Big Hurt” Thomas was given that 1B-2 for a reason.
But Frank Thomas could produce. There’s no question about that. This card is from the strike-shortened 1994 season. He played 113 games and had logged 399 at-bats. However with walks and such, he adds up to 517 total plate appearances.
That’s because MVP Thomas led the league in walks with 109. He wasn’t all Mr Patient either. Thomas hit .353 in ‘94 with 106 runs (leading the AL) and 101 rbis. He hit 34 doubles and 38 homers.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Totals | 113 | 517 | 399 | 106 | 141 | 34 | 1 | 38 | 101 | 2 | 109 | 61 | .353 | .487 | .729 |
I’ve said before that one of the biggest factors for me for a Monster Card is non-out numbers where there should be outs. Powers numbers are great and so are other hit numbers but when I see a 14 or even a 37 where an out number usually resides, that’s when I get tingly inside.
Frank Thomas fits the bill. He has a 26-14, a 46-41 AND a 24-37. That’s a mark of card that will produce. In total, he has seven 14s to go with his hit numbers 1-1-5-5-6-7-8-8-8-9-9.
Fun numbers: 44-6, 22-5, 26-14
This may seem like a small thing but I just happened to notice it. In addition to his two 31s, Frank Thomas’ 1994 card has a 36-12 and a 56-14. No where else on his card did the cardmakers “make up” for the usual 33 on the 36 and put the it somewhere else. That means Thomas does not have a 33 OR a 34 making him a little more valuable with the hit and run (especially for those of you playing with the old rules).
Hi Tom,
Certainly is befitting this Monster Monday recognition….
It’s a great card, a great set as well.
Like using all Hurt’s cards from his big years.
Keep up the GREAT WORK, Tom.
Thanks again for the SUPER BLOG SITE.
All the best,
Jim
“The Big Hurt”, indeed. In my league (old boards,cards and dice, slightly modified rules)of all-time greats (monster hitters and A&B or A&C pitchers) in around 1300 PA
Frank Thomas OPS number comes in at 1.029,
behind only Ruth (1.188) Bonds (1.182)
Gehrig (1.061) and Williams (1.060) and ahead
of Gibson (1.019) Greenberg (1.017) Foxx (1.016) and Mule Suttles (1.012).
Yes, Frank can slug.