Chicago White Sox legend Frank Thomas apparently had a divas group and was a “selfish prick,” according to author Jeff Perlman.
In his new book,The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Legend of Bo JacksonPerelman explains how Thomas was a “scary presence” at the club, in an excerpt shared on Twitter by John Greenberg of Athletic.
Perelman – who began by saying that the Chicago club “was an interesting mix of characters” – includes quotes from former teammates describing him as a “trash bag” who treated his teammates like “trash”.
Thomas played for the White Sox from 1990 to 2005. Bo Jackson joined the team prior to the 1993 season. At the time, 25-year-old Thomas, whom Perelman described as the “biggest mystery,” was a two-time All-Star, back-to-back 100 RBI season.
“Thomas was one of the best players in the game, but he was a selfish prick to his teammate.” Perelman writes. “At 6 feet 5 and 240 pounds, he was a fearsome presence who biked with the best of them all. “ Frank was an outcast,” said a Chicago celebrity.
“I judge people by the way they treat those they don’t need to be nice to. Frank treated the club’s guys like trash.”
Former White Sox quarterback Lance Johnson said Thomas was “just a kid” and grumbled when coaches wanted to beat him in fifth to protect the other players in the squad.
“He refused. He just said, straight up, he’s not going to hit the fourth or the fifth,” Johnson was quoted as saying. “I heard that and thought, ‘Here’s our picture at the World Championships. “Because everyone is going to go around it. Which they did.”
Perelman explains that Jackson did not face Thomas’ wrath over the common bond between playing football and baseball in Auburn (not both).
Former White Sox players Bo Jackson (L) and Frank Thomas speak before a game between the White Sox and the Kansas City Royals on July 17, 2015 at US Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Lance Johnson #1, Frank Thomas #35 and Bo Jackson #8 of the Chicago White Sox symbolized the national anthem before the game began circa 1991 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois.
Perelman writes, “Jackson knew Thomas well enough to say regularly, and with authority, ‘Frank, seriously, close the speech.'”
“Boo was the best thing for Frank,” said Doug Maslino, first base coach.
Thomas has not yet touched upon Perelman’s book.
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