Former Indians Slugger Jim Thome Reflects One Week Before Entering the Hall of Fame; Four Takeaways

4. Thome 2011 Tribute Night at Progressive Field

The night was September 23rd, 2011, a rainy Friday night in which the Indians, who had gotten Thome back about a month before from the Twins, were honoring the slugger with a tribute at Progressive Field.

From fans holding signs to a standing ovation every time he came up, Thome got a hero’s welcome coming back to the team that helped him become a future Hall of Famer.

“The signs first of all, I will never forget those signs they made, and not really knowing how I was going to be perceived when I came back,” Thome said.

“It felt very good, I felt welcomed, I felt that the fans were ready to embrace me coming back, and for me it was a huge part of my career that I got to go back, and share that and be a part of that, and to be able to go back to the original organization that took care of me for so many years, it was very special and a very special night.”

Thome delivered, hitting a double and homer as the Indians got a little 1995 magic all over again with a 6-5 walk off win over the Twins.

“I’ll never forget the moment that my name was introduced walking to home plate and that standing ovation was just incredible. I have a picture of my kid holding one of those signs ‘Welcome Thome,’ for me that moment really stood out, and then getting a chance to be back in the organization.”

“It’s a fabulous organization, I am proud that I got to be part of it for so many years, and that I get to go into the Hall of Fame as an Indian is so special.”

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