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Jim Thome - This post is devoted to gentleman Jim Thome.
As a Phillies fan, I was thrilled when the team inked him to a big deal before the start of the 2003 season. It was electrifying to know that the watershed signing meant so much more than the addition of a great slugger.
It was the dawning of a new Phillies age that has come to be.
Thome's importance in that transitional time was meant to help close out the Vet and pave the path to Citizens Bank Park.
I remember the game Harry the K called his 400th home run with zestful excitement.
I also remember that the emergence of Ryan Howard meant that Thome had to be dealt. Pat Gillick's decision to do so after the 2005 season, also helped to move the franchise forward.
On the occasion of your 600th home run, we the members of baseball nation salute you Jim. You are a class act. The Hall of Fame will be graced by your future presence.
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