DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) -A year ago, Frank Thomas was looking toward to retirement. No more – there’s still something he wants to accomplish.
At 39, the Toronto slugger with 513 career home runs is longing for a World Series ring. He got one with the Chicago White Sox in 2005, but did not play in the postseason because of ankle problems and missed out on the fun.
“Most definitely, that will always be on my mind,” he said Thursday.
Thomas hit .277 with 26 home runs and 95 RBIs last season in his first year with the Blue Jays. He’s not ready to walk away from the game yet.
“Not at all, not at all,” he said. “I take care of myself and work hard. I still have my hand-eye coordination and can see a baseball great. Those are the things that make guys retire.”
Thomas was limited to a total of 108 games in 2004 and 2005 because of ankle and foot trouble.
“It motivated me missing two full years,” he said. “I just feel my career is not complete. I’ve got a lot in me still and still have the hunger and desire to do it.”
Thomas signed a two-year contract with Toronto in November 2006 with an option year for 2009. With exhibition games to start soon, Thomas was asked about playing in more spring games this year and riding the team bus.
“I don’t know about the bus, but maybe a car ride,” he said.
Notes: RHP Roy Halladay faced live hitters for the first time on Thursday. “He was Doc-like,” new 3B Scott Rolen said. Halladay threw a breaking ball that froze CF Vernon Wells. “Someday he is going to be a pretty good pitcher,” Wells deadpanned. Halladay wound up throwing about 30 pitches. … Former Blue Jays pitcher and Cy Young winner Pat Hentgen is in camp as a guest coach.
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