Frank Thomas, a three-time All-Star and one of the best Pirate players of the 50s, has died. He was 93 years old.
Thomas was born and spent most of his life in Pittsburgh and played 16 major-league seasons, the first eight of which were with the Pirates. In that stretch, he was named to three All-Star games in 1954, 1955 and 1958, and received MVP votes in five years, finishing as high as fourth in 1958. Thomas' first season as a starter came in 1953, the same year the Pirates traded Ralph Kiner, and he was able to fill some big shoes for the club.
Thomas was traded to the Reds after the 1958 season, where he spent eight more years between the Reds, Mets, Cubs, Phillies, Braves and Astros. In that time, he accumulated 1,671 career hits, 286 home runs and 962 RBIs.
In the community, Thomas worked with the Pirates Alumni Association for over 30 years and was involved in charity work with Camp Happy Days-Kids Kickin’ Cancer, Courageous Kidz and the Millvale Meals On Wheels.
“Frank was proud to call the city of Pittsburgh home not only as a member of the Pirates but also asa person who spent his entire life here,” Pirates president Travis Williams said in a released statement. “He was also a proud family man who was always involved with our alumni association events.”
Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, and his daughter, Sharon. He is survived by his children Joanne Harrison, Patty Cain, Frankie Thomas, Peter Thomas, Maryanne Pacconi, Paul Thomas and Mark Thomas.
