Jim Thome Keeps Playing Despite Phillies Telling Him to Leave
Thome or Not Thome? That is what's confusing everyone.
SAN DIEGO (Sportsman’s Daily Wire Service) Future Hall of Famer Jim Thome, who’s thrilled fans with over 600 Major League home runs, is struggling mightily so far this season and many people believe his career is through – including the Phillies. Thome apparently believes he’s still on the Phillies. The team told him his services are no longer required, but the aging slugger continues to suit up for games and managed to force himself into the lineup Sunday afternoon in a 6-1 loss where he committed an error and struck out twice.
“Um, yeah…uh, well, we’re trying to address that situation.” Phillies General Manager, Ruben Amaro Jr told a sparse press corps. “We’ve tried telling him. We’ve tried changing the locks in the training room. We’ve even stopped paying him, but still he shows up. Now, that’s either full blown denial or the greatest goddamn work ethic I’ve ever seen.”
Teammates don’t know how to handle it.
“There’s no precedent for something like this.” said teammate Jimmy Rollins. “There’s an audible groan when Thome walks into the locker room. He buttons up his uniform jersey looking confidently into the mirror with that country boy smile of his as we stand there awkwardly thinking of something to say. It’s a tad cringe inducing. I know the team is trying to figure out how to handle it.”
“We’re thinking of petitioning the league to rearrange our schedule and not telling him.” added Amaro Jr. “It that doesn’t work, poisoning his food is an option.”
The Phillies begin a three game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday night. Thome followed the team bus in his SUV.
Tags: Jim Thome, Philadelphia Phillies