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Philadelphia Phillies: 3 ways Jim Thome made impact for team in short period of time

By Dan Parzych

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 29: Jim Thome gives his induction speech at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 29, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 29: Jim Thome gives his induction speech at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 29, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. 89 home runs in two-year span

Prior to signing with Philadelphia in 2003, had been making a strong case for being one of the league’s top power hitters, as he was coming off a strong season in which he finished with 52 home runs for the Indians. Even more impressive, Thome hit 49 home runs the year before, meaning the Phillies were bringing on a strong veteran with the ability to hit the baseball out of the park on a consistent basis.

In what wasn’t a surprise at all, Thome would continue to be one of the league’s top power hitters during his first two seasons in Philadelphia by combining for 89 home runs, proving he was well worth the signing in the offseason. Sure, leading the league in strikeouts (182) was a little frustrating to see for the Phillies during that 2003 season, but at the end of the day, the overall results for Thome were what mattered the most.

One can only imagine how different 2005 would have been for Thome in Philadelphia since injuries limited him to appearing in just 59 games, but at least the previous two seasons gave fans plenty to cheer about. Not to mention, Thome played well enough during those two years to earn consideration for the MVP award, showing once again he was well worth that hefty contract at the time.

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