Thome Returns To White Sox As Special Assistant
(CBS) Jim Thome's playing days are over, but he is returning to the White Sox organization.
The team announced Tuesday that Thome has been hired as a special assistant to general manager Rick Hahn.
"Taking on this new role with the White Sox just seemed like a natural next step for me and my family," Thome said in a statement.
The future Hall-of-Famer's duties will include consulting with Hahn and assistant general manager Buddy Bell, working with the White Sox major league staff and players, and visiting White Sox minor-league affiliates throughout the summer, evaluating player performance.
"I am excited about the opportunity to make an impact on a major league organization and to work with people I know and respect, like Jerry Reinsdorf, Ken Williams, Rick, Buddy and Robin Ventura," Thome said. "I don't think I could ask for a better situation than being in Chicago and with the White Sox."
A 22-year Major League veteran, Thome played four seasons with the White Sox from 2006-09. In 529 games with the team, he hit .265 with 134 home runs and 369 RBI.
"It is nearly impossible to top Jim's baseball resume with 22 seasons in the game and over 600 home runs," Hahn said. "When we talked recently about how he could move on to the next stage of his baseball career, an obvious fit was to join this organization, where Jim knows so many people and is immediately comfortable. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role, and we're excited to see the impact he will have on both our major leaguers and minor leaguers."
