Chicago White Sox legend Frank Thomas apparently had a diva complex and was “a selfish jerk,” according to author Jeff Pearlman.
In his new book, The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson, Pearlman explains how Thomas was an “intimidating presence” in the clubhouse, according to an excerpt shared on Twitter Jon Greenberg of The Athletic.
Pearlman — who begins by saying the Chicago clubhouse “was an intriguing mix of personalities” — includes quotes from Thomas’ former teammates, describing him as a “douchebag” who treats his teammates like “garbage.”
Thomas played for the White Sox from 1990 to 2005. Bo Jackson joined the team before the 1993 season. At the time, then-25-year-old Thomas, whom Pearlman called “the biggest mystery,” was a two-time All-Star who was going 100 straight RBI seasons.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas #35 bats against the Oakland Athletics during a circa 1996 game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Getty Images
Hall of Famer Frank Thomas is inducted during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Clark Sports Center on July 29, 2018 in Cooperstown, New York. MLB photos via Getty Images
“Thomas was one of the best players in the game, but a selfish jerk of a teammate,” Pearlman writes. “At 6ft 5 and 240 pounds he was an intimidating presence who moped with the best of them. “Frank was an idiot,” said a Chicago standout.
“‘I judge people by how they treat those they don’t need to be nice to. Frank treated the boys in the clubhouse like trash.’”
Former White Sox midfielder Lance Johnson said Thomas was “just a baby” and whimpered when coaches looked to beat him fifth to protect other players in the lineup.
“He refused. Just said he wasn’t going to finish fourth or fifth,” Johnson is quoted as saying. “I heard that and I was like, ‘This is our shot at the World Series.’ Because everyone would just bang around him. Which they did.”
Pearlman goes on to explain that Jackson did not experience Thomas’ wrath due to their mutual bond of playing both football and baseball in Auburn (not together).
Former White Sox players Bo Jackson (L) and Frank Thomas speak before a game between the White Sox and the Kansas City Royals at US Cellular Field July 17, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. David Banks
Lance Johnson #1, Frank Thomas #35 and Bo Jackson #8 of the Chicago White Sox stand for the national anthem before the start of a game circa 1991 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois. Getty Images
“Jackson knew Thomas well enough to regularly say with authority, ‘Frank, seriously, shut up,'” writes Pearlman.
“Bo was the best thing for Frank,” said first base coach Doug Mansolino.
Thomas has not yet addressed Pearlman’s book.