CLEVELAND -- The corner of Carnegie and Ontario was brimming with nostalgia Saturday as the Cleveland Indians honored Hall of Famer Jim Thome by retiring his number.
The ceremony included a handful of Indians greats, including Omar Vizquel, Kenny Lofton, Sandy Alomar, Paul Shuey, Chad Ogea, Paul Assenmacher, Carlos Baerga, Alvaro Espinoza, Wayne Kirby and Einar Díaz. Former managers Mike Hargrove and Charlie Manuel, who Thome often credits for his success at the plate, were also in attendance. All wore high socks in Thome's honor.
After Thome's number was officially retired, a giant No. 25 next to his name was unveiled on one of the standing room only areas in right field above the foul pole.
To the delight of 90s Indians fans, Thome recreated a special moment that happened 612 times during his career.
With Tom Hamilton's voice narrating the scene, Thome took his place in the batter's box, recreating his iconic batting stance. With his son, Landon, by his side, Thome rounded the bases of Progressive Field one last time.
When Thome rounded third and approached home plate, he was greeted by a mob of his former teammates.
See the full video in the player above.
Thome sits eighth on the list of MLB's all-time home run leaders. Of his 612 career home runs, 337 were in an Indians uniform.