CLEVELAND — Jim Thome's seen a few All-Star Games and won a few awards. He's also enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Now, the former Cleveland Indians slugger can add the title of manager to his accomplishments.
Thome led the American League team in Sunday's Futures Game, which ended in a 2-2 tie after eight innings.
On the other side of the field, Dennis Martinez managed the National team, supported by a handful of other Indians alumni, including Charlie Nagy, Carlos Baerga and Omar Vizquel. Thome's coaching staff for the game included Charlie Manuel, Sean Casey and Dave Burba.
"Such an honor," Thome said following the game. "And then to share it with all your ex-teammates, all the guys that you loved and respected so much, to have the guys on our side and then to look over at those guys as well, I think it's great."
Thome also spent some time with former teammates during the Celebrity Softball Game Sunday afternoon, on Team Cleveland with Baerga and Kenny Lofton.
"When you get back with your boys, it's almost like you're together again," Thome said. "It felt a little bit like the 90s, even in a softball game."
In addition to his duties as manager in the Futures Game, Thome is also an official All-Star Game ambassador alongside Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and former catcher Sandy Alomar Jr.
Thome also emphasized All-Star Week's importance to the city of Cleveland, noting his excitement to see the national spotlight on the town.
"We can show off Cleveland as a city and how special it is the next few days."