Who Is Jim Thome? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Jim Thome, born on August 27, 1970, is a former professional American baseball player renowned for his exceptional batting skills and power hitting. With a career spanning from 1991 to 2012, Thome has left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball (MLB), recognized as one of the greatest sluggers in the sport's history. In 2025, Jim Thome is 54 years old and continues to be an influential figure in baseball, engaging in various philanthropic endeavors and participating in events that honor the sport's heritage.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jim Thome's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall and weighing approximately 250 lbs (113 kg) during his playing days, Jim Thome was known for his formidable physical presence on the field. His athletic build contributed significantly to his success as a power hitter. In 2025, Thome maintains a healthy lifestyle, focusing on fitness and well-being.
As with his older brothers, Thome attended Limestone High School where he achieved all-state honors in basketball and as a baseball shortstop. He played American Legion Baseball for Bartonville Limestone Post 979 in his hometown, as well.
Although he had hoped to draw the attention of scouts, at just 175 lb he was relatively underweight for his 6 ft height, meaning that he attracted only passing interest—the average Major League Baseball (MLB) player weighed 195 lb in 1993.
Thome graduated in 1988 and, after not being drafted, enrolled at Illinois Central College where he continued his baseball and basketball careers. After one season, he was drafted by MLB's Cleveland Indians as an "afterthought" in the 13th round (333rd overall) of the 1989 MLB draft.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jim Thome is happily married to Andrea Thome. The couple tied the knot in 1998 and has been a pillar of support for each other throughout their journey. They have three children together: a daughter and two sons. Thome is known for prioritizing family values and often shares glimpses of his personal life through social media, showcasing his close-knit family.
Many of the Thome family played sports: Jim's grandmother was hired at a local Caterpillar plant solely to play for the company's softball team; his father built bulldozers for Caterpillar and played slow-pitch softball; his aunt Caroline Thome Hart is in the Women's Softball Hall of Fame; and his two older brothers, Chuck III and Randy, played bas
eball at Limestone High School.
Thome learned to play baseball from his father on a tennis court, and also played basketball in what he described as the "ghetto" of Peoria, noting that he was the only white kid there but that he earned the respect of his fellow players.
One day during his youth, Thome sneaked into the Cubs' clubhouse at Wrigley Field in an unsuccessful attempt to obtain an autograph from his favorite player, Dave Kingman. Though Thome received signatures from several other players, this experience influenced him to be generous with signing autographs for fans during his playing career.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jim Thome's net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. Throughout his illustrious baseball career, he earned substantial salaries, with his highest annual earnings peaking at over $17 million during his prime. Since retiring, Thome has continued to monetize his fame through endorsements, appearances, and various business ventures that add significantly to his net worth.
Thome had his best season with Cleveland in 2002, leading the AL in walks (122), slugging percentage (.677) and on-base plus slugging (OPS) (1.122), while batting .304 (16th in AL) with a .445 on-base percentage (second in AL). He also hit a career-high 52 home runs (second in AL) and collected 118 RBIs (seventh in AL).
The 52 home runs set a new Cleveland Indians' single-season record and made Thome the 21st major league player to join the 50 home run club. During his stint with the Cleveland Indians, when Jim Thome would hit a home run, the scoreboard would often display "THOME RUN" to mark this accomplishment.
He was also known as the "THOMENATOR" during this time. On December 6, 2002, Thome, who was a free agent, signed a six-year, $85 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies – he thought the Phillies were closer to winning a championship than the Indians. With the Phillies, Thome's salary rose from $8 million per year to $11 million per year.
Thome hit a franchise record 334 home runs in his first stint with the Indians.
Career, Business and Investments
Jim Thome's career in baseball is celebrated for his impressive stats, including over 600 home runs, making him one of the all-time great home run hitters in MLB history. After retiring, he has remained active in the sports community, working as a special advisor and mentor to young athletes.
In addition to his baseball career, Thome has ventured into several business opportunities, including sports consulting and investments in youth sports programs. His commitment to giving back to the community has led him to invest in charitable foundations focused on education and health.
James Howard Thome (born August 27, 1970) is an American former professional baseball first baseman, third baseman and designated hitter, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 22 seasons (1991–2012). A prolific power hitter, Thome hit 612 home runs during his career—the eighth-most all time.
He amassed a total of 2,328 hits and 1,699 runs batted in (RBIs). His career batting average was .276. He was a member of five All-Star teams and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1996.
Social Network
In today's digital landscape, Jim Thome remains engaged with his fans and followers on various social media platforms. You can find him on:
- Twitter: @JimThome
- Instagram: @jimthome_25
Education
Jim Thome attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he played college baseball before being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1991. His educational background in sports and his experiences in college sports contributed to his understanding and love for the game, shaping him into the exceptional player he became.
Thome's friendly personality has been the subject of much attention. In a 2007 poll of 464 MLB players, he tied with Mike Sweeney for second-friendliest player, behind Sean Casey.
After Thome hit his 600th home run, Twins closer Joe Nathan said, "He is the world's nicest man." Teammate Michael Cuddyer added, "He is the nicest, gentlest, kindest guy you will ever meet ... to everything except the baseball, he still hits that really hard." His kindness comes up in conversations with many MLB players.
When he signed with the Phillies in the offseason before the 2012 season, Phillies general manager Rubén Amaro Jr. cited Thome's constant positive attitude as a main reason for his signing. As an exercise in remaining humble, he annually visited his high school prior to spring training.
A Sports Illustrated article said that Thome frequently signs autographs for fans and that he is "endlessly patient with requests". In a piece for Philadelphia magazine discussing Thome's Baseball Hall of Fame prospects, sportswriter Stephen Silver wrote, "'It's not just the numbers.
Thanks to his gregarious personality, Thome is the rare athlete who played in several cities and was beloved everywhere he went.
I saw the Twins and Phillies play each other in Philadelphia when Thome was with the Twins, and the same two teams in Minnesota two years later when Thome was a Phillie, and the opposing crowd cheered Thome both times, even when he hit home runs for the road team.
Thome was similarly loved in his long stints in Cleveland and Chicago, as well as shorter runs in Los Angeles and Baltimore.'"
