George Thomas, the Minnesota native who played 13 major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Minnesota Twins before later coaching the University of Minnesota baseball program, passed away on October 23 at the age of 88.
Born on November 29, 1937, in Minneapolis and raised in Bloomington, Thomas developed into one of Minnesota’s finest young athletes. After attending the University of Minnesota, he signed with the Detroit Tigers organization and reached the major leagues as a teenager, beginning a professional baseball career that would span parts of 13 seasons.
Thomas debuted with the Tigers in 1957 and later became part of the expansion Los Angeles Angels during their inaugural 1961 season. He enjoyed one of the best stretches of his career that year, batting .280 with 13 home runs in just 79 games after joining the Angels. His versatility and athleticism quickly made him a valuable player capable of contributing in numerous roles.
After returning to Detroit, Thomas produced his finest full major league season in 1964 when he batted .286 with career highs of 12 home runs and 44 RBI. He continued to establish a reputation as one of the game’s most dependable utility players, earning playing time at nearly every position on the field.
Thomas is perhaps best remembered nationally for his years with the Boston Red Sox. He was a member of the club’s legendary 1967 “Impossible Dream” team that captured the American League pennant and energized baseball fans throughout New England. Thomas appeared in the 1967 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, adding a Fall Classic appearance to an already memorable career.
His final major league stop brought him home to Minnesota. Thomas appeared in 11 games with the Minnesota Twins during the 1971 season, allowing the hometown product to conclude his playing career with the organization he had followed growing up.
Over 685 major league games, Thomas compiled a .255 batting average with 430 hits, 46 home runs, 202 RBI, 203 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases. Remarkably, he played every defensive position except pitcher during his major league career, a testament to his adaptability and team-first approach.
Following his playing days, Thomas returned to the University of Minnesota and embarked on a successful coaching career. He served as an assistant under Hall of Fame coach Dick Siebert before succeeding him as head coach. During three seasons leading the Golden Gophers from 1979 through 1981, Thomas compiled a 95-43 record and guided the program to the 1981 NCAA Tournament.
Although his time in a Twins uniform was brief, Thomas left a lasting mark on Minnesota baseball. From a Bloomington teenager reaching the major leagues, to a member of one of baseball’s most famous pennant winners, to a successful University of Minnesota coach, his baseball life reflected a deep and enduring connection to his home state.
Thomas will be remembered by baseball fans across the country, but especially in Minnesota, where he excelled as a player, mentor, and ambassador for the game.
Major League Career: 13 Seasons (1957-1971)
Career Statistics:
Games: 685
Batting Average: .255
Hits: 430
Home Runs: 46
RBI: 202
Runs Scored: 203
Stolen Bases: 13
Highlights:
- Minnesota native raised in Bloomington, MN.
- Signed with Detroit as a $25,000 “bonus baby” in 1957, forcing him directly onto the major league roster without minor league seasoning.
- Member of the inaugural Los Angeles Angels team in 1961.
- Hit .280 with 13 home runs for the Angels during the 1961 season.
- Produced a career-best .286 batting average in 1964.
- Member of Boston’s 1967 American League champion “Impossible Dream” team.
- Appeared in the 1967 World Series.
- Played every defensive position except pitcher during his major league career.
- Finished his playing career with the Minnesota Twins in 1971.
- Served as head baseball coach at the University of Minnesota from 1979-81, compiling a 95-43 record.
Twinstriva.com passes on their condolences to the Thomas family, friends and fans. Thank you for the memories.
George Thomas SABR BIO by Ray Birch