Jim Thome has certainly hit his fair share of home runs against the Tigers since coming to the American League. However, the two he hit Monday night against the Tigers shot him into the history books.
Thome’s 599 and 600th home runs helped the Twins defeat the Detroit Tigers in front of the Comerica Park crowd that gave the veteran slugger a standing ovation has he circled the bases. The history making three-run shot came in the 7th inning against reliever Daniel Schlereth.
Thome became the eighth major-leaguer with 600 career home runs, joining Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714), Willie Mays (660), Ken Griffey Jr. (630), Alex Rodriguez (626) and Sammy Sosa (609).
Thome’s 600th blast overshadowed the fireworks made prior to the game.
Monday afternoon the Twin traded outfielder Delmon Young to the Tigers for Single-A lefty pitcher Cole Nelson and a player to be named later.
Young made some history for himself tonight as well becoming the first player in 11 years to hit a home run in his first plate appearance with this new team. The last to do it was Dave Martinez, on August 6, 2000, for the Toronto Blue Jays, against the Texas Rangers.
Source: Grand Rapids Press