Congratulations to a Classy Guy

Congratulations to Jim Thome, who hit his career 500th home run in grand style yesterday. He became the first player ever to hit it to win a game (the so-called "walkoff" variety), as the White Sox came from behind to beat the LA Angels, 9-7 in Chicago on Sunday.

In a recent poll, Thome was voted second in all of baseball as far as "the nicest guy in baseball" just behind Sean Casey. Years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Willie Randolph, back when he was a coach on the Yankees. He was asked who the nicest guy he's ever met in baseball. He didn't hesitate. "Jim Thome, without question," he said.

I've always been a fan of Jim Thome, and it's always great to see when good guys like him reach great accomplishments like this. And there's a truly great backstory regarding the fan who caught the ball and a gift Jim gave him for returning the ball:
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/17/fan-gives-back-thomes-milestone-ball/

Once again, congratulations, Jim. May this be the first step you take to get to Cooperstown one day.