Ventura reflects on Big Hurt's place in Sox lore

CHICAGO -- Robin Ventura truly appreciates the career numbers produced by former teammate Frank Thomas during his Hall of Fame career. The fact that 16 of those seasons came on the South Side of Chicago gives Thomas' induction next weekend an extra special feeling.

"You see his career and the numbers that go with it. But the fact that most of it was done in a White Sox uniform is special," Ventura said. "For him to do it and have that productivity over that period of time, win MVPs and things like that, he was a dominant player in his era. That will stand the test of time as far as his place with the White Sox."

Thomas holds nine career offensive records with the White Sox. Tony La Russa, who began his managerial career with the White Sox in 1979, is also part of this year's class, which will be inducted next weekend in Cooperstown, N.Y.