PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates announced on Monday that former Pirate and lifelong Pittsburgh resident Frank Thomas has passed away. He was 93.
“Frank was proud to call the city of Pittsburgh home not only as a member of the Pirates but also as a person who spent his entire life here,” said president Travis Williams. “He was also a proud family man who was always involved with our alumni association events.”
Thomas, born in Pittsburgh, spent the first eight years of his career with his hometown team (1951-58), during which he hit 163 homers and drove in 562 runs.
"The Original” helped fill an offensive void after the Pirates traded franchise great Ralph Kiner in 1953. Thomas earned three All-Star appearances and hit 161 homers and 546 RBIs from '53-58. In '58, his final season with Pittsburgh, Thomas hit a career-high 35 home runs and 109 RBIs to finish in fourth place in National League MVP voting.
Following his time in Pittsburgh, Thomas played for the Reds, Cubs, Braves, Mets, Phillies and Astros. Thomas finished his career with 286 home runs, 962 RBIs and a .266 batting average.
Thomas is survived by his children: Patty Cain, Joanne Harrison, Maryanne Pacconi, Frankie Thomas, Peter Thomas, Paul Thomas and Mark Thomas. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores and his daughter Sharon.