Frank Thomas, known to many as "The Original," was a professional baseball player whose career spanned over a decade and a half. Born on June 11, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Thomas grew up in a city with a rich baseball history, which undoubtedly influenced his path into the sport. He attended high school at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, where he began to hone his skills on the diamond.

Thomas began his professional career when he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made his Major League debut on August 17, 1951, with the Pirates, marking the start of his journey in the big leagues. As a right-handed batter and thrower, Thomas primarily played as an outfielder and third baseman. His early years with the Pirates saw him developing into a reliable player, known for his power-hitting abilities.

Throughout his career, Thomas was recognized for his ability to hit home runs. In 1953, he had a breakout season, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 102 runs, which helped establish him as a power hitter in the league. His performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, the first of three such honors he would receive during his career.

Thomas continued to be a consistent performer for the Pirates until 1958, when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. His time with the Reds was short-lived, as he was traded again in 1959 to the Chicago Cubs. Despite the frequent changes in teams, Thomas maintained his reputation as a strong hitter. In 1960, he found himself with the Milwaukee Braves, where he continued to demonstrate his batting prowess.

The early 1960s saw Thomas moving between several teams, including the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Houston Colt .45s. His tenure with the Mets in 1962 was particularly memorable, as he was part of the inaugural team for the franchise. During that season, Thomas hit 34 home runs, setting a personal best and becoming a fan favorite for the fledgling team.

In 1964, Thomas joined the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played a role in the team's infamous late-season collapse, often referred to as the "Phold." Despite the team's struggles, Thomas contributed with his bat, adding depth to the Phillies' lineup.

Thomas's career began to wind down in the mid-1960s. He played his final Major League game on September 4, 1966, with the Chicago Cubs. Over the course of his career, Thomas amassed 286 home runs and 962 RBIs, solidifying his reputation as a power hitter of his era.

After retiring from professional baseball, Thomas remained connected to the sport, often participating in old-timers' games and events celebrating baseball history. His legacy as a player who could deliver powerful hits and his role in the early years of the New York Mets are remembered by baseball enthusiasts.

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