Aug. 7, 1964 - Frank Thomas (pictured) of the last-place Mets was traded to the Phillies early today in a move that could bring him a World Series check in October.
The 35-year-old infielder-outfielder, obtained by New York for $100,000 from Milwaukee before the 1962 season, reportedly went to Philadelphia for the waiver price of $20,000 and three players, two of them minor leaguers.
Thomas said of the trade:
“I’m quite happy about it. I’m sure I can help the Phils. I’ll give them all the hustle I can.
“This is the best chance I’ve had in my major league career. I’ve never been on a team before that had a chance to get into the World Series. I was with the Pirates in 1958, but the club finished second. That’s as high as I’ve ever been.
“I’m not going to think about the pressure. I’m not going to let myself think they’re depending on me. I’m just going to out there and swing natural. I think I’ll get my share of hits and homers.”
Thomas was sidelined for six weeks earlier this season by a glandular infection. He leaves New York with a .254 batting average, 3 home runs, and 19 RBI’s.
In his and the Mets’ initial season in 1962, the husky Thomas set all sorts of club records. Among them were his 152 hits, 69 runs scored, and 34 home runs.
Prior to coming to the Mets, Thomas played with the Pirates, Reds, Cubs, and Braves. In his 12 major league seasons, he has been named to the All-Star team three times — in 1954, 1955, and 1958. He has a career total of 275 homers.
The Phils have been looking for right-handed hitting power all season, and the acquisition of Thomas fills that need.
“I’ve always considered Frank Thomas one of the real tough righthanded hitters in the National League,” said Philadelphia manager Gene Mauch. “If he does for us what I’ve seen him do to us, he could make us stronger offensively than any other time this year.”
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