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Despite spending 16 of his 19-year Hall of Fame career with the Chicago White Sox, one of the organization’s greatest players is not on speaking terms with them.
Frank Thomas, who won two MVP awards with the North Siders, is suing the organization, alleging unauthorized use of his image on uniforms.
Thomas said the team profited from the sale of items using his identity without his permission, including selling City Connect 2.0 jerseys bearing his name without his consent. The jerseys paid homage to the Chicago Bulls, with a red primary top, white stripes and black numbers.
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Former Chicago White Sox player Frank Thomas during the national anthem before the team’s game against the New York Mets. He was there to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field. (Matt Marton/USA TODAY Sports)
Thomas claims he received no compensation or other consideration from Nike, Fanatics or the White Sox for the use of his name and likeness.
“The complaint we filed alleges violations of the Illinois Right of Publicity Act,” William T. Gibbs of Corboy & Demetrio, the law firm representing Thomas, wrote in a statement. “Companies cannot profit from a person’s identity without their permission. We believe our record speaks for itself.”
The lawsuit was filed March 19 in Cook County, Illinois, and also names Nike and Fanatics as defendants. Thomas is seeking a payment in excess of $50,000 and demanding a jury trial.
The conflict between Thomas and the organization has been brewing for at least a little while. Last month, the former slugger criticized the team for excluding him from a Black History Month graphic.
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Frank Thomas #35 of the Chicago White Sox signs autographs for fans before the start of a 1996 Major League Baseball spring training game in Tucson, Arizona. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
Thomas played 16 years for the White Sox from 1990 to 2005 and finished his career first in several key statistical categories, including home runs (448), RBIs (1,465), doubles (447), on-base percentage (.427), slugging percentage (.568), OPS (.995) and walks (1,466).
“I guess the black player who made you rich over there and holds all your records is forgettable! Don’t worry, I’ll take the receipts!” he wrote about X.
The graphic in question highlighted some of the key moments in the White Sox organization and black players. Minne Miñoso broke the franchise’s color barrier, Al Smith was the first black All-Star in team history in 1960, Danny Goodwin was the first African-American player selected with the first overall pick by the White Sox in 1971, and Kenny Williams became the first African-American general manager in Chicago Sports history – just to name a few.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Frank Thomas hits at Comiskey Park. (Imagn)
The Toronto Blue Jays, for whom Thomas played 171 games following his tenure in Chicago, included Thomas in their Black History Month celebration message.
