By Jason Klein Archive. Twitter. Contact Me
On June 10, 2002, Marcus Thames had Yankees fans buzzing. The little-known rookie outfielder had just sent the first pitch of his Major League career deep into the Bronx sky, stunningly smashing a home run in his first pro at bat. To add to the drama, the blast came at the expense of the legendary Randy Johnson.
Marcus Thames Signed 8x10
Welcome to the big leagues kid.
Eight years later, Thames has Yankees fans buzzing again with his bat. With Alex Rodriguez on the shelf, nursing a strained calf, Marcus Thames has filled in admirably of late, smashing six home runs in five games. During the outburst, he’s padded his season stats, now hitting .310 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI – not bad for a part-time player.
Hitting home runs in bunches is nothing new for Thames. Over his nine-year career, he is averaging 1 home run every 15.32 at bats. The mark places him 22nd on the all-time list for best ratio of home runs per at bat.
His recent production has been key for a Yankees team that is struggling of late. Just one game up on the second place Rays, and with several key members of the club not performing, or on the disabled list, Thames could be a major part of a team with World Series aspirations over the next two months.
With Alex Rodriguez targeting a return this week, and Lance Berkman scheduled to come off the DL shortly, Marcus Thames may find himself in a platoon situation at DH.
If history is any indication, Thames will continue to produce at a record clip, and keep the Bronx buzzing.
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Man I adore Marcus Thames. Thames stats this year are off the chain and i am sure he will be able to carry his weight when A-rod gets back. Whatever the case, Ive been a MArcus Thames fan since he hit that homer at his first at bat in ’02, off the diamond backs. Steiner, offer more stats on Marcus Thames in your next post.
WOW…did not even realize Marcus Thames stats were that good. Batting over .300 in just his first year as a Yankee is an accomplishment since most players drop during their first year in new york because of the pressure. I don’t have the money just yet, but i will be looking to get that Marcus Thames autographed baseball real soooon…..maybe I’ll get for Christmas ths year!!!! Pleassseeee…….
Man Thames is carrying his own this season. Tell me more about his stats. Marcis Thames has played hard over the years, but I am not sure he can take over A-Rods role. WE should just have to wait and see, seasons almost to a close- so its highly necessary Marcus Thames perform and keeping the Bronx cool!
dude those marcus thames autographs balls are sick- if he blows more homers, they will be worth a pretty fking penny!
Sorry fellas, but Marcus Thames stats prove he cant carry his own- good luck to him.