Cleveland Indians: Who deserves to have their number retired next?

Jim Thome, No. 25

With the addition of Frank Robinson, the number of statues at Progressive Field is now at four with Robinson, Bob Feller, Larry Doby, and Jim Thome. Of the four, only Jim Thome does not have his number retired.

Maybe it’s just me, but I’d think having your number retired by a club should be easier than having a statue erected. However, so far that’s not been the case for the man who holds the franchise record with 337 career home runs.

Drafted in the 13th round out of tiny Illinois Central College back in 1989, Thome was not someone many pegged for stardom right away. However, 610 home runs later and he’s a lock for the Hall of Fame once he’s eligible in 2018 (though some may argue it’ll take a year or two).

In addition to leading the club in home runs, Thome is also the franchise leader in walks with 1,008 in his career as an Indian, with no other player eclipsing 900. Thome also cracks the top ten franchise leaderboard in RBI (second), OBP (third), SLG (3rd), OPS (third), total bases (fourth), runs (fifth), WAR (T-fifth), and doubles (10th).

The only knocks on his resume is his poor defense and perhaps some remaining bitterness for how he left the club after the 2002 season. However, he returned to the club years later and it would seem the organization and most fans have forgiven him. He’s a lock to have his number retired at some point, perhaps as early as next season.

Likelihood of number being retired: Guaranteed, 100-percent and should be the next number retired by the club.