PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jim Thome took the stage at the City Club of Cleveland on Oct. 25, and spoke in generalities about staying in the game.
On Friday, he got a little more specific.
Despite being picked up by the Indians in August, reuniting the record-setting designated hitter with a team and city that adored him, Thome agreed to a one-year contract with the Phillies, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
“I’ll keep playing,” Thome said last month. “I just need teams to call me. I can’t go play in the backyard by myself. I don’t know the demand for a 41-year-old DH, but my passion is I want to continue to play.”
The Phillies, yet another team he’s spent time with over his 21 seasons, granted him that wish for $1.25 million. He will take a physical on Saturday, and if all goes well, he will bring his 604 career home runs to Citizens Bank Park next spring.
