Gorman Thomas

One of the most popular players in Brewers history, and affectionately known as "Stormin' Gorman", Thomas hit more home runs between 1978 and 1982 than anyone in Major Leagues. Nevertheless, his frequent strikeouts and low batting average overshadowed his career. He also was a premier center fielder, with a wide range and a good arm, until undergoing rotator cuff surgery in 1984 limited his duties and he switched to first base and as a designated hitter.

Thomas was the first player ever picked by the Seattle Pilots in the June 1969 draft. In the minors he won two home run titles, and made his majors debut with Milwaukee in 1973. He belted his first ML home run against Jim Palmer, but was sent to Triple-A Sacramento River Cats in the Pacific Coast League. After hitting 51 homers with Sacramento in 1974, he returned to the big team at the end of September. He improved in 1978 with 32 home runs and 86 runs batted in in only 99 games, but hit .246 with 133 SO in 452 at-bats.

Despite a low .244 batting average and 175 strikeouts in 1979, Thomas enjoyed his best season with career numbers in home runs (45, tops in the league), RBI (123), runs scored (97), hits (136), doubles (29), walks (98), on base percentage (.356), total bases (300), slugging average (.539) and OPS (.895). In 1980 he led the league in games played (162), and hit 38 homers with 105 RBI. Slowed by injuries in the next season, he returned in good form in 1982, hitting a league-leading 39 home runs and driving in 112 runs, to help his team to face the Cardinals in the World Series. At the end of the season he was involved in a controversial trade that sent him to the Indians. He also played with the Mariners and returned to Milwaukee in 1986 for a last run.

Thomas was a career .225 hitter with 268 home runs and 782 RBI in 1435 games. An All-Star in 1981, he was considered for the MVP Award in 1979 (7th) and 1982 (8th). At present, he works under a personal services contract with the Brewers to make appearances in the community and greet visitors to Gorman's Grill at Miller Park.