The Big Hurt has officially retired.

Frank Thomas (aka "The Big Hurt") has officially retired. Next stop: Cooperstown. (Thomas last played in 2008 but hadn't officially retired.)

Just take a look at his hitting stats. The man could hit, especially in his prime.

One of the articles I was reading earlier today when the news leaked (but the press conference hadn't occurred yet) wrote something to the effect that Thomas "will get strong consideration for the Hall of Fame" (the quote is approximate, but the tone is accurate). Um, excuse me. Thomas is a mortal lock for the Hall (as long as PED-type rumors don't surface, and they haven't yet). The idea that he is in any way borderline is frankly absurd (pun intended).