Power-hitting outfielder known for his impressive home run totals and strong throwing arm, playing for several MLB teams from 1972 to 1986.
Gorman Thomas, also known as "Stormin' Gorman," was a force to be reckoned with in the world of Major League Baseball. As a center fielder and right-handed hitter, Thomas was a leading home run hitter in the late 1970s and early 1980s, playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, and Seattle Mariners.
Thomas was born on December 12, 1950, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Gorman Sr., a postal worker and former minor league pitcher. He was raised in nearby James Island and later moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where he attended Cardinal Newman High School through his junior year. Thomas earned 14 letters in four sports – baseball, football, basketball, and track – and was selected in the first round (21st overall) of the 1969 Major League Baseball draft by the Seattle Pilots.
In 1971, Thomas played Class A baseball in the Milwaukee system with the Danville Warriors, leading the Midwest League in both home runs (31) and strikeouts (170). The following year, with the Class AA San Antonio Brewers, Thomas led the Texas League in the same two categories, registering 26 home runs and 171 strikeouts in 135 games.
Thomas spent parts of 1973 and 1974 in the major leagues with the Brewers, but mostly played Class AAA baseball during those seasons. In 1974, he played for the Sacramento Solons of the Pacific Coast League, where he honed his skills before becoming a regular in the Brewers' lineup.
With the Brewers, Thomas was one of the franchise's most popular players, known for his power hitting and strong throwing arm. He was a key contributor to the team's success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, helping them contend for the American League pennant.
In 1983, Thomas was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he played for one season before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 1984. He played for the Mariners until his retirement in 1986.
Thomas finished his 13-year MLB career with 268 home runs, 761 runs batted in (RBIs), and a .228 batting average. Despite his low batting average, Thomas was a feared hitter in his prime, earning two All-Star selections and finishing in the top 10 in home runs four times.
After his retirement from baseball, Thomas went on to work as a financial advisor and remained involved in the baseball community. He currently resides in South Carolina, where he is involved in various charitable endeavors.
Thomas's legacy as a power-hitting center fielder continues to be celebrated by Brewers fans and baseball enthusiasts alike. His contributions to the franchise and the game as a whole have cemented his place in the history of Major League Baseball.
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