Jim Thome announced as new president of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association
Colorado Springs, Colo. - The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) is pleased to announce Hall of Famer, Jim Thome, as the organization¡¯s fourth overall president -- replacing president of 33 years, Brooks Robinson.
Thome, a member of the MLBPAA since 1999, played 22 seasons in the major leagues, earning five All-Star appearances, a Silver Slugger Award and an induction into the 2018 National Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2011, Thome earned the MLBPAA¡¯s first-ever Brooks Robinson Community Service Award, an award given to a current or former Major League Baseball player, coach or manager who exemplifies the unselfish and humble attitude of Brooks Robinson, bettering the lives of the youth in his community. The award is given in honor of the dedication Robinson has shown to young people across the country through his support of the Legends for Youth Clinic Series and the MLBPAA.
As the fourth president of the organization since its inception in 1982, Thome will assume the duties of president immediately under the guidance of Robinson.
¡°With what Brooks has done with his honesty, integrity, and leadership skills for the MLBPAA, I am very fortunate that I will be able to lean on him as well and ask him questions. To be the president is a great honor and it¡¯s very humbling.¡± Thome said.
Joining the previous presidents who led the nonprofit organization; Jim Hannan (1982-1986), Jim Kaat (1986- 1989) and Brooks Robinson (1989 -2022), Thome looks forward to continuing to grow the game with the younger generation through the organization¡¯s Legends for Youth Clinic Series.
¡°I love the youth clinic part because at the end of the day, it is about our young kids and educating them with great information to be able to grow,¡± Thome said. ¡°Anytime you can pass on information to our youth, and talk about the game¡¯s integrity and how to play, it is a good thing.¡±
Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary on Feb. 17, 2022, the organization reflects on its rich history and continues to look toward to a vibrant future with Thome leading at the helm.
For more information regarding the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, please contact Nikki Warner, Director of Communications by e-mail at Nikki@MLBPAA.com or by calling (719) 477-1870, ext. 105.
To learn more about the MLBPAA, please visit www.baseballalumni.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@MLBPAA).