Frank Thomas III, son of The Big Hurt, is (not so) quietly dominating high school baseball as the starting first baseman at IMG Academy in Florida. He just wrapped up his sophomore season with a ridiculous stat line that proves he is indeed the offspring of a Hall of Famer.
It will be curious to see what the future holds in terms of college and/or the pros!
Thomas III was born in the fall of 2008— right before his legendary father officially retired from Major League Baseball as a member of the Chicago White Sox. Thomas Jr. was a five-time All-Star, two time MVP of the American League, AL batting champion and four-time Silver Slugger.
His son is on pace for an equally as successful career if he can keep it up!
The younger Thomas plays first base and outfield like his father but he differentiates from his dad as a lefty. They also share similar size. Thomas Jr. played at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds. Thomas III is already listed at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds as a 16-year-old.
As a defender, Thomas III is very polished with his glove work, accurate with his throws, fluid in his footwork and has plenty of arm strength from anywhere on the diamond. However, it is his bat that will propel him into stardom. He hits from a medium base with an open front foot and swings loose through contact just like pops. They call him “Lil Hurt.”
Frank Thomas III (‘27 FL) shoots this the other way for a double. Long lean frame with present strength and huge projection. #USAClassic @Florida_PG pic.twitter.com/I2mX5c0XU4
— PG at USA Stadium (@USAStadium) March 21, 2025
Frank Thomas III played for the IMG Academy Black varsity team during the spring high school season, which finished 21-4. His stats are insane but they do not reflect the same power hitting as his dad. He is a lot more crafty.
- AVG: .544
- OBP: .634
- SLG: .899
- OPS: 1.532
- 43 hits
- 15 extra base hits
- 5 home runs
- 41 RBIs
- 39 runs
- 17 walks
- 15 stolen bases.
One particular swing caught my eye. Thomas III somehow turned on a pitch that was way inside and drove the ball deep to right field for a bases-clearing home run.
Had a great high school season with my IMG Academy Black varsity team. We finished 21-4! Season stats ⬇️
— Frank Thomas III (@FrankThomasIII1) May 2, 2025
Hitting Defense
AVG .544 63 chances
OBP .634 1 E
SLG .899
OPS 1.532
43 hits
15 XBH
5 HR
41 RBIs
39 R
17 BB
15 SB pic.twitter.com/hnB2bluqFE
In no world should that pitch result in a swing, let alone a hit. It almost hit him! And yet, Lil Hurt somehow muscled it out of the park.
Frank Thomas III is coming. It will be interesting to see whether he chooses to develop in college or if he is drafted high enough into the MLB to go straight to the pros!