Eric Thames, a dynamic baseball player known for his powerful hitting and versatile fielding skills, has made his mark in both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). His journey in professional baseball demonstrates his resilience and ability to shine on the world stage.
Let’s take a closer look at this talented athlete and his journey to the Olympus of sports!
Born on November 10, 1986, Eric Thames took the first steps in his baseball career at Pepperdine University, where he distinguished himself as a formidable slugger. His college career set the stage for his professional journey when he was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 7th round, as the 219th overall pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. This selection marked the beginning of Thames’ professional path, highlighting his potential to become a significant player in professional baseball.
Thames made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011, where he quickly impressed with his strong playmaking abilities. Over the next few years, he played for several MLB teams, including the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers. Thames’ MLB career has been characterized by his strong hitting abilities, especially his powerful home run and good on-base play.
In 2014, Eric Thames signed with the NC Dinos of KBO, which was an unexpected turn in his career. His time in Korea was simply impressive, rejuvenating his career and changing his approach to the game. In Korea, Thames became a well-known player, hitting home runs and becoming one of the most dangerous batters in the league. His success in the KBO includes winning the MVP award in 2015, a testament to his dominance in the league.
In 2017, Thames returned to the MLB with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he continued to showcase his power hitting prowess. His time in the MLB since returning from Korea has shown significant improvements in on-court discipline and strength, attributes he honed while playing in the KBO.