Playing for the Auburn Tigers is Frank Thomas. From 1987 to 1989, Frank Thomas was a member of Auburn University’s baseball team.

Long before Frank Thomas was belting home runs in Major League Baseball and earning the nickname “The Big Hurt,” he was a powerful presence on the diamond at Plainsman Park. From 1987 to 1989, Thomas played baseball for Auburn University, where he laid the foundation for a Hall of Fame career and left an indelible mark on the program. His tenure with the Tigers was more than just a pit stop on the road to MLB superstardom—it was the moment when the legend began.

Frank Edward Thomas Jr. arrived at Auburn University in 1986 with impressive credentials. A standout athlete at Columbus High School in Georgia, Thomas had dreams of playing both football and baseball at the collegiate level. Initially recruited by then-head football coach Pat Dye, Thomas walked onto the football team as a tight end. However, fate and a coaching decision shifted the trajectory of his athletic career.

After one season on the football team, Thomas was cut in the fall of 1986—a moment that would turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With his football future suddenly in doubt, Thomas turned his full attention to baseball. Auburn’s head baseball coach at the time, Hal Baird, welcomed Thomas with open arms, and what followed was one of the most influential and transformative periods in Auburn baseball history.

Thomas debuted with the Tigers in the 1987 season, and it didn’t take long for him to make his presence known. Despite being a freshman, he brought a professional maturity to the batter’s box and quickly became a feared hitter in the SEC. His power was undeniable, and so was his plate discipline—traits that would later define his MLB career.

That year, Thomas hit .359 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs, setting a freshman school record for home runs. He showcased not only prodigious power but also patience, drawing walks at an elite rate. His combination of strength, control, and hand-eye coordination stood out in an already competitive league. By the end of his freshman campaign, Thomas had not only solidified himself as Auburn’s top offensive player but had also earned national attention as a rising star in college baseball.

Expectations were sky-high for Thomas in 1988, and he delivered in full. His sophomore campaign was arguably even more dominant, as he continued to destroy SEC pitching with ease. Thomas led the conference in several major offensive categories and solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters in the NCAA.

That season, he posted a .385 batting average with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs. His slugging percentage hovered near .800, and he once again demonstrated tremendous patience and vision at the plate. More importantly, Thomas began to evolve as a leader—mentoring younger players, embracing the responsibility of being Auburn’s offensive cornerstone, and elevating the entire lineup through his presence.

By this point, Major League scouts were keeping a close eye on the slugger from Georgia. His ability to hit to all fields, combined with his power and plate discipline, made him a top draft prospect. But Thomas wasn’t ready to leave just yet. He returned for a third season at Auburn in 1989, determined to leave a lasting legacy.

In his junior season, Frank Thomas once again rose to the occasion. Though injuries hampered parts of his season, his performance remained elite. He finished the year with a .403 batting average—still one of the highest in Auburn history for a single season—and added 19 home runs and 63 RBIs.

Thomas’ consistent dominance helped elevate Auburn’s national profile. During his three years with the team, the Tigers became a force in the SEC and earned postseason appearances, highlighted by a trip to the NCAA Regionals. Thomas was twice named to the All-SEC team and became a consensus All-American. In 1989, he also received the SEC Male Athlete of the Year, a rare honor for a baseball player in a football-dominated conference.

Off the field, Thomas was becoming a symbol of excellence and professionalism. His work ethic, humility, and competitive drive earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Coach Hal Baird later recalled Thomas as one of the most “driven and intelligent hitters” he had ever coached—a sentiment echoed by opponents who quickly learned not to pitch inside to the Auburn slugger.

Thomas’ success at Auburn culminated in the 1989 MLB Draft. Selected 7th overall by the Chicago White Sox, Thomas became one of the highest-drafted players in Auburn history. Unlike many power hitters who struggled with plate discipline early in their careers, Thomas was considered MLB-ready the moment he left college. He signed quickly and made his professional debut in 1990. Just a year later, he was in the big leagues—and didn’t look back.

Frank Thomas went on to become one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball history. Over 19 seasons, he amassed 521 home runs, a .301 batting average, 2,468 hits, and 1,704 RBIs. He won back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1993 and 1994, earned five All-Star selections, and took home the Silver Slugger Award four times.

In 2014, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on his first ballot. During his emotional speech, Thomas made a point to thank Auburn University, calling it the place “where it all began.”

His number 35 was retired by the Auburn Tigers—a rare honor that cements his place in the school’s athletic lore. Today, a statue of Frank Thomas stands outside Plainsman Park, reminding fans, players, and visitors of the greatness that once graced the field.

While Thomas’ statistics at Auburn are impressive, it’s his broader impact on the program that endures. At a time when college baseball often took a backseat to other sports, Thomas brought national attention to Auburn. He helped change perceptions about what was possible at a program not traditionally known for producing professional baseball stars.

His success opened doors for future Auburn players, including Major League pitchers like Tim Hudson and Josh Donaldson. In fact, many younger players have cited Thomas as a reason they chose to play for Auburn—drawn by the legacy of “The Big Hurt” and the prestige he brought to the Plains.

Off the field, Thomas has remained involved with the university, supporting athletic and academic initiatives. He has made multiple returns to campus for games and alumni events, often speaking with players and emphasizing the importance of balancing baseball with education and personal development.

Frank Thomas’ years with the Auburn Tigers weren’t just a precursor to greatness—they were essential in shaping the player and person he became. In three seasons, he transformed Auburn baseball, elevated the program’s national reputation, and set a gold standard for future generations.

Whether it was the raw power he displayed as a freshman or the leadership he developed by his junior year, Thomas’ legacy at Auburn goes far beyond statistics. He remains a symbol of what can be achieved with discipline, drive, and dedication—qualities that define not just a Hall of Famer, but an Auburn Tiger.

From the lush outfield grass of Plainsman Park to the bright lights of Major League Baseball, Frank Thomas’ journey began in Auburn—and the Tigers remain proud to have been the first team to witness the rise of “The Big Hurt.”