White Sox legend Frank Thomas upset with being left off team's Black History Month graphic

Hall of Famer Frank Thomas has never minced words when it comes to his relationship with the White Sox, and he didn’t Sunday.

That’s when the Sox published a social-media graphic celebrating “momentous firsts” to commemorate the start of Black History Month. The graphic included moments such as Ken Williams and Jerry Manuel becoming the first Black general manager/manager duo in MLB history.

There was one glaring — and, frankly, irresponsible — omission: Thomas, a two-time MVP and the best hitter in franchise history.

And he was not pleased.

“I Guess the black player who made you rich over there and holds all your records is forgettable!” he posted on X. “Don’t worry I’m taking Receipts!”

Thomas is only mentioned as a footnote in a blurb about Dick Allen becoming the first Black player in Sox history to earn American League MVP honors. The “momentous firsts” graphic also includes Will Venable becoming the third Black manager in Sox history.

The Blue Jays included Thomas on their Black History Month post. He played 171 games for them.

Thomas’ name appears throughout the Sox’ record book. He’s the franchise leader in home runs (448), RBI (1,465), runs scored (1,327), doubles (447), walks (1,466), on-base percentage (.427) and slugging percentage (.568).

Thomas and the Sox have a contentious history. When Thomas left the Sox after the 2005 season, he clashed publicly with Williams and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf over how his tenure ended. Thomas said Reins-dorf never called him to tell him he wasn’t coming back. Williams responded emphatically through the media.

“He’s an idiot; he’s selfish,” Williams told reporters. “That’s why we don’t miss him. We don’t miss him, by the way. If you go out there and ask any one of my players or staff members, we don’t miss him. We don’t miss his attitude. We don’t miss the whining.”

Thomas and the Sox seemed to have reconciled when the organization retired his number No. 35 in 2010, but this inexcusable error seems to have stirred up feelings for Thomas, who spent 16 of his 19 MLB seasons with the Sox.

Thomas sued the Sox in 2006, alleging that team doctors had misdiagnosed a fractured bone in his foot as a bruise and cleared him to play. Thomas and the doctors agreed to settle the medical negligence lawsuit in 2011.

In 2015, Thomas was at the 10-year anniversary celebration for the 2005 World Series champs, but he wasn’t at the 20-year reunion. Thomas’ last appearance at Rate Field was throwing out a ceremonial first pitch in 2024.

As Thomas’ post exploded, with many Sox fans voicing their support, the graphic remained up on the team’s X account. Alienating the best hitter in franchise history is not the way the Sox wanted to start Black History Month.