Thome plays 3rd

If Jim Thome is retiring, he made his last appearance in Cleveland as a third baseman.

The 41-year-old took the position for one pitch in the ninth inning during Sunday’s game against Minnesota. Cleveland finishes with three games in Detroit.

Thome got a standing ovation as a pinch-hitter in the eighth. When he walked, the crowd booed Minnesota pitcher Glen Perkins.

Fans then stood and cheered to start the ninth as Thome went to third base – where he started his big league career in 1991. He had not played there since Sept. 29, 1996. He moved to first base in 1997.

Thome has 604 homers, eighth on the career list, and has not announced whether he will return for a 22nd season. On Friday night, the Indians unveiled plans to build a statue in his honor at Progressive Field.

Associated Press