Thome smashes milestone home run
Jim Thome became the 37th player to hit 400 homers, connecting for a two-run shot in the first inning Monday night for the Phillies against Cincinnati.
The crowd erupted as Thome hit his shot to left-center field. Thome pumped his right fist as he rounded first base and pointed to the crowd. He was mobbed by teammates when he reached home plate as the Phillie Phanatic deliriously danced on the dugout with a “400” sign.
The fans gave Thome a standing ovation and he emerged from the dugout for a curtain call shortly before Pat Burrell followed with a solo shot.
Flashbulbs popped all over the park on every pitch as he dug in against Jose Acevedo. Fans gasped on several foul balls, thinking each swing would be the one.
Thome battled back from an 0-2 count to get it to 3-2, then crushed it. He’s now 2-for-4 lifetime against Acevedo.
“It’s an awesome thing,” Thome said of his impending milestone before the game. “Looking back at all the work, all the time in the cage, I’ll just enjoy it. I’ll let it happen.”
Griffey not in starting lineup
Ken Griffey Jr. was out of the starting lineup Monday night in Philadelphia, giving him a better chance to hit his 500th home run at home in Cincinnati.
Griffey hit No. 499 on Sunday. The decision to give him a day off for rest was a mutual one with manager Dave Miley, and Griffey was available to pinch-hit.
The game against the Phillies was a makeup from a rainout April 14. Cincinnati starts a three-game series back home at Great American Ball Park against Texas tonight.
“For me, it’s just trying to get it over with and we can move on,” Griffey said before the Reds played the Phillies. “The team is more important than milestones. I want a championship ring and that’s what I play for. Individual accomplishments will come.”
After missing most of the last three seasons with injuries, Griffey has finally stayed healthy. He had played in 36 games in a row going into Monday night.
Griffey, who homered Sunday at Cleveland, is hitting .258 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs.
Braves win Hall of Fame game
Jon Schuerholz, promoted from Class A to play in front of his father, had four hits and helped key a six-run rally in the ninth that sent the Atlanta Braves over Minnesota 10-7 in the Hall of Fame exhibition.
Schuerholz, batting only .165 in 56 games as a second baseman for Myrtle Beach, hit just his second pro home run and added three singles. He was picked as the MVP and got a hug behind home plate from his dad, Braves general manager John Schuerholz.
“Way to go, man. I’ll get you an agent,” his father said. “It’s a great day, especially for me as a dad to see my son and our team win a game, which we haven’t done too much lately.”
Schuerholz had an infield single with two outs in the ninth that loaded the bases. Gregor Blanco followed with a three-run double for an 8-7 lead.
“I was just trying to keep the inning going,” Schuerholz said. “It’s unbelievable. I can’t remember the last time I went 4 for 4.”
Andruw Jones, Wesley Timmons, Dewayne Wise and Jeff Francoeur also hit solo homers for the Braves at cozy Doubleday Field.
Blue Jays announcer has tumor
Blue Jays radio announcer Tom Cheek underwent surgery during the weekend to remove a brain tumor and will require further treatment.
Cheek had the operation on Sunday, his 65th birthday.
He began feeling ill Friday and was taken to a Toronto hospital, where tests revealed the tumor.
Around the horn
The Angels activated first baseman Darin Erstad and put Gold Glove catcher Bengie Molina on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left calf. … Yankees reliever Steve Karsay canceled a scheduled rehabilitation start in Clearwater, Fla., before he even took the mound after he felt discomfort while warming up in the bullpen. … The Yankees sent infielder Brian Myrow to Los Angeles, completing the May 15 trade that moved pitcher Tanyon Sturtze from the Dodgers to New York. … Adam Everett of the Astros has retaken the lead among National League shortstops in fan voting for next month’s All-Star game at Houston. Everett (625,055) passed St. Louis’ Edgar Renteria (545,697) in the closest race at any position. … The Rangers placed outfielder Laynce Nix on the 15-day disabled list after he sprained his right shoulder running into the wall against St. Louis Sunday. Outfielder Jason Conti was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma. … Baltimore outfielder Jay Gibbons was activated from the 15-day disabled list after being sidelined with back spasms. The Orioles also optioned outfielder Tim Raines Jr. to Triple-A Ottawa before their game with Cleveland.