Frank Edward Thomas, Jr. is a retired American professional baseball player. A designated hitter and first baseman, Thomas became one of baseball's biggest stars in the 1990s. Broadcaster Ken Harrelson nicknamed Thomas "The Big Hurt" in the 1992 season. Thomas was known for his menacing home run power; he routinely swung a rusted piece of rebar that he reportedly found during a renovation project in Old Comiskey Park in the on-deck circle.