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As much as Thomas enjoyed playing in his backyard, he never envisioned anything like what happened on Friday night before the Hi-Toms 2008 season-opener. Before the first pitch and before he received his second Petitt Cup championship ring, Thomas, along with two others, had his name forever intertwined in franchise history as he joined the club’s ring-of-honor as a Hi-Toms legend with a flag bearing the No. 7, giving him something he can cherish long after his baseball days are over.
“This is a tremendous honor,” a teary-eyed Thomas said. “I have been blessed to play on two good teams. To have my banner hanging up here will always be something special to me. It is something I am very proud of. I feel like I worked hard to get where I am right now, and to be able to come back one day and show my kids, hopefully, the banner hanging up there, will be a great honor.”
Players come and go in summer leagues like the Coastal Plain League, but Thomasville is known for bringing guys back for two seasons. Thomas was always going to come back to Finch Field, whether as a player or just a local baseball fan as his grandparents are often sitting in the seats during the summer seasons. To come back and play for the Tommies really was a dream come true, but what Thomas accomplished in two seasons is almost a fairy tale.
“I think it is just remarkable,” said Thomasville Mayor Joe Bennett, who attended Friday’s ceremony and threw out the first pitch. “Last year, I was sitting near his grandparents and could feel how proud they were and I was proud for them and for [Thomas]. For him to play right up the road, I just think it’s remarkable. Its been a great experience of a program that has come back here with a new renovated stadium to bring in more people. The thing that I enjoy seeing is not also the game, but the family units and the children who come out for quality sports and have a good time in Thomasville.”
In 2006, his first with the Hi-Toms, Thomas had an average season at the plate, hitting only .239 with three home runs and 18 RBI, but Thomasville won its first ever Petitt Cup. That, however, was just the beginning to Thomas’ career. A year later, Thomas emerged as a five-tool star on a team loaded with talent. The 2007 edition of the Tommies annihilated opponents with a barrage of home runs the likes the CPL had never seen, and Thomas played a huge role, hitting .335 with nine dingers and 35 RBI while playing a super center-field. With Thomas batting lead-off, Thomasville stormed to another Petitt Cup, setting nearly every offensive record in the CPL. Thomas made the All-Star team and was named the CPL Offensive Player-of-the-Year.
“Winning the two championships will be something I’ll never forget,” Thomas said. “I think the friendships we had with all the players is something where we will always be friends and something we will always have to remember.”
Thomas recently finished his career at Catawba College where he leaves as one of the school’s all-time offensive forces. In his senior campaign, Thomas garnered the MVP of the South Atlantic Conference and was named a consensus All-American. His .386 career batting average and 48 home runs are third best in Catawba history, and his .996 fielding percentage is tops amongst fielders.
Joining Thomas as Hi-Toms legends on Friday were two-time Tommies Chris Swauger and Aaron Lorio, both of whom played on both Petitt Cup winning teams. Swauger got off to a hot start in his first year with Thomasville before a broken hand ended his 2006 season early. Back and better than ever in 2007, Swauger lit the CPL on fire, clubbing 14 home runs with 40 RBI. Lorio leaves the CPL as one of the dominant relievers in league history. In two championship seasons with the Hi-Toms, the big right-hander logged 19 saves with 87 strikeouts in 65 innings.
“To be in the company of David Thomas and Aaron Lorio is pretty special,” said Swauger. “It was a fun year getting to play with those guys and set some records. It was the best summer of my life and I know I will never forget it. I hope the community and the people here don’t forget it either. I am glad we could do it for them. I have to say thanks to all the fans who allowed me to play here. It has been a privilege and an honor to play for them. I don’t even know how to describe it.”
All three are looking forward to this week’s Major League Baseball draft, as they all have gotten phone calls from pro teams. Regardless of what happens with the rest of their career, these players left an everlasting mark on Thomasville and the Hi-Toms organization. As time goes on and more and more people pass by their flag, the legend of the two-time Petitt Cup champs and those who made it happen will only grow.
Staff Writer Eliot Duke can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 233, or at eliotduke@hotmail.com.