Canaries Ink Elite Power-Hitter
Published on March 16, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
(SIOUX FALLS, SD) â Nicknamed "The Large Human" by his former teammates because of his physical size and impressive offensive presence on the field, 1B/DH Juan Thomas, a 6-4, 295 lb. powerhouse, signed on with the Sioux Falls Canaries Tuesday. Thomas played for the Atlantic City Surf of the Atlantic League last season where he led the league in home runs (27) and slugging percentage (.605), and was named to the All-Star team as a DH despite missing the first 39 games.
Thomas has averaged 26 home runs over the last six seasons, including a career-high 33 in 1998 while playing for current Canaries Manager Doc Edwards in Atlantic City.
"Thomas was one of the main reasons why we won the championship in Atlantic City," Edwards said. "He had 33 home runs and 103 RBI that year. He's a power player with a tremendous attitude. The fans will love him and his huge home runs. He's not nicknamed âThe Large Human' for nothing."
Thomas, who was the Pacific Coast League (PCL) SportsTicker Star of Stars in 2001 while batting .300 with 23 home runs and 95 RBI for Triple-A Tacoma, had other opportunities to play in the Northern League but couldn' t bring himself to play against Edwards.
"I give him (Edwards) all the respect in the world, and he gives it right back," Thomas said. "He's definitely a player's manager, and I can't wait to play for him again."
Thomas will team up with recently signed INF/DH Ron Wright, who he played with in Tacoma, and Troy Farnsworth to create a formidable middle of the Canaries lineup.
"When you can sign a hitter of this caliber, it immediately makes your lineup stronger," said Canaries General Manager John Hindle. "The way our lineup is shaping up, the 2004 Canaries are going to be an exciting team to watch."
Other career highlights for Thomas include being an All-Star in four different leagues (Atlantic, PCL, Eastern, and Carolina), and amassing 259 home runs and 913 RBI.
"He's the type of player who can turn the game around or break it wide open with one swing of the bat," added Edwards.
Edwards, Thomas and Hindle are available for comment. Interviews can be set up by calling Justin Kutcher at (605) 333-0179.
The Canaries kick off the 2004 season on May 20 at the Birdcage against the visiting St. Paul Saints. Great tickets packages are now on sale and can be ordered by calling (605) 333-0179.
Northern League Stories from March 16, 2004
- Saltdogs Bite of the Week - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Canaries Ink Elite Power-Hitter - Sioux Falls Canaries
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
