'The Large Human' Back in Atlantic City
June 9, 2003 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Atlantic City Surf News Release
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (June 9, 2003) â The Atlantic City Surf have announced the signing of first baseman/designated hitter Juan Thomas, a standout from the squad's inaugural 1998 Atlantic League Championship season.
Thomas is expected to split time between first base and DH as well as take a player/coach role with the squad.
The 6-5, 260-pound slugger, nicknamed "The Large Human" by Surf fans, still owns Atlantic City single-season records with 33 home runs and 103 RBI in 1998.
Thomas put together of the most explosive offensive displays in Atlantic League history on June 9, today's date, in 1998, as he crushed three 3-run home runs for a league record nine RBI against Somerset. The three long balls also set a league mark even though it has been tied 12 times since.
After leading the Surf to the first league championship, he spent half of the 1999 season in Atlantic City before signing with the Seattle Mariners organization and finishing the season with New Haven (AA).
Thomas had a breakout year in 2000, crushing 27 home runs and knocking in 100 RBI to earn a spot as a DH on the Eastern League All-Star team.
After being called up to Tacoma (AAA) in 2001, Thomas continued to produce, batting .300 with 39 doubles, 23 homers and 95 RBI. He would be named a Pacific Coast League All-Star for his efforts, but still would not receive a call-up from the Mariners.
Thomas spent all of 2002 with Tacoma once again, batting .263 with 17 home runs and 57 RBI, before the Seattle organization ultimately granted him free agency in October of 2002.
The Montgomery, Ala., native spent the start of this season with Louisville (AAA) in the Cincinnati Reds organization before signing for his second stint with the Surf.
"We are absolutely excited to have Juan come back to play in Atlantic City," said Surf general manager Mario Perrucci. "The records he set here and his statistics speak for themselves. Juan had an excellent two years at the Triple-A level and it is mind-boggling that he didn't get called up to the Majors.
"We expect Juan Thomas to ignite our team and generate plenty of excitement, as well as work with our younger players in a player/coach role," Perrucci added.
Thomas will join the team for the Thursday, June 12, contest between the Surf and the Nashua Pride, at 6:35 p.m., at the Sandcastle.
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