Orioles manager Buck Showalter had nothing but compliments for freshly minted Hall of Famer Jim Thome, who was honored this weekend at Progressive Field and had his number retired Saturday.
Thome’s standout career ended with the Orioles during their playoff run in 2012, and Showalter said his presence made the up-and-coming team a bit more formidable.
“He was a big acquisition for us,” Showalter said. “He helps verify a lot of things. I can say it, a coach can say it, but when Jim Thome says the same thing — he makes managing easy.