Umaine Lefty Who Pitched In The Majors Still Involved In Baseball

Editor’s note: As University of Maine sports fans hunker down amid concerns about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the BDN hopes to inspire fans by recounting stories of some of the most memorable Black Bear games, teams and athletes in program history. It was 25 years ago that Larry Thomas realized his dream of pitching in the major leagues. The Chicago White Sox selected the University of Maine’s ace lefty in the second round of the 1991 draft and he passed up his senior year to sign. Thomas played an important role in the 1991 Black Bears’ 23-game winning streak and their 48 victories, school records that still stand. He was transformed from a starter into a reliever in 1995, and he posted a 4-1 record and a sparkling 1.34 earned run average for Class AA Birmingham that year before arriving in the Windy City. Thomas made 17 appearances for the White Sox and registered an impressive 1.32 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings.