The Big Hurt: Is Frank Thomas Still Alive? Fox News Scandal And Controversy, Frank Thomas, also known as “The Big Hurt,” is a former Major League Baseball player who has been in the spotlight recently due to a Fox News scandal. On Friday, December 29, 2023, Fox News mistakenly reported that Thomas had passed away, causing confusion and concern among fans and the media alike. This error sparked a flurry of online searches and discussions about whether or not the baseball legend is still alive.
Despite the initial confusion caused by the Fox News report, Frank Thomas is, in fact, still alive. According to an article from Uproxx, the former baseball player clarified on social media that he was not the Frank Thomas who had passed away, but rather another former major leaguer who played in the 50s and 60s. The mistake was an unfortunate one, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and accuracy in journalism.
Frank Thomas: Life and Career
Early Life and Entry into Baseball
Frank Thomas, born on May 27, 1968, in Columbus, Georgia, had a passion for baseball from a young age. He attended Auburn University, where he played college baseball for the Auburn Tigers. In 1989, he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the MLB draft.
Major League Achievements
Thomas quickly established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball. He won the American League MVP award in back-to-back seasons in 1993 and 1994. In 1997, he won his third MVP award, becoming the first player in American League history to win the award three times in four years. He was also a five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and two-time AL batting champion.
Post-Retirement Endeavors
After retiring from baseball in 2008, Thomas pursued various business ventures and became a television analyst for Fox Sports. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of his era.
Despite being retired, Thomas found himself at the center of a controversy in 2023 when Fox News mistakenly included him in an “in memoriam” segment. The network issued a correction and apology after Thomas clarified that he was still alive and well.
Overall, Frank Thomas had a remarkable career in baseball and continues to be a respected figure in the sport.
Controversy and Media Coverage
The Fox News Scandal
On December 29, 2023, Fox News Channel issued a correction after mistakenly including former MLB player Frank Thomas in their “In Memoriam” segment. The segment was meant to honor prominent figures who died in the year 2023, but Thomas is still alive. Fox News used a clip of Thomas’ Hall of Fame induction speech with “1968-2023” captioned in the corner, which led many viewers to believe that he had passed away.
The inclusion of Thomas in the segment sparked controversy and backlash on social media, with many criticizing Fox News for their mistake. Some accused the network of being careless and insensitive, while others speculated that it was a deliberate attempt to generate controversy and boost ratings.
Reactions and Public Perception
Following the controversy, Frank Thomas himself responded to the situation, confirming that he is still alive and well. He expressed his disappointment at being included in the segment and criticized Fox News for their lack of fact-checking.
Many fans and fellow athletes also came to Thomas’ defense, expressing their support and admiration for the former player. Some even used the hashtag #FrankThomasIsAlive to show their solidarity.
Despite the backlash, Fox News has yet to issue a formal apology for their mistake. The network has also not commented on the speculation that the inclusion of Thomas in the segment was intentional.
Current Status and Health
As of December 30, 2023, Frank Thomas is still alive and in good health. The former player, who is known by the nickname “The Big Hurt,” had an illustrious career in Major League Baseball, winning two American League MVP awards and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
While the controversy surrounding Fox News’ mistake has generated a lot of attention, it is important to remember that Frank Thomas is still with us and has made a significant impact on the world of sports.
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