Frank Thomas Criticizes White Sox for Omitting Him From Black History Month Graphic

The Hall of Famer called out the team for leaving him out of the tribute despite his record-breaking career with the franchise.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Thomas criticized the Chicago White Sox for leaving him out of a Black History Month graphic to start February. Thomas played 16 years for the White Sox from 1990 to 2005 and finished his career first in several key stat categories, including home runs, RBIs, doubles, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and walks. Thomas pointed out his accolades and said the organization was forgetting the Black player 'who made you rich over there and holds all your records'.

Why it matters

As one of the most decorated players in White Sox history, Thomas' exclusion from the team's Black History Month tribute raised questions about how the organization recognizes and honors its Black baseball legends. Thomas' comments highlight the importance of ensuring that all significant contributions by players of color are properly acknowledged, especially by the teams they played for.

The details

The White Sox's Black History Month graphic highlighted several key moments and figures in the team's history, including Minnie Miñoso breaking the franchise's color barrier, Al Smith becoming the first Black All-Star, Danny Goodwin being the first African American player selected with the top draft pick, and Kenny Williams becoming the first African American general manager in Chicago sports history. However, the graphic did not include Frank Thomas, who is the White Sox's all-time leader in several major statistical categories and helped the team win a World Series in 2005.

  • Frank Thomas played for the Chicago White Sox from 1990 to 2005.
  • The White Sox posted the Black History Month graphic on February 1, 2026.

The players

Frank Thomas

A Baseball Hall of Famer who played 16 seasons for the Chicago White Sox, where he set numerous franchise records including home runs, RBIs, doubles, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and walks.

Chicago White Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois that Frank Thomas played for from 1990 to 2005, helping the team win a World Series championship in 2005.

Minnie Miñoso

The first Black player to appear in a game for the Chicago White Sox, breaking the franchise's color barrier.

Al Smith

The first Black All-Star in Chicago White Sox history, selected in 1960.

Danny Goodwin

The first African American player selected with the top overall pick in the MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox in 1971.

Kenny Williams

The first African American general manager in Chicago sports history, working for the White Sox.

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What they’re saying

“I guess the Black player who made you rich over there and holds all your records is forgettable! Don't worry I'm taking Receipts!”

— Frank Thomas (X)

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of ensuring that all significant contributions by players of color are properly recognized and celebrated by the teams they played for. As one of the greatest players in White Sox history, Frank Thomas' exclusion from the team's Black History Month tribute was a notable oversight that raised questions about how the organization honors its Black baseball legends.