Frank Thomas Upset Over Lack of Mention in White Sox Black History Month Graphic

The Hall of Famer criticized the team for not recognizing his contributions as the franchise's career home run leader.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Hall of Fame slugger Frank Thomas took to social media to express his frustration with the Chicago White Sox for not including him in the team's Black History Month graphic highlighting 'momentous firsts.' Thomas, who spent 16 of his 19 MLB seasons with the White Sox, is the franchise's all-time home run leader but was not mentioned in the team's social media post.

Why it matters

Thomas' comments reignite a long-standing feud between the former star player and the White Sox organization, which had a messy divorce in the mid-2000s. The dispute centered on Thomas' contract and his relationship with former general manager Ken Williams, who was featured in the Black History Month graphic.

The details

In 2006, Thomas sued two White Sox team doctors, alleging they misdiagnosed a foot injury in 2004 and 2005, leading to further damage. The two sides settled the lawsuit in 2011. After the White Sox won the 2005 World Series, the team bought out Thomas' contract, and he spent the final three seasons of his career with the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.

  • Thomas was drafted by the White Sox in 1989 and spent 16 seasons with the team.
  • In 2006, Thomas sued two White Sox team doctors over a misdiagnosed foot injury.
  • The White Sox retired Thomas' No. 35 jersey in 2010.
  • Thomas attended a 10-year reunion for the 2005 World Series team in 2015, but did not attend the 20-year reunion in 2025.

The players

Frank Thomas

A Hall of Fame slugger who spent 16 of his 19 MLB seasons with the Chicago White Sox, where he is the franchise's all-time home run leader.

Ken Williams

The White Sox's general manager from 2000 to 2012, who was the first Black GM in the team's history and the third in MLB history.

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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)

“Believe me, it's not easy to deal with an idiot. And this man, over the course of the years, has tried my patience and tried it and tried it.”

— Ken Williams, White Sox General Manager (Chicago Tribune)

“There's nothing else to talk about. As for love lost, basically there was not much love there the last five years. We'll just move forward.”

— Frank Thomas (Chicago Tribune)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the lingering tensions between Frank Thomas and the Chicago White Sox organization, stemming from their messy divorce in the mid-2000s. It raises questions about the team's recognition of its all-time greats, especially Black players who were instrumental to the franchise's success.