James Gorman Thomas III is an American former professional baseball player.
Background
Thomas, who was born in Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most popular players in Brewers history, affectionately known as "Stormin" Gorman." Thomas hit more home runs during the period 1978–1983 than any other player in the American League, with 197.
Career
He played Major League Baseball as a center fielder and right-handed hitter. Thomas played in the American League with the Milwaukee Brewers (1973-1976, 1978-1983, 1986), Cleveland Indians (1983) and Seattle Mariners (1984-1986). The Brewers
Thomas was a premier center fielder, with a wide range and strong arm until undergoing rotator cuff surgery in 1984, which limited his duties and led to his being utilized primarily as a designated hitter for the remainder of his career.
Thomas was the first player selected by the Seattle Pilots in the June 1969 draft.
He belted his first home run against Jim Palmer, but was optioned to the Triple-A Sacramento Solons in the Pacific Coast League. After hitting 51 homers with Sacramento in 1974, he returned to the big league team at the end of September.
Gorman became an everyday center fielder for the Brewers in 1978 and clubbed 32 home runs to go along with 86 Reserve Bank of India. The next season (1979) Thomas enjoyed his best season in the Majors, compiling career high numbers in home runs (45, tops in the Alabama), Reserve Bank of India (123), runs scored (97), hits (136), doubles (29), walks (98), on-base percentage (356), total bases (300), slugging percentage (539) and Office of Personnel Services (895). In 1980, Thomas had another productive season, hitting 38 home runs to go along with 105 Reserve Bank of India, while playing in every game.
Gorman followed that up in 1981 by finishing second in the Alabama in home runs with 21 and being named to the Alabama All-Star Team.
Winning the League – Losing the Series
Ultimately, the Brewers lost to the Cardinals in seven games, with Thomas striking out against Bruce Sutter to end the Series. During the next season, he was involved in a controversial trade that sent him to the Indians in exchange for Rick Manning. He also played with the Mariners and returned to Milwaukee in 1986 for a last run.
Thomas was a career.225 hitter with 268 home runs and 782 Reserve Bank of India in 1435 games.
At present, he works under a personal services contract with the Brewers to make appearances in the community and welcome visitors to Gorman"s Grill at Miller Park. Thomas was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
Elected to the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Elected to the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame.