It's not quite the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, but Jim Thome (TOH'-mayz) says his induction into a central Illinois equivalent is still highly meaningful for him and his family.
Reports indicate the Peoria-born, former Chicago White Sox star will be inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame on April 11. His father, grandfather, uncle and aunt were standout athletes and are already in the hall.
Thome's aunt, Carolyn Thome, had 561 base hits with the Caterpillar and Pekin Lettes from 1947 to 1962.
The 44-year-old Thome played baseball and basketball at Limestone High School and Illinois Central College. Playing with the Cleveland Indians, the White Sox and other major-league teams, he hit 612 home runs. The Journal Star reports that's seventh-most on major-league baseball's all-time list.
