MLB power rankings: Top 30 nicknames of all-time

Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) smiles after a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) smiles after a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 16: Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox bats against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 16, 1999 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 16: Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox bats against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 16, 1999 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images) /

17. Frank Thomas: The Big Hurt

Frank Thomas was one of the best pure hitters during the 1990s. He put together a Hall of Fame career most notably with the Chicago White Sox as their popular first baseman and designated hitter. Thomas was a former college tight end at Auburn, so there was no doubt that he would have a big time nickname.

Throughout baseball, Thomas would be known as The Big Hurt. This stems from when he would hit one of his 521 career home runs, spectators would feel bad for the ball and the bleachers, as Thomas was just too powerful of a hitter.

Though he did leave a lot to be desired as a fielder, Thomas had the rare combination of hitting for power and hitting for a high average. He won the 1997 AL Batting Title and was AL MVP in back-to-back seasons from 1993 to 1994.

While Thomas unfortunately not on the 2005 World Series roster due to injury, he did receive World Series ring in his final season with the Southsiders. He would spend the next three years between the Oakland A’s and the Toronto Blue Jays before retiring from baseball in 2008.