Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: South Beach Sessions - Frank Thomas
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Guest: Frank Thomas

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, host Dan Le Batard welcomes baseball Hall of Famer Frank Thomas to South Beach Sessions at the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami. The conversation delves deep into Frank Thomas's illustrious career, personal life, challenges with the media, and his perspectives on professionalism and race within the sports industry.

Early Life and Influences

Frank Thomas begins by sharing his humble beginnings, emphasizing the pivotal role his family played in shaping his character and work ethic.

• Family Foundations:
  "It started with Charlie Mae... my mother, I was the baby of five kids... she just really made sure I was secure every day." [02:13]

• Neighborhood and Upbringing:
  "I grew up in a semi bad neighborhood, but not a real ghetto neighborhood... I wanted to stay out of trouble." [03:06]

• Parental Influence:
  Frank highlights the dual influence of his parents—his mother as a disciplinarian and his father, a deacon and bail bondsman, instilling both love and discipline.
  "My dad was the real, real strict disciplinarian. My mom took care of me, but if I ever stepped out of line, dad was quick to smack me back." [04:31]

Baseball Career Highlights

Frank Thomas offers an insightful overview of his baseball journey, focusing on his dedication to the sport and his exceptional performance.

• Commitment to Excellence:
  "I was obsessed. First guy there, last guy to leave." [38:40]
  His relentless work ethic was a cornerstone of his success, enabling him to achieve remarkable statistics and earn his Hall of Fame status.

• Career Milestones:
  Frank discusses hitting 500 home runs and becoming one of the few athletes with statues celebrating both his college and professional baseball excellence.

Challenges and Media Relations

A significant portion of the conversation addresses Frank's tumultuous relationship with the media, particularly during his tenure with the Chicago White Sox.

• Media Pressure:
  "When you're the biggest guy, they talk about David and Goliath all the time. I was Goliath and I was supposed to do those things." [12:42]

• Interactions with Columnists:
  He recounts confrontations with prominent sports columnists Jay Mariotti and Skip Bayless, emphasizing the lack of respect athletes often felt from critics who didn’t engage personally.
  "Jay never came to the clubhouse. Skip never came to the clubhouse... I wish he had spent more time having real conversation and doing interviews to get to know me." [17:05]

• Impact on Performance:
  The constant scrutiny and pressure were challenging, leading to periods of defiance and strain within his organization.
  "Once all that cleared the air, I was back being who I was. And that was tough on the organization." [25:50]

Personal Life and Family

Frank opens up about his family life, marriages, and dedication to being a good father.

• Fatherhood:
  "My biggest take is to be the best father you possibly can be. I've been that guy... I invite them to everything I do." [07:03]

• Marriages and Family Dynamics:
  He discusses the challenges of balancing his career with his personal life, including his first marriage ending during his peak baseball years.
  "I tell people my biggest take is to be the best father you possibly can be. I've been that guy." [07:03]

• Supporting Aging Parents:
  Frank shares heartfelt moments about his parents’ choices and his efforts to support them.
  "They loved the neighborhood we grew up in... They wanted to be here. If you want to do something, make this place better." [09:00]

Post-Career and Business Ventures

Transitioning from an athlete to an entrepreneur and broadcaster, Frank discusses his ventures and experiences after retiring from professional baseball.

• Endorsements and Campaigns:
  Frank highlights his successful partnerships, such as with Carvana and Genics, emphasizing his ability to market himself effectively.
  "Sell your car to Carvana and swap hassle for convenience... I've been blessed." [37:29]

• Broadcasting Career:
  He reflects on his decade-long stint with Fox, the challenges faced, and his eventual departure.
  "Fox TV... it was time to release me. It was a gut punch... but life comes at you fast." [50:37]

Reflections on Race and Professionalism

Frank offers a nuanced perspective on race within sports, drawing from his unique experiences navigating predominantly white institutions and environments.

• Navigating Dual Worlds:
  "I went to an all white school, learn that education, but then go back to the ghetto and deal with both sides of the fence. I saw racism on both sides." [14:29]

• Personal Philosophy:
  "I love people for who they are... I've never been able to see color like the other people." [65:30]

• Professional Conduct:
  Frank emphasizes the importance of respect and professionalism, contrasting his approach with the often adversarial relationship athletes have with the media.
  "I always cared about being professional... I always wanted to be great." [27:03]

Overcoming Adversity and Work Ethic

The conversation delves into the physical and mental challenges Frank faced, including injuries and media pressure, and how his work ethic helped him persevere.

• Injuries and Resilience:
  "I was in a lot of pains. I played many hurt days on the baseball field." [47:34]
  Despite injuries, Frank maintained his commitment to the game, often playing through pain to support his team.

• Mental Fortitude:
  "If I can, the biggest guy on the team who's doing the most damage normally is playing hurt. Other guys can't complain about themselves being hurt." [47:56]
  His resilience and determination were pivotal in sustaining his performance over a long career.

Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Frank reflects on his legacy, relationships within the sports world, and his current focus on mentoring his son.

• Legacy and Mentorship:
  "I've been a great father... I hope to be a great father for many, many years to come." [07:47]

• Future Endeavors:
  Frank emphasizes his continuous efforts to positively impact others, both through business and personal interactions.
  "I'm a talented man, you know, I know how to market myself... I love people and the fans have made me who I am." [48:12]

Notable Quotes

• On Family and Upbringing:
  "It all started at home with mom." [02:13]

• On Media Pressure:
  "I always would come out with vengeance." [67:34]

• On Professionalism:
  "I always cared about being professional. Always cared about the other man." [27:03]

• On Resilience:
  "Life's too short. I'm happy being a happy go lucky guy and loving people because I love people and people love you back when you love them." [63:43]

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Frank Thomas's life, highlighting his dedication to excellence, the balancing act between personal and professional spheres, and his forward-thinking approach to challenges. Frank's candid reflections provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the man behind the statistics, emphasizing resilience, respect, and unwavering commitment to his passions.