After Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save of the season, he told the Philadelphia Phillies slugger in the on-deck circle that he would pay him $5,000 for a home run.
Thome didn't let Papelbon or his bank account down with a pinch-hit homer off Rays pitcher Jake McGee to lead off the bottom of the ninth inning and give the Phillies a dramatic 7-6 victory.
The five-time All-Star also made history along with the 5 G's. It Thome's 600th career dinger and his 13th game-winning home run— breaking a six-way tie with Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Stan Musial and Frank Robinson.
As for the payment, Papelbon said he made out a a check right there in the clubhouse. But Thome— one of the classiest guys in baseball— claims he is still waiting for his reward.
"That was a huge pick-up by Jim Thome," said Papelbon. "I couldn't be happier for anybody in the clubhouse."
Pay up, Papelbon
ReplyDeleteIt was not his 600th homer
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