After the Chicago White Sox were eliminated, the City Council decided to put a hold on renaming Peoria “Thome Town” after slugger and hometown boy Jim Thome.
Now that the Tampa Bay Rays are going to the World Series, will the council consider renaming the city “Zobrist Town” after shortstop and hometown boy Ben Zobrist? Don’t let the fact that he’s actually from Eureka bother you, Thome isn’t actually from Peoria either, and that didn’t seem to bother anyone.
Regardless, congrats to the Tampa Bay Rays on beating the wildcard Boston Red Sox. They’ll be going on to play the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.
From a press release:
In honor of our “home run hero” Jim Thome, Mayor Jim Ardis and the Peoria City Council are declaring the City of Peoria “Thome Town.” This designation will be in place during the playoffs to recognize our home grown son and his many accomplishments.
Jim has hit 541 home runs and it was his home run against the Minnesota Twins that helped to clinch the American League Central Division crown, and secure the White Sox a spot in the playoffs.
Jim Thome and his wife Andrea have been true All-Stars in Peoria and other communities, and they are greatly respected for their generous charitable endeavors such as the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Easter Seals, the United Way, Chicago Children’s Home + Aid, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, just to name a few.
This honorary designation recognizes Jim Thome not only for his big swing, but for his big heart. A resolution giving Peoria the honorary designation of “Thome Town” will be passed by the Peoria City Council at their October 14, 2008 meeting.
Does this mean I have to rename my blog “The Thome Town Chronicle” during the playoffs?
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