Thome Thursday: The Unlikeliest Steal

In just over two months, baseball will celebrate one of its most improbable anniversaries - and I'll celebrate another birthday too. On May 21, 1997, Jim Thome did something that defied belief: he stole home plate, scoring the only run in Cleveland's 1-0 win over Kansas City.

It stands alone in baseball's last half-century - the only 1-0 game decided by a steal of home. And of all people, it was Thome, a self-described "slow runner", who pulled it off. Of his mere 19 career steals, this was the only time he ever stole any base besides second.

I guess baseball has a way of turning sluggers into sneaky speedsters when you least expect it! But on that spring day in '97, The Pride of Peoria gave me one unforgettable birthday present - even if he didn't know it at the time.

(Unfortunately, the video clip of this historic steal seems to be lost to time. If anyone has footage of this moment, please share it with me!)

Did you ever see Thome steal a base in person? Share your favorite Thome memory in the comments below!

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