Clete Thomas

[William Malone]

Michael Clete Thomas was born on November 14, 1983 in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Minnesota Twins selected him in round five of the 2002 MLB Draft out of high school, but he did not sign. Thomas was later selected byt the Detroit Tigers in round six of the 2005 MLB Draft out of Auburn University. He made his Major League debut for Detroit in 2008. Thomas often jumped up and down between Triple-A and the Majors over the next several seasons. The Tigers designated him for assignment in 2012.

Minnesota claimed Thomas off of waivers on April 14, 2012. He homered in his first game with the Twins, and began his tenure there with a three game RBI streak. After cooling off, he was designated for assignment in early May. Thomas cleared waivers, and finished the year with the Rochester Red Wings (AAA).

He began 2013 with Rochester, but was called back up to the big leagues on June 3rd. Thomas became the regular center fielder about a week later when rookie Aaron Hicks went on the disabled list. He played in 92 games for the Twins that season, batting .214 with four home runs and 13 RBI. Minnesota outrighted him off of the 40-man roster during the off-season.

Thomas spent 2014 on a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. He retired after the season.

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