Yep ... this is what I was thinking when you first suggested Thome in this regard. But one thing the other article pointed out was that those of the last 3 years ... Jeter, Rivera and Jones ... were not just great in baseball, had long careers, but were with one team, being synonymous with their respective teams. And that could be said of Ripken as well. Thome didn't have that 'synonymity.' Also, he never 'announced' his retirement prior to a season ... he just kind of ... was done.