Former Minnesota Twins Player Dies in Tragic News

George Edward Thomas Jr., the Minneapolis-born utility outfielder who closed his 13-year major-league career with the hometown Minnesota Twins in 1971, died October 23, 2026, at age 88.

A Bloomington High School standout who lettered at the University of Minnesota, Thomas signed a $25,000 bonus with the Detroit Tigers in 1957.

After limited early action and Army service, he thrived with the expansion Los Angeles Angels in 1961, hitting .280 with 13 home runs in 79 games while starting regularly in the outfield and at third base.

Traded back to Detroit mid-1963, he posted a career-best .286 average with 12 homers in 1964 before a down 1965 season led to a trade to the Boston Red Sox.

In Boston he became a valued bench contributor and clubhouse presence.

On the 1967 “Impossible Dream” pennant winners, he appeared in 65 games (including one at catcher), then played in the World Series against St. Louis.

He later hit .353 in limited duty in 1969 and .343 in 1970. Across 685 career games he batted .255 with 46 home runs and 202 RBIs while appearing at every position except pitcher.

Released by the Red Sox on June 28, 1971, Thomas signed with the Twins the same day.

In 23 games as a pinch-hitter and left-field reserve he went 8-for-30 (.267) with a double, two RBIs and four walks.

His final major-league appearance came September 6 against the White Sox; Minnesota released him October 27.

He returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach (1972–78) and then head coach (1979–81), guiding the Golden Gophers to a 95-43 record.

His 1981 team won a Big Ten division title and reached the NCAA tournament.

Minnesota still presents the George Thomas Most Improved Player Award in his honor.

For Twins fans, Thomas embodied the local product who finished his big-league chapter at home after years elsewhere, then stayed to shape Minnesota baseball at the collegiate level.