I was telling my wife this. When I was in Philly, I looked on the schedule and we were coming to Minnesota, which is great. I know the way business is in baseball and sometimes you move one. The first thing I did when I came to Baltimore was I looked at the schedule to see if we were going to go to Chicago or Minnesota or Cleveland, and it just so happens that these two fall back to back, which is great. To have the opportunity to go back to Cleveland last year and relive a lot of memories, they were great as an organization when I got there, so hopefully it will be a great weekend, just to see people and say hi. Because you never know how long that’s going to happen. You appreciate the times you have as you get closer to the end. You do appreciate no doubt. When you have a chance like this, it makes a week on the road pretty fun.
Orioles designated hitter Jim Thome getting adjusted to new team, embracing every opportunity
A Q&A with the slugger who will enjoy another homecoming this weekend in Cleveland
So you got on the plane Sunday really thinking this could be your final time going to these places?
Yeah, because you never know, because of injuries. You never know when you’re going to have another opportunity to go back and play in a city that you appreciated and where you appreciated the fans. I’m very lucky. I think the fans in all the cities I’ve played in have treated me great. It’s been good.
With your next homer, you will pass Sammy Sosa for sole possession of seventh place on baseball’s all-time home run list. Do you think much about that next homer?
I do when people talk about it, but when I’m hitting, no. It would be great it that happens, but I think right now in my career, I’m trying to focus on being a guy who can help this club win. And the days that I play, whether it’s getting a big walk. Like [Tuesday], trying to get on base and let Jonesy try to tie it up. If we need a base hit or a walk, just understanding the type of game we’re in and do what’s best. All the individual things, I’ve said this before, will fall into place. But yeah, you think about it because it gets mentioned. It’s a historical thing. It’s a special thing, no doubt.
