George Thomas, a versatile utility player whose 13-year major-league career included a memorable run with Boston’s “Impossible Dream” Red Sox, died Friday, according to Minneapolis Star-Tribune sports columnist Patrick Reusse. He was 88.
Born in Minneapolis on November 29, 1937, Thomas signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1957 after attending the University of Minnesota. He later played for the Los Angeles Angels, becoming a member of the expansion franchise’s inaugural team in 1961, before returning to Detroit and eventually joining Boston.
Thomas slashed .255/.316/.389 with 46 home runs and 202 RBIs over parts of 13 major league seasons.
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Thomas spent six seasons with the Red Sox (1966-71). His most significant team achievement came in 1967, when Boston won its first American League pennant since 1946 and advanced to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Thomas appeared in 65 regular-season games that year and made two plate appearances in the World Series.
Thomas played every position except pitcher during his MLB career, offering managers a dependable option across the field.
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Ray Birch, in his chapter on Thomas in the Society for American Baseball Research’s book The 1967 Impossible Dream Red Sox: ‘Pandemonium on the Field’ wrote: “In 1966, Thomas played in only 69 games for the Red Sox and batted .237. But he had a sense of humor that was appreciated in the Red Sox clubhouse, and was a versatile, hustling player, a quality that earned him esteem in the eyes of manager Billy Herman.”
Thomas returned to the University of Minnesota as an assistant coach and later led the Golden Gophers as head coach for three seasons (1979-81). His teams went 95-43, and the university continues to honor him with its George Thomas Most Improved Player Award.
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