The Big Hurt’s Best Cards
Frank Thomas, also known as The Big Hurt, was a herculean figure in baseball, standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 240 pounds. His imposing presence and knack for knocking pitches over fences solidified his status as a baseball icon. Overlooked in baseball’s draft initially, the Columbus (GA) native earned a scholarship to play tight end at Auburn University, where he even snagged three passes as a freshman. However, the allure of his first love, baseball, took precedence, leading to a legendary career on the diamond at Auburn and a remarkable 19-year stint in MLB that culminated in a bust in Cooperstown. Thomas’s journey from the gridiron to baseball glory is encapsulated in his rookie cards and others that document his road to two MVP awards and membership in the exclusive 500-homer club. In this list, we pay homage to The Big Hurt and celebrate his top rookie cards and more.
Top Frank Thomas Cards #s 10-6
10: 1991 Topps Desert Shield #79 Frank Thomas
The 1991 Topps Desert Shield edition, featuring Frank Thomas, isn’t his rookie card but is among his most valuable. Recognized for its memorable logo, Desert Shield cards were crafted exclusively for troops during the original Gulf War, adding historical significance. While the Big Hurt’s presence adds to its appeal, the patriotic sentiment behind the set makes it one of the most desired sets of the 90s—a salute to service and a Hall of Fame career from Thomas.
9: 1997 Topps Finest #160 Frank Thomas Embossed Gold Die-Cut Refractor
The expansive 1997 Topps collection features 350 cards spread across two series. Thomas’s card features an embossed front and a refractor finish. Though not his rookie card, this visually appealing and highly sought-after card is part of the 1997 Finest Embossed Gold Die-cut series. It’s pretty rare, with an estimated 25 to 40 copies of each refractor card. Inserted at a rate of 1 in every 1,152 packs, finding Thomas’s card is like stumbling upon a unicorn at a petting zoo—unlikely, but not entirely out of reach.
8: 1990 White Sox Coke Frank Thomas
Behold the 1990 White Sox Coke Frank Thomas card, a gem of and the first actual Thomas rookie card to grace this list. Originally released as part of a team set distributed as a stadium giveaway, this card is a true rarity. Alongside the Big Hurt, you’ll find the legendary Sammy Sosa in this 30-card set.
7: 1993 Topps Finest #102 Frank Thomas Refractor
Another Topps Finest card makes this list, with this one being the #102 Frank Thomas Refractor. Parallel sets rarely achieve the iconic status of the 1993 Topps Finest Refractors, but this set is like the Kobe Bean Bryant of parallels. These cards boldly ventured into uncharted territory and, to this day, command a nice reach into the pockets. With an elusive print run estimated from 142 to 241, the 1993 Topps Finest Frank Thomas Refractors remain some of the more sought-after yet hard-to-find cards in The Big Hurt’s collection. Happy Hunting!
6: 1988 Cape Cod Prospects Ballpark #14 Frank Thomas
The 1988 Cape Cod Prospects set by Ballpark showcases top prospects from around the league that year, including Thomas. Notably, it also features one of the earliest cards of Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, along with Mo Vaughn. This is one of the rarer Thomas prospect cards, but it’s not impossible to find. Look at those biceps. Dude was, and still is, a tank.
