Former Boston Red Sox Player George Thomas Passes Away at 88

George Thomas, a former utility player for the Boston Red Sox, has died at the age of 88. He was part of the 1967 team that won the American League pennant. His passing was reported by sports columnist Patrick Reusse.

Born on November 29, 1937, in Minneapolis, Thomas began his professional career with the Detroit Tigers in 1957 after attending the University of Minnesota. He played for the Los Angeles Angels during their inaugural season in 1961 before returning to Detroit. Thomas joined the Red Sox in 1966, where he played until 1971, participating in 222 games and achieving a batting average of .264.

His most notable season was in 1967 when the Red Sox advanced to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Thomas played in 65 regular-season games that year and had two plate appearances in the World Series. Over his 13-year major league career, he played every position except pitcher and recorded 46 home runs and 202 RBIs. After retiring, he returned to the University of Minnesota as an assistant coach and later became the head coach of the Golden Gophers from 1979 to 1981. The university honors him with the George Thomas Most Improved Player Award.