JUNE 24, 1983 | MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – More than 46,000 fans squeezed into Milwaukee County Stadium on this date in 1983 to witness the return of Stormin’ Gorman – other team’s center-fielder. In an outpouring of affection rarely shown pampered, high-salaried pro athletes – especially from the opposing team – Milwaukee Brewer fans showed their appreciation for one of their most beloved players, Gorman Thomas . He had been traded to the Cleveland Indians 18 days earlier.
Fans were furious that Thomas was no longer a Brewer. Early in his career fans were often furious that Thomas was a Brewer. He had a low batting average and struck out a lot. During the 5-season span from 1974 – ’78, Thomas was up and down from the big team to the minors, spending the entire ’77 season at Spokane. He finally had a break out year in 1978, hitting 32 home runs, and driving in 86 runs. Thomas also turned out to be an excellent centerfielder. During the 5 seasons from ‘78 to ‘82, Thomas averaged 35 home runs and 98 runs batted in. He was a key part of the Brewers’ only World Series team in 1982.
It was as much Thomas’ persona and early failures as his slugging that endeared him to Brewer fans. He was the epitome of Milwaukee – a tough looking, but easy-going, lunch pail carrying, mutton chopped throwback who could have been any one of thousands of working stiffs in this blue collar town if he wasn’t a major league baseball player.
Thomas was as devastated by the 1983 trade from the Brewers as the fans were infuriated. It brought him to tears, but he got a chance to finish his career as a Brewer in 1986. ‘Stormin’ Gorman Thomas was inducted into the Brewer Walk of Fame in 2004.
CONTRIBUTING SOURCES:
The Milwaukee Journal, June 25, 1983, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Baseball Cube: Gorman Thomas