Just in case, Thome is making plans for life after playing. He would like to stay in the game in some capacity.
“The game has given me a lot and I could give a lot back,” he said. “There is going to be a next journey. I don’t know what it is, but it will be exciting.”
Thome enjoyed serving as a mentor to players in September and got a special kick out of a hot streak by journeyman Shelley Duncan, who had six homers and 21 RBIs in September.
“Shelley was one who asked a lot of questions and I tried to help,” Thome said. “I was talking with (hitting coach) Bruce Fields and we agreed that Shelley can be a monster. He has done a lot to improve and it was really special to see what he did.”
Thome said a lot of Cleveland fans have encouraged him to re-sign, but he understands it is not entirely his decision.
“Everybody says you can play forever,” he said. “At age 41, you know you can’t. I have to admit I am enjoying getting up every morning and being with my family right now. We’ll see what’s going to happen.
“It is a process that will align itself.”
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