Thome joins Hall hopefuls in 1st time on ballot
(MLB.com Chicago White Sox)

Joe Crede played alongside Jim Thome during three of the slugger`s four seasons with the White Sox. Aaron Rowand was traded to Philadelphia for Thome following the White Sox 2005 World Series championship season. But if Crede and Rowand -- two accomplished players in their own right -- had their way, Thome would have long ago been specially inducted into the Hall of Fame prior to waiting the requisite five years after his retirement and making his first appearance on the 2018 ballot as announced Monday.