Jim Thome is a 2018 MLB Hall of Fame member and former American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 22 seasons (1991-2012), playing for six different teams. The Peoria, Illinois native enrolled at Illinois Central College out of high school, playing baseball and basketball, but was drafted after just one season by the Cleveland Indians (OH) in the 13th round of the 1989 MLB Draft. Throughout his professional career, Thome hit 612 home runs, eighth-most all time, along with 2,328 hits, 1,699 runs batted in (RBI), and a .276 batting average. Only six players have totaled at least 1,700 walks and 1,699 RBI and among those are Babe Ruth, Mel Ott, and Thome.  

Thome was a member of five All-Star teams and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1996. From 1989 to 1991, Thome played for the Gulf Coast League Indians, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, dedicating rookie time to his power hitting. By 1992, Thome was a rising baseball star with the Indians and became Cleveland's go-to third baseman. In 1995, the young Thome hit .314 with 25 homers and 73 RBI, helping the team reach their first World Series in 41 years. Thome moved to first base following the 1996 season. Thome remained in Cleveland for 12 seasons, which included three straight All-Star nods from 1997-99. After a departure for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2003, Thome notably returned to the Indians roster for the 2011 season at age 40.  

As a result of Thome's impact on Illinois Central and dedication to baseball, Illinois Central honored the 1989 alumnus on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, naming the baseball and softball fields after him. Thome became the 13th Cleveland Indian to become a Hall of Famer. Currently, Thome is working in the Chicago White Sox front office, a role that includes helping as an instructor during spring training. Thome began working with the White Sox in 2018 after retiring from baseball as a player six years prior.