Thome to be honored by Indians

The summer of celebrations continues for Jim Thome.

Thome, who hit 337 of his 612 home runs in 12-plus seasons with the Indians, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29.

On Aug. 17 and 18, the Indians will honor the fan favorite and left-handed batting slugger during a series of events at Progressive Field.

After the 7:10 p.m. game between the Indians and Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 17, there will be a fireworks show accompanied by video highlights of Thome’s exploits with the Indians.

The video will be augmented by audio of radio and TV game calls and music chosen by Thome.

The first 20,000 fans entering the ballpark for the 4:05 p.m. game Aug. 18 will receive a Jim Thome No. 25 Indians uniform top with a Hall of Fame insignia.

An on-field ceremony featuring Thome and his family will take place before the game Aug. 18.

Curtis Danburg, senior director of communications for the Indians, said the proceedings will begin at 3:15 p.m.

Indians radio play-byplay announcer Tom Hamilton will emcee the ceremony, which will include the presentation of gifts and mementos as well as remarks by Thome and former Indians manager Charlie Manuel. Also participating in the ceremony will be former Indians manager Mike Hargrove and a lineup of Thome’s former Indians teammates including Sandy Alomar Jr., Carlos Baerga and Kenny Lofton.

Thome’s daughter, Lila, will sing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.

Danburg said the Hall of Fame plaque of Thome that eventually will be permanently installed in Cooperstown, N.Y. will be on display at Heritage Park in Progressive Field from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 18.

A statue of Thome was unveiled outside the center field gates at Progressive Field in August 2014.