CSN Bay Area

Frank Thomas blazed a return to glory in an Oakland A’s uniform. On Wednesday, he was elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame.

[RELATED: Thomas among three elected to Hall of Fame]

Thomas, a two-time MVP with the Chicago White Sox who finished his 19-year with 521 home runs, was elected in his first year of eligibility along with pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. He was named on 483 of 571 ballots.

Thomas’ career was floundering when he signed as a free agent with Oakland before the 2006 season. “The Big Hurt” bounced back with a monster season at age 38, hitting .270 with 39 home runs and 114 RBI. He helped lead the A’s to the American League Championship Series and finished fourth in MVP voting that season.

Thomas, who spent most of his career as a designated hitter, returned to the A’s in 2008 but could not recapture the same magic.

The A's released the following congratulatory statement on after Thomas' election to the Hall of Fame on Wednesday:

“We congratulate Frank on joining the immortals of baseball. While he spent only two seasons with our organization, we had the distinct privilege to experience his greatness as a player and as a person. Beyond his special talents, Frank Thomas was the consummate professional who respected the game, his teammates and his opponents, and he exhibited the kind of class every player should aspire to. He is richly deserving of this honor.”