Hall-of-Famer Jim Thome’s homecoming hits a grand slam of emotions
Son Landon shines in father’s return to roots
Jim Thome, Major League Baseball legend, Hall-of-Famer, and former White Sox great, returned to his roots in Bartonville, Ill., last week as the hitting coach for his son Landon’s high school team, Nazareth Academy (7-0). The Roadrunners faced off in a doubleheader against Thome’s alma mater, the Limestone High School Rockets (4-3). The contest carried a sentimental weight, blending family history, community pride, and a legendary legacy on the diamond.
The idea for the matchup was the brainchild of Limestone coach Tyler Christiansen. He pitched the idea to Nazareth’s athletic director in his first year as head coach while attending an IHSBCA clinic. The AD discussed the idea with the Roadrunners head coach, Lee Milano, who agreed to a pair of contests. Limestone went up to LaGrange in March 2024, and Nazareth traveled to Bartonville last Friday.
The Rockets were pumped for Thome’s homecoming. Limestone senior Caden Klecker created a cool hype video that was shared on various social media platforms. As you can imagine, the video generated quite a buzz around the local community.
Looking forward to a great night this Friday! @Baseball_Naz pic.twitter.com/ZgsapE8JSA
— Limestone Rockets Baseball (@lchs310baseball) March 25, 2025
The doubleheader began with a non-conference game, followed by an exhibition contest where Thome sat with the Limestone Rockets as a bench coach. Limestone’s players had the opportunity to interact with Thome, asking questions about his illustrious 22-year career in Major League Baseball. The presence of the Hall-of-Famer added a unique dimension to a contest that, while important for both teams as they prepare for conference play, became about much more than just another Friday night baseball game.
It wasn’t only a special opportunity for the players, but the spectators in attendance also felt Thome’s connection to Limestone and the greater Central Illinois community throughout the evening. Between innings, Jim took time to sign memorabilia for fans young and old, ensuring that everyone who wanted to meet him got the chance. For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime event held right in their own backyard.
Nazareth, the 2022 and 2023 3A state champions, won the non-conference game, 6-4. What was the difference in the contest? Two solo shots by Jim’s son, Landon. The left-handed hitting junior, who wears the same No. 25 in honor of his father, went 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs. The home runs were the first and second of the season for Thome.
Landon is currently ranked as the No. 3 player in Illinois by Prep Baseball. Known for both his power and finesse on the field, Landon is a versatile middle infielder with a bright future ahead of him. His connection to his dad’s legacy only adds to the emotional weight of these types of moments.
Jim’s twin sister, Jenny, shared her emotions about seeing her nephew play and her brother return to the field where he first honed his skills. “It’s going to be emotional watching him coach Landon on the same field he played on at Landon’s age,” she said. “It really brings back lots of memories and emotions of our parents, our childhood, and what baseball means to our family.”
Jim’s wife, Andrea, echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on how surreal it was to watch their son play on the same field that Jim once did. “It’s a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience, for sure,” she said. “I only wish Jim’s parents were in the stands to see it, although I can’t help thinking Landon and Jim will have two angels in the outfield.” She also highlighted the significance of returning to Bartonville, emphasizing the rare opportunity to connect with family and friends amidst everyone’s busy lives.
For Andrea, the moment isn’t just about Jim’s legacy but how baseball has continued to impact their family. “We are honored to be Landon’s parents and can’t wait to see where his path leads,” she said, noting that their son has committed to the University of Tennessee upon his 2026 graduation.
The evening was also a full circle moment for Christiansen, Limestone’s head coach, who spoke about the emotional significance of the game and described the event as a “story that writes itself”: “How many opportunities has the game of baseball had where you have a Hall-of-Famer who is able to come back and watch their son compete at the same field he did growing up? I have to believe that list could be counted on one hand.”
Christiansen, a former Limestone player himself, recalled his own experiences with Thome, including a memorable autograph session he had as a young fan at a Menards store early in Thome’s career. The skipper also highlighted Thome’s generosity, sharing that Jim and Andrea gifted the team backpacks this season.
For Limestone’s players, the presence of a Hall-of-Famer was both inspiring and surreal. Christiansen recalled how his players were starstruck the previous year when they had the chance to ask Thome questions. This time around, Thome spent time interacting with the players during the exhibition game, offering advice and answering their questions as a mentor and coach. It was indeed a unique opportunity for the players to take away invaluable lessons from Thome’s experience.
For Jim, his return to Bartonville for these games and his involvement in baseball was not only about his past accomplishments but also about giving back to the game he loves. Whether it is his coaching role with the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners, his position with the Chicago White Sox, or his broadcasting work with MLB Network, Thome remains exceptionally committed to the growth of the sport.
Andrea reflected on her husband’s impact, saying, “I’m so proud of my husband. Jim’s career is proof to young players in his hometown and beyond that anything is possible with dedication and hard work”. She went on to note that Jim’s presence in the Limestone community serves as an example for young players, encouraging them to chase their dreams.
Jim Thome’s homecoming underscored baseball’s unique ability to bridge generations and forge meaningful memories. The experience was a powerful reminder to all in attendance of the enduring connection between a hometown hero and his roots. It proved that the game’s legacy lies not just in talent on the field but in the traditions, dedication, and ties it fosters.
If you answered yes to the poll, I would love to hear about your hometown hero in the comments.