Thome's hitting tips to Lisle kids: 'Don't get down on yourself'

When Jim Thome helped out Wednesday at a Bulls/Sox Academy baseball camp in Lisle, it wasn't all about the kids.

It was about their families, too, as the former White Sox designated hitter answered questions from parents like Tracy Swinford of Monee, who said her family attended the 2007 game when Thome hit his 500th home run, and wondered what it felt like for him.

"It was almost like time stops," Thome said, recalling the moment. "Once I got to third and I was heading home and I saw all my teammates, the emotion is just beyond what you can imagine."

And it was about Thome's own family, too, as he likened helping Lisle campers to coaching his son, Landon.

"It's been a lot of fun; I would say more enjoyable than I ever imagined it would be because that's ultimately what it's all about," Thome said. "I get more nervous watching him hit than I think I ever did when I played because you want him to succeed so bad, you know?"

But Thome wasn't at the White Sox Silver Slugger Camp to amaze parents or dazzle crowds with his approachable demeanor and friendly personality. He was there to give hitting tips to kids as a longtime major leaguer with 612 career home runs and 2,231 career hits.

He advised campers to mentally prepare for each at-bat, watch the pitcher's release point, choose a bat that feels right, stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and learn to accept failure.

"Don't get down on yourself if you strike out two, three times in a game," Thome said. "Trust me, it happens."

While Thome struck out a lot during his 22-year career, he also once tallied 7 RBI in a game, was a five-time All-Star and a three-time Home Run Derby participant. Talk about Thome someday making it into the Hall of Fame has begun, although another White Sox designated hitter, Frank Thomas, will have his name enshrined first.

"I think Frank is definitely a no-question first ballot Hall-of-Famer," Thome said. "I mean his numbers prove it. He was a force in the time that he played."

Thome said he tries not to focus yet on his potential to end up in Cooperstown.

"I think you let that process play its course," he said Wednesday. "I try not to get too ahead of myself. I mean it'd be great to be a part of that. If that ever happened one day I would be, I think, as excited as he (Thomas) is. I think it's every player's dream."

Aside from making it to the big leagues in the first place and winning a championship, that is. While he said it takes practice, a focus on health and some luck to make it to the major leagues, Thome said it all starts with playing the game.

"Typically the biggest challenge is getting kids back on the baseball field," Thome said. "Getting kids back involved with practicing baseball, I think in any capacity, is a great thing."