Back in February, the White Sox kicked off Black History Month by posting a timeline graphic commemorating numerous relevant historic moments, figures and achievements. The intentions may have been noble, but the format's limitations came into stark relief when Frank Thomas noticed that he was barely mentioned.
I Guess the black player who made you rich over there and holds all your records is forgettable! Don’t worry I’m taking Receipts!
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) February 1, 2026
Thomas wasn't literally "forgettable," in the sense that he was technically accounted for as a two-time Most Valuable Player under the 1972 listing for Dick Allen's MVP. However, it's safe to say the graphic undersells Thomas' accomplishments. To name one of a few quibbles with consistency, if it were only about "momentous firsts," then Harold Baines would be listed as a extra point under Danny Goodwin's item about Black No. 1 overall draft picks, rather than getting his own year.
Nearly two months later, Thomas is coming for literal "receipts." He's suing the White Sox, along with Nike and Fanatics, alleging the sales of items bearing his name and likeness without permission or contract. The complaint centers on the sales of the City Connect 2.0 uniforms, aka the White Sox's Bulls jerseys. Thomas is seeking damages exceeding $50,000, plus attorneys fees and expenses.
“The complaint we filed alleges violations of the Illinois Right to Publicity Act," said William T. Gibbs of the law firm Corboy & Demetrio in a statement. "Companies may not profit from anyone’s identity without their permission.
We believe our filing speaks for itself."
In turn, the White Sox have reiterated their policy of not commenting on active litigation.
This is the latest episode in a contentious relationship that stems back to Thomas' post-prime years with the Sox at the turn of the century, and it's the second time he's sued the team. Corboy & Demetrio represented Thomas in a previous lawsuit against the team, a medical malpractice suit in 2006 claiming a misdiagnosis of a foot injury. Thomas and the White Sox settled the case in 2011.
Spare Parts
Following up on an investigation into corporate misconduct toward women The Athletic published back in September, Brittany Ghiroli reports that a longtime Tigers employee sent a lengthy email detailing conduct complaints about an executive, only to be let go because higher-ups had interpreted the email as a resignation letter.
As somebody who thinks players shouldn't be allowed to use cheat sheets on the field during the game, I wholeheartedly endorse Ben Lindbergh's protest against front office creep, especially now that teams besides the Marlins are advancing toward calling pitches from the dugout.
Let's double up on Lindbergh pieces, this since this summary of the looming labor mess is an even-handed accounting of all the factors and rhetoric. I'm of the mind that the league can't afford to miss games because it'd hamper their attempts to replace lucrative national TV deals, but we probably won't truly know the resolve of either side until next March.
News of an impending contract extension for Pete Crow-Armstrong broke last night, but the terms have been slow to reveal themselves. Bob Nightengale is presenting a range, saying it will be "at least six years and perhaps as long as nine years," and will "more than double" the $66 million extension offer he rejected last year.
In his first year managing the Texas Rangers, Skip Schumaker has iterated on "telling a guy he's making the majors for the first time in a heartwarming way." Rather than record the office meeting with a hidden camera, he told Baumler during a mound visit.
