The Cleveland Guardians were facing elimination on Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. Jose Ramirez had a massive game, helping the Guardians defeat the White Sox 9-3 and force a Game 4.
While fans are happy about the Guardians' win, they did find something to complain about. At Game 3 in Cleveland, Guardians Hall of Famer Jim Thome was in attendance. He was also wearing black, upsetting the Cleveland fans.
“I have a lot of respect for Jim Thome, but it's disappointing to see him wearing all black at the game today. There isn't a statue of him in front of that shitty stadium in Chicago,” Jason Lloyd of The Athletic posted.
He was not the only one who was upset.
I grew up idolizing Jim Thome. The stance, the socks, everything.
Life is about choices.
He chose to work for a division rival. He chose to root against the team that built him a statue next to Feller, Doby, and Boudreau. He chose his garb.
People are allowed to feel betrayed. https://t.co/Q4FwvLwfGe
— La Mole (@FranmilsEyebrow) October 8, 2026
Villain Of The Day
Jim Thome
Has a statue in Cleveland and rooted for the White Sox yesterday. Sitting front row. Next level villain behavior. pic.twitter.com/wDyIXGRp8S
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin) October 8, 2026
While fans are upset with Thome, his wife, Andrea, took to social media to defend her husband.
Article Continues Below“People upset with my husband for rooting for the team that drafted our son, has employed him since 2013, and is where we’ve lived since 2006. We can be devoted Chicago White Sox fans and still be grateful for our time in Cleveland. How fun to have both teams in the playoffs,” Andrea Thome posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Thome spent from 1991 through 2002 with Cleveland before a stint with the Philadelphia Phillies. He would then play for the White Sox from 2006 to 2009 before being traded. Thome would return to Cleveland at the trade deadline in 2011. Still, since retirement, he has been a member of the White Sox staff. Further, Landon Thome, his son, was drafted in 2026 with the 34th overall selection by the White Sox.
Game 4 between the White Sox and Guardians is in Chicago, with first pitch set for 8 pm ET on Thursday night