Lee Thomas passes away
MLB.com
August 31, 2022

(c) Houston Astros

Lee Thomas, Phillies general manager from 1988-97, passed away at his home in St. Louis, Mo., today. He was 86 years old.

As the architect of the club, Thomas was credited with building the roster that captured the National League pennant in 1993, one year after they finished in last place. From 1989-93, he acquired John Kruk, Terry Mulholland, Curt Schilling, Lenny Dykstra, Milt Thompson, Danny Jackson and many others, setting the stage for the Phillies’ improbable run. Ultimately, 80 percent of the Phillies postseason roster in 1993 had been acquired via free agency or trade by Thomas. That season, during which he also selected future stalwart third baseman Scott Rolen in the June amateur draft, he was named Sporting News Executive of the Year.

“Lee was a great man and will be missed incredibly,” said Phillies Chairman Emeritus Bill Giles. “I will never forget all the fun we had watching the 1993 Phillies National League championship team that he put together. Through his leadership, Lee has left an indelible mark on Phillies history. My love goes out to his wife Susie and his entire family.”

Born James Leroy Thomas on Feb. 5, 1936, in Peoria, Ill., “Lee,” as he became known, excelled in basketball, football and baseball in his high school days. He would wind up with a career in the latter that spanned parts of six decades as a player, coach, manager, scout and executive.

A former All-Star who played both outfield and first base, Thomas spent eight major league seasons with the New York Yankees (1961), Los Angeles Angels (1961-64), Boston Red Sox (1964-65), Atlanta Braves (1966), Chicago Cubs (1966-67) and Houston Astros (1968). He hit 106 home runs in 1,027 career games, clubbing 20 or more four times. In 1962, he was named an American League All-Star, batting .290 with 26 home runs and 104 RBI. Thomas, who first took the field in 1954 in the Yankees’ organization, wrapped up his playing career in 1970 with the St. Louis Cardinals’ triple-A affiliate.

He remained with the Cardinals past his playing days, holding positions as a bullpen coach and manager in the minors, before moving to the front office. Thomas first worked in sales and promotions, then as traveling secretary before becoming the club’s director of player development in 1980. During his tenure with the Cardinals, the team won three pennants and the World Series. He was hired by the Phillies on June 21, 1988, as vice president of player personnel. Thomas was later promoted to vice president, general manager and finally to senior vice president, general manager in 1992.

Following his nine-and-a-half-year stint at the helm of Philadelphia’s baseball operations, the third-longest in club history, he spent six seasons with the Red Sox as a special assistant to the general manager. He then served as a scout for the Milwaukee Brewers until 2006, and from 2011-18 was with the Baltimore Orioles as a special assistant. Thomas was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Thomas is survived by his wife Susie and his sons Matthew, Scott, Deron and Daryl.

Thomas, Lee
Legacy.com
September 3, 2022

February 5, 1936 - August 31, 2022. Born James Leroy Thomas in Peoria, Illinois, Lee passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning at his home in St. Louis surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Johanson, stepfather Hildor Johanson, and son Michael (1987). He was the loving husband of forty years to Susan, father of Matthew, Scott (Sara), Deron and Daryl, loving grandfather to Saige, and beloved father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

A graduate of Beaumont High School, Lee turned down a four year scholarship to Vanderbilt University, opting instead to sign a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. The rest, as they say, is history.

While Lee had no siblings, he found a second family in baseball. His career in the game spanned over six decades, first as a player and then working through the administrative ranks of Major League Baseball.

Once the news of his cancer diagnosis was known, Lee was humbled by the countless calls and messages left for him, particularly by the baseball community, expressing their concern and well wishes.

Lee, always grateful to those who helped advance his career, took great satisfaction in employing others or recommending them for a job. In lieu of flowers, one way to honor his memory would be to "pay it forward" by helping someone else or by donating to the charity of your choice.

Services: In his honor, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17th, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church in Webster Groves, MO. Private Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.