Jim Thome Passes Ernie Banks on All-Time Home Run List; Still Impossible to Hate

It's not every day that a White Sox player passes the most famous, most respected Chicago Cub of all-time on the career home runs list. But that's just what Jim Thome did last night, when he hit his 513th home run. In doing so, he moved past Ernie Banks (and Eddie Matthews) into sole possession of 19th place on the all-time list.

Being a Cubs fan, this is sort of where I expect a bunch of North Side goons to bemoan the fact that Thome just superceded Mr. Cub. This is sort of where I expect my fellow fans to toss a beer on themselves, and a beer at the nearest White Sox fan. Parrrrtay! Of sadness! Unfortuantely, it's kinda hard to be mad when Thome says things like this:

"I mean, Mr. Cub. I grew up a Cubs fan," he said before Friday night's game with Baltimore was called after a long rain delay. "As your career goes on, you don't fathom being in a list like that. I guess you have to be very lucky and blessed to play a long time. But again, those things are great. When you win, it's even better."

Thome received a congratulatory message from Banks, although they have not yet talked. He hopes they will meet on the next Sox trip to Los Angeles, where Banks now lives.

Can't ... get mad ... at Jim Thome. Damn you, Jim! Stop being so lovable!