The Interrogation Room with Frank Thomas: Big Hurt’s a brewer

Frank Thomas

Updated: May 9, 2012 9:56AM

Frank Thomas debuted with the White Sox in 1990, and for more than a decade, everything the slugger did was big, including his exit from the team and feud with general manager Ken Williams. A statue was erected in Thomas’ honor at the Cell this summer, and he released a new beer this fall. Good time for an Interrogation Room.

Joe Cowley: Be honest, did you think Robin Ventura could be a manager someday?

Frank Thomas: Robin is a good man. One thing about him is he’s very consistent with his personality, and that’s going to be a good trait for a manager. Sure, he’s got a lot to learn. . . . It’s going to take a little time for Robin.

JC: But you had to be shocked.

FT: Never really shocked because I told him a few years ago, ‘‘Look, if you’re ever going to get into baseball, you need to be a manager.’’ He’s like, ‘‘Too busy, man. I got my kids.’’ But he’s always had that [manager] mentality. He’ll be fine.

JC: Was it hard to watch what Adam Dunn did this year?

FT: That’s not fun.

JC: Is he done? Did the switch to DH and the American League crush him?

FT: I thought Ozzie Guillen did a great job mixing him in the field. I just think he got into a mental funk and couldn’t get out.

JC: I knew you liked to pound coffee all day before games, but now you’re a beer guy? Big Hurt Beer?

FT: When people hear about it, I know the initial reaction is, ‘‘What the hell?’’ But, no, it’s a great brew. I’ve always been a beer connoisseur.

JC: Will players drink it in the clubhouse during games?

FT: [Laughs] I hope not until after, but trust me, it’s a great beer. . . . It’s got a Canadian feel to it and can sneak up on you.

JC: Kind of like I did for this interview?

FT: [Ignores me] We debuted it on Oct. 15, then we’ll expand from there. It’s in Chicago now and will go throughout Illinois the next month and a half. There are plans for expansion nationwide. You need to try it.

JC: I’m sold.

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