Comcast SportsNet Chicago is looking to connect with documentary aimed at viewers with a soft spot for the man nicknamed "The Big Hurt."
To commemorate his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, CSN Chicago will debut Welcome to Cooperstown: Frank Thomas on July 17 at 6:30 p.m. (CT). Check out a clip here.
The one-hour Comcast SportsNet original production chronicles the life and playing career of the White Sox legend. Narrated by author, radio host, columnist, and lifelong Chisox fan Richard Roeper, the doc provides an in-depth look at Thomas’ personal and professional life from his childhood days being a three-sports star in Columbus, Ga, to his historic, record-breaking career with the White Sox, in which he won back-to-back American League MVP honors in 1993 and 1994, and to his receiving the official call that will enshrine his legacy.
In addition to the exclusive interviews with Thomas, now in his third year as studio analyst for White Sox baseball on CSN, Welcome to Cooperstown also includes interviews with numerous baseball notables, including White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf; White Sox television play-by-play announcer Ken “Hawk” Harrelson and former White Sox analyst Tom Paciorek; Thomas’ Columbus High School baseball coach Bobby Howard, former White Sox batting instructor Walt Hriniak, sports psychologist Jim Fannin; ex- White Sox teammate Paul Konerko; Oakland Athletics general manage Biilly Beane, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers managers Mike Scioscia, Ron Washington and Don Mattingly, among others.
CSNChicago.com's White Sox section will also present additional exclusive excerpts that are not part of the film.
CSN Chicago is also pitching fans fans to share their thoughts, memories and comments on social media by utilizing the Twitter hashtag #BigHurtHOF during the doc’s debut. Comcast SportsNet’s Twitter handle -- @CSNChicago -- will be retweeting a number of fan tweets that evening, plus – a select number of fan tweets using the #BigHurtHOF hashtag will have the opportunity to win a CSN prize pack, special autographed items, including a signed Thomas bat.
Immediately following the film’s premiere at 7:30 p.m., CSN Chicago will encore SportChannel’s telecast the White Sox’ game from July 27, 1993, when Thomas put the hurt on the Cleveland Indians with a pair of homers as part of 4-4, five RBI performance.
CSN will also re-air the documentary on July 17 at 10 p.m., as well as Saturday, July 26 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, July 27 at 4:30 p.m. the day of Thomas officially becomes a member of Cooperstown's illustrious fraternity.
