You hear it all the time: the guy is one of the best people in the game.

But what exactly is meant by such a high praise and accolade for a member of a sports team?  There are numerous explanations for levying such a title on someone.  For instance, they can be a great person because of the things they do off the field, court, or outside the arena.  Their charitable works can cement their place in people's hearts and forever endear them to a city. 

Because athletes are often viewed as heroes with many adoring idols, we see the negative more than the positive.  Steroids have skewed our perceptions (and are continuing to do so), gun charges and other crimes are making front-page news for sports fans, and other morally wrong actions are making some fans cringe at names of certain star athletes.

It's time to dedicate an article to those who fit the mold of "All-Around Good Guy."  People who could care less about personal achievements in their sport, and more about the people of the community, those less fortunate, and those with life-threatening illness.

I'm sure there are many examples out there, but, because I reside in the Chicagoland area, I have been blessed with the opportunity to watch Jim Thome play for the Chicago White Sox (prior to his trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 31, 2009).  Here is a man who, due to recent difficulties in baseball concerning the steroids issue, has come under questions for his achievements on the baseball field.  However, many will attest that they feel Thome is clean (although no reports either way have said so).  But regardless of what he does on the field or in the clubhouse, he always maintains a superior level of professionalism.

In tough economic times, Thome has continued to raise funds for the Children's Hospitals of Illinois, and has even pushed Illinois legislators to continue to aid children who are less privileged than most, even in difficult budget crunches.  http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-white-sox-confidential/White%20Sox%20OpEd.pdf

Sure, he's just a Major League Baseball player, one who has captivated cities and fans around the country, hitting long moon shot homeruns, been the perfect teammate to all members of his teams, and still realizes the more important things in life.

Hall of Fame worthy?  Very likely.

All-around-good guy?  You betcha.

There's more to life than sports, and Jim Thome understands that well.

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