Eric Thames Biography: Age, Height, Ethnicity, Baseball Career, Parents, Net Worth, Religion, Girlfriend
Eric Allyn Thames, professionally known as Eric Thames, is an American former professional baseball player who gained international recognition for his powerful hitting in Major League Baseball (MLB) and South Korea’s Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
Nicknamed “Mr. Tee” and “Sang Namja,” he became a superstar for the NC Dinos, winning the 2015 KBO MVP Award and becoming the first player in KBO history to record a 40-home-run, 40-stolen-base season.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Eric Allyn Thames |
| Stage Name: | Eric Thames |
| Born: | November 10, 1986 (age 40 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | San Jose, California, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | African-American |
| Height: | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Thames |
| Occupation: | Former professional baseball player, first baseman, outfielder |
| Net Worth: | $10 million |
Early Life and Education
Eric Thames was born on November 10, 1986, in San Jose, California, to Mr and Mrs Thames.
He grew up in the San Jose–Santa Clara area, where he developed his baseball skills and became passionate about the sport.
Details about his siblings have not been firmly established.
Eric Thames is African-American and grew up in California, where he attended Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose.
He became a regular member of the school’s varsity baseball team during his junior year and was named team MVP in 2004.
He later studied at Cabrillo College, West Valley College, and Pepperdine University, where his impressive batting performances helped attract professional scouts. His religion is Christianity.
Career
Eric Thames began attracting attention as a baseball prospect while attending Bellarmine College Preparatory.
He earned All-League recognition during his high school career and became the team’s most valuable player in 2004.
After high school, he continued developing at the college level, eventually transferring to Pepperdine University, where he played for the Pepperdine Waves.
During the 2007 MLB Draft, the New York Yankees selected Thames in the 39th round, but he did not sign with the organisation.
He returned to Pepperdine for another season and delivered an outstanding performance in 2008, batting .407 with 13 home runs.
His success earned him the West Coast Conference Player of the Year award.
The Toronto Blue Jays selected Thames in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB Draft.
He signed a professional contract and began working his way through the minor leagues.
His hitting ability helped him progress through the organisation, and he made his MLB debut on May 18, 2011.
During his rookie season, he batted .262, recorded 12 home runs, and drove in 37 runs across 95 games.
Eric Thames later joined the Seattle Mariners in 2012 after a trade involving the Blue Jays.
However, he struggled to maintain consistent production in the major leagues and spent time in the minor leagues.
After stints in the Toronto and Seattle organisations, he moved to the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros minor league systems.
A major turning point arrived in 2014, when Thames signed with the NC Dinos of South Korea’s KBO League. The move transformed his career.
He quickly adapted to Korean baseball, combining power hitting, speed, and improved plate discipline.
His outstanding performances made him one of the league’s most popular foreign players.
The 2015 season was particularly remarkable. Thames batted .381, hit 47 home runs, drove in 140 runs, and stole 40 bases.
He became the first player in KBO history to achieve a 40-home-run, 40-stolen-base season, an accomplishment that helped establish his reputation as an exceptional all-around offensive player.
He won the KBO Most Valuable Player Award and the KBO Golden Glove Award at first base.
In 2016, Thames continued producing impressive numbers, recording 40 home runs and 121 runs batted in.
He earned another Golden Glove Award and remained one of the most feared hitters in South Korea.
Across three seasons with the NC Dinos, he hit 124 home runs and became a fan favourite.
The city of Changwon also awarded him honorary citizenship in recognition of his popularity and contributions.
His success in South Korea attracted renewed interest from MLB organisations.
In 2017, Thames signed a three-year contract worth a reported $16 million with the Milwaukee Brewers.
His return to American baseball was spectacular at the beginning of the season.
He hit 11 home runs in April, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about hitters in the National League.
He finished the 2017 campaign with 31 home runs and 63 runs batted in, helping Milwaukee remain competitive in the National League Central Division.
Eric Thames continued playing for the Brewers during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Although injuries and fluctuations in performance affected his production, he remained a useful power hitter and first baseman.
In 2020, he joined the Washington Nationals, recording three home runs and 12 runs batted in during the shortened season.
After his MLB season, Thames moved to Japan to play for the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Unfortunately, an Achilles tendon injury limited his opportunities and affected his Japanese career.
He later signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics in 2022 but did not return to the major leagues.
In February 2023, Thames announced his retirement from professional baseball.
His career had taken him across several countries, including the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Venezuela.
His remarkable revival in South Korea remains one of the most memorable examples of a player rebuilding his career overseas before returning successfully to MLB.
In June 2026, Thames returned to South Korea for an MLB promotional initiative called the MLB Breakfast Club.
During the visit, he spoke about his continuing affection for the country, describing it as his second home.
He also attended baseball-related activities in Seoul, reconnecting with the country where he achieved the greatest individual success of his playing career.
Awards and Nominations
- KBO Most Valuable Player Award: 2015.
- KBO Golden Glove Award: 2015 and 2016.
- KBO All-Star: 2015 and 2016.
- KBO batting champion: 2015.
- KBO home run leader: 2016.
- West Coast Conference Player of the Year: 2008.
- Honorary citizenship of Changwon, South Korea: 2016.
Social Media
- Instagram: Eric Thames on Instagram.
- X: Eric Thames on X.
Personal Life
Eric Thames, 40 years old, is currently single and not married, there is no information about his past relationship.
He does not have any children. Outside baseball, he enjoys fitness, golf, music, and Korean food.
He developed a strong affection for South Korea during his years playing for the NC Dinos and continues visiting the country after retirement. His height is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m).
Net Worth
Eric Thames‘s net worth is estimated at around $10 million.
This is an approximate estimate rather than a verified disclosure of his personal finances.
His principal source of wealth was professional baseball, including MLB salaries, signing bonuses, and contracts in South Korea and Japan.
His reported three-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers was worth $16 million, while his recorded MLB salary earnings exceeded $20 million.
Taxes, agent fees, investments, and personal expenses affect his actual wealth.
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