Cleveland, OH

Jim Thome got a special send off Sunday at Progressive Field in what was likely his last home game with the Cleveland Indians.

Thome had not played third base in almost 15 years but he made one more appearance at the hot corner as part of a tribute by manager Manny Acta.

"I just felt that if this is the end -- at least with our franchise -- I thought it was proper that he end where he started -- at third base," Acta said.

Thome was called on to pinch-hit and then stayed in the game at third base in the top of the ninth for just one pitch. Thome last played third base on Sept. 29, 1996.

"To get that opportunity to go back out there, it felt really good," Thome said. "Just like old times."

Lonnie Chisenhall moved from third to left field, then returned to the infield as Thome went to the dugout to a standing ovation. Chisenhall said he never played outfield before, but didn't mind the cameo.

"It was nice to see (Thome) out there," Chisenhall said. "I'm sure he has one or two more plays left in him."

In likely his last at-bat at Progressive Field in an Indians uniform, Thome batted for Shelley Duncan and drew the 1,724th walk of his career, eighth most in Major League history.

"I knew they were up to something fishy," Duncan said, "I understand the importance of getting him in there in the last home game. I was absolutely happy to be part of it. I had a feeling that if he would've gotten a good pitch to hit, he would've done some damage."

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