ASHEVILLE - Asheville native Charles Thomas made his major league debut with the Atlanta Braves Wednesday for their game against the Florida Marlins.  Thomas, 25, who was leading the International League in hitting, played at Asheville High and Western Carolina University. He is the second Asheville High player and sixth WCU player to reach the major leagues.
(Citizen-Times Photo)

The left-handed hitting outfielder was originally in the starting lineup for last night's game in Miami but was scratched when he didn't arrive at the park in time. Pinch hitting for Braves pitcher John Thomson, Thomas struck out swinging in his first major league at bat, which came in the fifth inning of Atlanta's 6-0 loss to the Marlins.

Thomas, who couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday, played for Triple A Richmond Tuesday night in Scranton, Pa. He went 4-for-5 with a double and three RBIs.

"I've never seen him play (but) I hear some pretty good darn things about him," Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said o­n his pre-game radio show. "He runs and throws."

"I'm proud of him," said Gene Hammonds, who was Thomas' baseball coach at Asheville High. "He did it through hard work and dedication. Things have come together for him this year. I'm happy for him.

"As a coach, this is what it's all about - following your players and seeing their success."

Thomas was hitting .358 for Richmond and was also leading the league in o­n-base percentage (.416). He had four triples, four home runs and 18 doubles among his 77 hits to go along with his 31 runs and 32 RBIs. He was also selected to play in the Triple A All-Star game.

Thomas was the Braves' 19th-round draft pick in 2000.

One of his former high school competitors was happy for Thomas.

"It's real inspiring to all the players in the region like us," said former Roberson High School standout Josh Bonifay, who plays first base for the Double A Altoona (Pa.) Curve of the Eastern League.

"Something like this gives you a little hope. At any moment they could call you up."

Contact Messer at 232-5837 or JMesser@CITIZEN-TIMES.com.