With the Brewers, Thomas was one of the franchise\'s most popular players. He was a leading home run hitter in the late 1970s and early 1980s, though he hit for a low batting average and frequently struck out. Thomas had good fielding skills and his throwing arm was strong until shoulder surgery in 1984, after which he became a designated hitter until his retirement in 1986.\n', '

Thomas was born in Charleston, South Carolina. His father, Gorman Sr, was a postal worker and a former minor league pitcher. Thomas was raised in nearby James Island. His family moved to Columbia, SC where he attended Cardinal Newman High School through his Junior year, playing on a State Championship Basketball team in 1968. He attended James Island High School his Senior year. In high school, Thomas earned 14 letters in four sports - baseball, football, basketball and track. He was the first draft pick of the Seattle Pilots in 1969.\n', '

In 1971, Thomas played Class A baseball in the Milwaukee system. With the Danville Warriors that year, Thomas led the Midwest League in both home runs and strikeouts. The next year with the Class AA San Antonio Brewers, Thomas led the Texas League in the same two categories, registering 26 home runs versus 171 strikeouts.\n', '

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