Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Thies served in the 117th Infantry Division during World War II conflict. After discharge, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign for one year.\n', '

After playing for several minor league teams, Thies joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954, pitching in 34 games (33 starts) while collecting a 3–9 record and a 3.87 earned run average in 130 innings. In addition, he hurled three complete games, including a three-hit shutout on August 13 against the Philadelphia Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. His ERA was the second-best for the last-place Pirates, being surpassed only by Dick Littlefield (3.60).\n', '

In 1955, Thies made one start for the Pirates at Forbes Field while facing the Brooklyn Dodgers. He allowed five runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks, while striking out one batter in 3​2⁄3 innings of work. He was credited with the loss and never appeared in a major league game again.\n', '

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