Frank Thomas

While at high school in Columbus, Thomas honed his jump shot in basketball, excelled as a tight end on the football field (also kicking extra points and making every one), and led the baseball team to a state title two years in a row. His senior year Thomas batted .440 and was voted onto the all-state team.

Despite his power and prowess in baseball, however, when the 1986 draft was over, 888 players from high schools and colleges from around the country had been drafted—but not Thomas. He was devastated, claiming later on that he would have played anywhere, just to be able to get on the diamond. But he also realized later that it was one of the better things to happen to him, forcing him into college. He accepted a football scholarship to Auburn, a perennial collegiate powerhouse, where the time spent in the weight room increased his power, and the time spent learning the game at the college level helped turn him into "The Big Hurt" he is today.