Trevecca Nazarene University

Kenny Thomas played for the Trevecca baseball program during the 1976, 1977, and 1978 seasons. Thomas had a tremendous career that included a .335 batting average with 124 runs scored, 28 home runs, 130 RBI, 157 hits, and was 12 of 12 in stolen-base attempts. The Nashville Stratford High School product still ranks in Trevecca's top five for home runs and RBIs.

As a senior, Thomas had a .395 batting average with 10 home runs, 46 runs, 68 hits, and 43 RBIs. At the time of his graduation Thomas owned five (RBIs, walks, runs, home runs, hits) season records and three (runs, home runs, RBIs) career records.

His numbers as well as his work behind the plate earned him all-conference, all-district 24, all-area 5, and NAIA All-American honors. He was Trevecca's first NAIA All-American in any sport. Thomas was selected to the all-conference team three times and was selected to the NAIA All-District 24 Team twice.

Thomas is also the only Trevecca athlete to have his jersey retired. Coach Bill Green retired Thomas's No. 19 jersey following his playing days.

1976 (Sophomore)
.329 BA
57 RBI (season record)
46 walks (season record)
47 runs (season record)
12 HR (season record)
104 total bases (led team)

All-NAIA District 24 Team
All-Conference Team
Most Valuable Player

1977 (Junior)
12 doubles
11-11 stolen bases

All-Conference Team

1978 (Senior)
.395 BA (led team)
68 hits (season record)
46 runs
68 hits (led team)
10 HR
43 RBI

All-Conference Team
All-NAIA District 24 Team
All-NAIA Area 5 Team
NAIA All-American

Career Notes
.335 BA
124 runs (career record)
28 HRs (career record)
130 RBI (career record)
157 hits
12-12 stolen bases
91 walks

Career Rankings At Time Of Graduation
BA - 6th
HR - 1st
RBI -1st
SB - 8th
R - 1st
3B - 23rd
2B - 2nd
 

After Graduation

Since his graduation Thomas has remained active in baseball. He coached a Nashville Stan Musial team for nine years that included their winning a national championship. He later coached Volunteer State Community College's team for 12 years with a 520-223 record. He moved to the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 2000. In eight years at the helm of the Pacers' program, he has a 280-183 record. His record in the college ranks is now 800-406 in 20 years.

Thomas also became a local scout for the New York Yankees (1980-81), Cincinnati Reds (1981-82), and St. Louis Cardinals (1982-88).  After becoming head coach at Volunteer State, Thomas remained with the Cardinals' organization in a part-time capacity until 1995.