Clete Scott Thomas (born November 22, 1983) is a former American professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Early Life and College Career Thomas was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended Mosley High School in Lynn Haven, Florida. He played college baseball at the University of Florida, where he was an integral part of the Florida Gators baseball team. His performance at the collegiate level led to him being drafted by a major league organization.
Professional Career Thomas was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the sixth round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft. After several seasons in the Tigers' minor league system, he made his MLB debut with the team on May 30, 2008. During his time with the Tigers from 2008 to 2010, Thomas was primarily utilized as a reserve outfielder, valued for his speed and defensive capabilities. He accumulated a modest number of at-bats, often serving as a late-inning defensive replacement or a pinch-runner.
Following his tenure with the Tigers, Thomas spent time in various minor league organizations. He made a return to the major leagues in 2013, first playing briefly for the Minnesota Twins. Later that season, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he saw more significant playing time, appearing in 68 games. His major league career concluded after the 2013 season. Throughout his career, Thomas was recognized for his strong outfield defense and base-running ability.