(Photo By Flickr User Erik Drost)

Peoria, IL native, Jim Thome, gets the call to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility.

Thome’s career highlights is one to rival the likes Barry Bonds, George “Babe” Ruth, and Mark McGwire.

His 612 career home runs ranks 8th in MLB history and fans consider him one of the best hitters in baseball history.

According to week.com, Thome and his family will be flying to Cooperstown, NY later this week for a special press conference.

During Thome’s 22-year baseball career, he has played for teams such as the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles,

He will officially be inducted into the hall of fame on the final weekend of July 2018.