Thomas was a star outfielder in the Negro Leagues during segregation. Known for his speed and great hitting, he played for the Brooklyn Royal Giants, Detroit Stars, Hilldale Giants, and New York Black Yankees, among others. He once beat legendary pitcher Satchel Paige with a game-saving catch and had a lifetime batting average near .350.

After retiring in 1939 due to an ankle injury, Thomas worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War II and later moved to Charleston, where he had a job at the state capitol until he was in his 80s. In 1976, he was honored with a reunion of former Negro League players in his hometown of Greenup, Kentucky.