MINNEAPOLIS -- Toronto Blue Jays slugger Frank Thomas belted his 500th career home run Thursday to become the 21st member of the exclusive club.

His historic hit was a 396-foot, three-run blast into the left field stands off the Twins' Carlos Silva in the first inning of the meeting between Toronto and Minnesota.

Thomas has had success against the Twins, as he also hit his first career home run at the Metrodome against Gary Wayne while playing for the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 28, 1990.

Thomas has hit 13 home runs in his first season with Toronto. He needs just four more to tie Hall of Famer Eddie Murray for 20th on the all-time list.

Earlier this month, Thomas became the all-time leader in home runs by a designated hitter, surpassing Edgar Martinez's record of 243.