CANFIELD — A former Major League Baseball player and fan favorite during his years in a Cleveland uniform has been named to the board of directors of Farmers National Banc Corp.

Andre Thornton will start his one-year term as director Jan. 1, and will serve on the board’s enterprise risk management and corporate governance / nominating committees, according to a release Monday.

Thornton went into business after his retirement in 1987. In his more than 30 years as an entrepreneur, he helped guide a restaurant management group that was sold to Applebee’s International, the company that operates Applebee’s restaurants.

He is president / CEO of Mogadore-based ASW Global LLC, a third-party logistics provider for local, national and multinational companies. In that role, Thornton sets the direction of the company and directs operational aspects so that they follow the strategic plans and policies of the organization.

Over his 14-year MLB career, Thornton played for the Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos, but spent most of his time with the Cleveland Indians, from 1977 to 1987, according to mlb.com. A career .254 hitter, Thornton, also known as “Thunder,” was in 1979 given the Roberto Clemente Award, which goes to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and team contribution.

Thornton also is active in his community, serving on or have served on a variety of boards of directors, including the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Greater Akron Chamber.

“With an extensive background in business and entrepreneurship, we welcome Andre to Farmers and believe his experience will continue to solidify our board of directors,” Kevin J. Helmick, president / CEO of Farmers National Banc Corp said.