Results tagged ‘ white sox ’

How Sweep It Would Be

Wednesday, May 22, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the final game of a three-game series–the first two won by our Sox. Starters: Hector Santiago (1-2) for the Sox, Clay Buchholz (6-0) for Boston. 
 
Santiago replaces Chris Sale, who is being held out of the rotation for precautionary reasons after experiencing shoulder tendinitis. Chris fully intends to make his next start.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Dunn, DH; Konerko, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Gillaspie, 3B; Keppinger, 2B; Flowers, C.
 
The Streaks Continue
 
Alex Rios, with a single and run-scoring double last night, extended his consecutive game hitting streak to a career-high 16 games. Jesse Crain has now made 18 straight scoreless outings. He entered last night’s game in the seventh inning, relieving Jose Quintana with the bases loaded and one out and the Sox leading 2-0. All he did was strike out Will Middlebrooks and Stephen Drew to kill the rally.
 
Web Gem
 
Casper Wells makes this terrific catch despite the soggy conditions in the eighth inning of last night’s game. 
 
 
The Big Hurt to Represent Sox at June Draft
 
Frank Thomas will represent the Sox at the First-Year Player Draft on June 6. Frank will join other baseball notables who will be representing all 30 major-league teams. Joining Frank will be Kevin Coe, the White Sox manager of youth baseball initiatives.
 
 
What do movie stars Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner have in common with Adam Dunn?
 
 
White Sox Volunteer Corps
 
Join our Volunteer Corps on Friday at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
 
 
White Sox Day 
 
Tomorrow is “White Sox Day” on WGN, beginning with the WGN Morning News. Here’s the full schedule:
 
 
Play of the Day
 
Jeff Keppinger’s two-run fifth inning homer, his first blast of the season, in the 3-1 Sox victory.
 
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on Jose Quintana, who held the formidable Red Sox lineup hitless last night through 6.1 innings and earned his third win of the season:
 
“He’s a battler…Great job of going through that lineup a few times, not easy at all to do that…You know he’s always going to battle. That’s one thing you never question. He also has the talent and stuff to do it.”
 
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Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
Off-day. On Friday, White Sox vs. Marlins at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10, CT, CSN) in the first of a three-game series. Starters: TBA for the Sox, Tom Koehler (0-2) for Miami. 
 
Did You Know…
 
...that Addison Reed ranks second in the A.L. with 16 saves and is only one behind the great Mariano Rivera?
 
Photo of the Day
 
Ventura, Reed and Southpaw visited the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital today.
 
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Sox vs. Sox and a Special Honor for the Chairman

Monday, May 20, 2013

Today’s News

Tonight’s Game

White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the first of a three-game series. Starters: Dylan Axelrod (1-3) for the Sox, Jon Lester (6-0) for Boston.

Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Dunn, DH; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.

The Chairman

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Over the years, I was often frustrated by how the public perception of White Sox and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t match the man. If you asked most fans to describe him, the characteristics they would have listed were not even close to the person we saw every day at the ballpark. I always thought of it as one of my greatest professional failures … that Jerry’s perception was so far from reality.

Then, something happened. The White Sox won the 2005 World Series. Suddenly, everything was amplified. People read about Jerry’s flying Sox employees to the World Series, they read about his gracious distribution of World Series rings. They began to read and hear about all the community initiatives the Sox and Bulls had done (for years) at his direction.

And something changed. Fans began to see Jerry the way we all see him every day, whether in the hallway, at lunch or in his suite during a game. Ultimately, Jerry is a fan, and I don’t think anyone can ask for much else when it comes to being an owner of a sports team.

This week, many of us are flying to New York where Jerry will be honored Wednesday night by the Sports Business Journal with its fourth Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Don’t deify me,” was his order.

“OK, I’ll do my best,” I laughed.

There will be a video (he doesn’t want to see it in advance which is probably good for me!), an introduction and then a speech. And a lot of pride in a lifetime of being a fan because in the end, isn’t there a 12-year-old inside of all of us?

And for me, there will be a little smile because, finally, the public gets to see and understand the Jerry we all know and respect.

Here’s the link to the SBJ story:

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2013/05/20/Events-and-Attractions/Reinsdorf.aspx?app_data=%7B%22pi%22%3A%2235762_1369058526_1727287230%22%2C%22pt%22%3A%22twitter%22%7D

#SoxSocial Lounge Makes its Debut Tonight

The first ever of its kind coincides with #SoxSocial No. 2.

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47605792&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws

Quote of the Day

Speaking of Jerry, this is more of an anecdotal story than a conventional quote, but it seems a perfect time and place to share it.

http://www.chicagonow.com/dad-all-day/2013/05/jerry-reinsdorf-and-the-vomit-covered-suit-dad-learns-a-life-lesson/

Play of the Day

Alex Rios, enjoying an All-Star caliber season, has now hit safely in 14 consecutive games as a result of his run-scoring double in yesterday’s game vs. the Angels. In all, he’s hitting .301 with 10 homers, 25 RBI and an OPS of .921.

Alex+Rios+Chicago+White+Sox+Photo+Day+X2IhOLT9oaDl

Tomorrow’s Schedule

White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-1) for the Sox, Felix Doubront (3-1) for Boston.

Did You Know…

…that White Sox pitchers own a .220 opponents average overall at home, the lowest mark in the American League and third-lowest in the major leagues?

Photo of the Day

When thinking about the White Sox-Red Sox rivalry, how can any of us forget Game 3 of the 2005 American League Division Series against Boston. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez came on in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and no outs and got out of the inning in dramatic fashion without the Bosox scoring. The Sox won the game 5-3 for the three-game sweep and advanced to the A.L. Championship Series vs. the Angels. Shortly thereafter the Sox won the World Series and the El Duque image below is one of those depicted in bronze on the monument outside of the ballpark honoring our ’05 World Champs.

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ESPN Sunday Night Baseball: Mother’s Day Edition

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Today’s News

Tonight’s Game

White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, ESPN). Starters: Chris Sale (3-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-1) for the Halos.

Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Viciedo, DH; Keppinger, 3B; Wells, LF; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.

Memories

Ron KIttle, the A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1983, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tonight’s game as part of the on-going celebration of the ’83 “Winning Ugly” Sox. Here, Kitty reminisces about that championship season.

 
Robin Debriefs ESPN
 
Prior to tonight’s game, RV met with a small army of ESPN broadcasters, reporters and producers to talk about the team’s season to date and this evening’s starter Chris Sale. Among his comments, Ventura confirmed just how much losing Gordon Beckham has hurt the team’s defense.
 
Wells vs. Wilson
 
It’s no wonder why Sox outfielder Casper Wells is in the lineup tonight against C.J. Wilson. In his career, Wells has gone 4-9 (.444) with two doubles, two homers, two RBI and three walks (.583 OBP and 1.333 SLG).
 
White Sox Weekly
 
Listen to Chris Rongey interview White Sox VP/Assistant GM Buddy Bell.
 
Quote of the Day
 
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Play of the Day
 
Jose Quintana had another solid outing last night in the 3-2 loss to the Angels, working six 
innings and allowing two earned runs, five hits and a walk while striking out five. On top of that, Quintana executed a perfect pickoff play to surprise L.A. standout Mike Trout.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Twins at Target Field, Minneapolis (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Hector 
Santiago (1-1) for the Sox, Pedro Hernandez (1-0) for the Twins.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that brothers John and Jordan Danks were both in the lineup this afternoon for the Class AAA Charlotte Knights vs. the visiting Pawtucket Red Sox? John, in another rehab stint, earned the victory with six innings of work, allowing two earned runs, seven hits, three walks and five strikeouts. Jordan, just optioned to the Knights by the Sox, certainly had his brother’s back with a pair of hits, three RBI and an outstanding catch in centerfield in the 6- 4 win.
 
Photo of the Day
 
A Mother’s Day surprise: Navy petty officer Amanda Page surprises her mother Ginny right before mom was set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before last night’s game. They hadn’t seen each other for more than 16 months. See more:  
 
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Sox Look to Give Robin his 100th Victory as Skipper

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Today’s News

Tonight’s Game

White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (6:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Jerome Williams (1-1) for L.A.

Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, DH; Dunn, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.

Robin

A victory tonight will give RV his 100th win as manager of the Sox.

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Kitty

Ron Kittle, the 1983 American League Rookie of the Year, will be the next member of the ’83 “Winning Ugly” Sox to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during our season-long Sunday tribute to the A.L. West championship team. Kitty will do the honors tomorrow night before the nationally televised game vs. the Angels on ESPN.

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Good Works

The White Sox Volunteer Corps along with Sox players Alex Rios and Matt Thornton, pitching coach Don Cooper and broadcaster Darrin Jackson were out in full force today at the Park Manor Elementary School in Chicago. Here’s Alex, Matt and two volunteers doing their part to beautify the school.

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Quote of the Day

Sox GM Rick Hahn on the club’s early season performance. The bottom line? Keep the faith:

“We did feel going into the season that starting pitching was going to be one of our strengths and thus far it’s been tested, but it’s also been proven to be one of the strengths, which is nice…We have been disappointed the way things have started from an offensive standpoint and even defensively has been a little bit erratic and not up to the standards we set last year. That being said, we do have a fair amount of guys with some substantial track records behind them which gives you reason to believe that there will be some improvement back toward those career norms. We are talking about a team that last year was fourth in the league in runs scored and there’s no reason to believe that this permutation of that team with some improvements in some areas and a lot of the same personnel in others is going to wind up at the bottom of the league in runs scored. So we expect there to be a correction fairly soon, but thus far it’s been disappointing and it’s time to get going.

“…You always want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to try to push that magic button and make that move that’s going to solve whatever problem may be in front of you, whether it’s a health standpoint, or depth or the bench or as we just talked about, our  offense. You do have to try to let things unfold and give guys the chance to show their true colors and their true performance levels over an extended period of time. Obviously you don’t wait for that indefinitely and you don’t spend the whole summer just waiting around and hoping that things are going to get better. But this early on there’s still the expectation that guys are going to return to their previous norms.”

Play of the Day

Dayan Viciedo’s two-run double in last night’s 7-5 loss to the Angels, his first game back since returning from the DL.

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Tomorrow’s Schedule

White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, ESPN). Chris Sale (3-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-2) for the Halos.

Did You Know…

…that White Sox starters own a fine 2.78 ERA during the last 20 games?

Photo/Video of the Day

In last night’s game, Alejandro De Aza gave the Sox an early lead with his second consecutive leadoff home run and his seventh homer of the season. 

http:/atmlb.com/18zNGL5 

That’s More Like It

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
The Game
 
Final: Sox 3, Indians 2
 
Highlights:  Alex Rios’s two-run homer in the fifth, his sixth of the season, proved to be the difference in the game…Jose Quintana, now 2-0, got credit for the victory. He worked 5+ innings, allowing two runs and four hits. His consecutive scoreless innings streak reached a career high of 18.2 IP before he gave up a run in the sixth…Jeff Keppinger collected a pair of hits and an RBI…Adam Dunn drew three walks.
 
Two Guys Talking About the Weather
 
WGN meterologist Tom Skilling, at the ballpark talking to fans on Weather Day, spent some time chatting with Conor Gillaspie before the game in the Sox dugout. The subject of the conversation? Conor’s interest in becoming a meterologist.
 
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Supporting the Community in a BIG way
 
I’m proud to say that today we announced the Sox will be awarding charitable donations of $1.64 million for 2013.
 
Donations include $660,000 in grants to 29 Chicagoland non-profit groups through the White Sox Community Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund. Additionally, Chicago White Sox Charities awarded grants totaling $119,500 to seven agencies providing services throughout the community.
 
White Sox Charities also made donations of nearly $861,000 to support the Sox’s urban baseball initiatives and to funding non-profit organizations such as City Year Chicago and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. 
 
This year’s grants, along with other charitable donations, moves the team’s total giving to more than $17 million since the inception of White Sox Charities in 1990.
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on his decision to start newly promoted Blake Tekotte today in centerfield:
 
“Just to get him out there. He’s been here, he hasn’t really played a whole lot. I don’t like guys just coming up, sitting here without getting in there, getting their feet wet…Once you get him out there you ease their feelings and nerves, or whatever it is, on the field. Just get him out there and see what he can do.”
 
Play of the Day
 
Rios delivered the big blow, but let’s give it to the bullpen–Nate Jones, Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain and Addison Reed–for holding off the Tribe in the final four innings to preserve the victory. Reed recorded his sixth save. 
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10, CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (1-2) for the Sox, Jeremy Hellickson (1-1) for Tampa Bay.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Sale struck out 15 Rays last May 28? It was the second highest total in Sox history (Jack Harshman K’d 16 in 1954) and a Tropicana Field record.
 
Photo/Video of the Day
 
Check out Rios’s homer:

Sox-Tribe Postponed

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 

Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Indians at U.S. Cellular Field has been postponed due to a forecast of rain throughout the evening. A makeup date and time will be announced at a later date. Fans should keep any game tickets and parking coupons for tonight’s game until a makeup date is determined. Any fans with tickets for tonight’s Dog Day festivities will be contacted by the Sox ticket office.
 
The Sox starting rotation moves back one day. Jose Quintana will go tomorrow against the Tribe and Chris Sale will face Tampa Bay on Thursday night.
 
Jose
 
In his last start on April 17 in Toronto, Quintana was credited with his first win of the season after throwing 6.2 scoreless innings in a 7-0 Sox victory. He allowed five hits and two walks with seven strikeouts while extending his consecutive scoreless streak to 13.2 innings. His career best is 16 straight, accomplished in June of last year.
 
Quintana will be making his fifth career appearance and third start against Cleveland (second at U.S. Cellular Field). He is 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA vs. the Indians.
 
All in the Family
 
When Gordon Beckham gets married in November, former White Sox first baseman and hitting coach Greg Walker (now with the Braves) will be one of the groomsmen. The story gets even more intriguing for Sox fans when you learn the identity of other members of the wedding party and the bride herself. http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/white-sox/post/_/id/14486/beckham-to-enlist-greg-walkers-help
 
A Major Moment
 
Bears’ safety Major Wright not only attended his first major league game last night at U.S. Cellular Field, he also had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Watch him talk about his experience.
 
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Quote of the Day
 
Robin on Dylan Axelrod, who had another outstanding performance last night against the Indians. He gave up just one run and three hits with four strikeouts in six innings of work:
 
“He’s a smart pitcher. He gets in counts where hitters get aggressive and he’s able to go back and forth with them and change speeds and use both sides of the plate. He just knows how to pitch. He doesn’t need 95-97 mph to be able to do it.”
 
Play of the Day
 
Conor Gillaspie’s second inning solo homer last night, his first in a White Sox uniform and the second of his major league career. Conor’s first was an inside-the-parker vs. the Rockies in 2011 when he was a member of the Giants. Here’s last night’s blast.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Indians at U.S. Cellular Field (1:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Probable starters: Jose Quintana (1-0) for the Sox, Zach McAllister (1-2) for Cleveland. 
 
Did You Know…
 
…that after a rough start, Tyler Flowers is batting .417 with a double, a homer, four RBI and three walks in his last five games.
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Quintana looks to stifle the Tribe tomorrow afternoon.
 
 

 

Sox, Axelrod Take On Tribe

Monday, April 22, 2013

Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Indians at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-1) for the Sox, Justin Masterson (3-1) for the Tribe.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, DH; Konerko, 1B; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Gimenez, C; Danks, CF.
 
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Pitching In
 
The White Sox rank fourth in the American League with a 3.40 ERA overall and are second in the A.L. with a 2.52 ERA at home.
 
Beckham Update
 
Gordon says he is feeling good physically and isn’t experiencing any pain in his surgically-repaired wrist. While he isn’t doing any baseball-related activity yet, he spent time today working out with trainer Herm Schneider and did some running with his Sox teammates.
 
Meeting of the Minds
 
John Danks met with Robin, Rick, Herm and Coop today. The plan is for John to go back to Arizona, make a start at extended spring training and then return to Chicago to continue his rehab.
 
#MAKEANIMPACT in the Community 
 
How about joining fellow White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks fans to raise money for local charities at our annual Home Team Charity Run? Choose either a 5k or 10k that starts and ends with a festival at U.S. Cellular Field. Sign up here: http://atmlb.com/17H3M56
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on the Sox struggles: 
 
“You go through a rut and you’re just trying to get out of it. You just gotta keep your nose buried in and stay strong.”
 
Play of the Day
 
Gavin Floyd had his best outing of the season yesterday against the Twins. He worked six innings, allowing just one run and three hits while striking out six in the 5-3 defeat.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Indians at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jose Quintana (1-0) for the Sox, Zach McAllister (1-2) for Cleveland.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Alejandro De Aza is a .359 hitter with 24 RBI and a .449 on-base percentage in 33 career games vs. the Indians? And that four of his 17 career homers have come against Cleveland?
 
Photo of the Day
 
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 Gavin enjoyed his best performance of 2013 against Minnesota.

Sox Aim to Even Series…and Thinking of Boston

Tuesday, April 16, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre in Toronto (6:07 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-1) for the Sox vs. Josh Johnson (0-1) for the Jays.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Viciedo, LF; Ramirez, SS; Gimenez, C.

Boston

As I sat and watched the terrible footage from Boston yesterday – probably just like every other American – one thought kept returning to my mind.

It was October 2005, and the White Sox had just swept the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox in three games.  The moment was amazing for us and our fans as we celebrated at Fenway Park.  I will never forget the number of Red Sox fans, staff and workers at the park, who came up to us and repeatedly said:

“Good luck! “ or “Beat the Yankees!” (many people assumed New York would beat the Angels) and “Enjoy the ride!”

To a person, Red Sox fans were so gracious, and while disappointed that their team lost, wished the White Sox nothing but the best.  Pure class.

And I remembered that yesterday as I watched the scenes from Boylston Street (I love to eat at the Atlantic Fish Company for lunch whenever we are in town).  So here’s best wishes to a great city with strong citizens and fanatic sports fans.  You remain in our thoughts and our prayers. And U.S. Cellular Field, along with all MLB parks, followed President Obama’s request to lower our flag to half mast.

 
Today’s Chicago Tribune featured a keeper of a front page in its sports section today:
 
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Good News
 
Gordon Beckham’s wrist surgery went “splendidly” today, according to Sox trainer Herm Schneider. Recovery time is still estimated at six weeks…John Danks threw six innings and 71 pitches yesterday in extended spring training. He felt good and his next start is Saturday.
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin, on the Sox bullpen (which ranks second in the A.L. in ERA and opponents average) thriving in close games:
 
“They do a good job. For us, even last year, this is the kind of baseball that we play…They’re used to coming in with it being a close game. I don’t think that becomes an issue. They’re  just going out to pitch to give us a chance. They’ve been able to do that. Adding (Matt) Lindstrom this year helps with that, he can do a lot of different things. He’s been great so far to mix in there.”
 
Play(s) of the Day
 
In last night’s tough 4-3 loss, Dayan Viciedo went 3-4 with a double and RBI and Tyler Greene singled twice in his Sox debut.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre (6:07 p.m., CT, CSN+). Starters: Jose Quintana (0-0) for the Sox and J.A. Happ (2-0) for the Jays.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that the White Sox are tied for third in the American League with 16 homers?
 
Photo of the Day
 
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The Sox pay tribute to Jackie Robinson last night in Toronto.

White Sox Get Dramatic Win in Retro Uniforms, Now Head to D.C., Cleveland and Toronto

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Today’s News
 
Throwback Sunday
 
If it’s Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field this season, you’ll be sure to see the Sox wearing replica 1983 uniforms honoring the ’83 “Winning Ugly” White Sox that won the A.L. West.
 
The new old uniforms were all the buzz during batting practice today as players were already asking manager Robin Ventura about the chance to wear them more than just Sundays.
 
“You look like a natural in that,” I told coach Harold Baines, who of course played a key role in the ’83 team’s success. And take a look at Jake Peavy in the photo below, accepting his 2012 Gold Glove Award before the game in his retro uni.
 
The batting practice tops are especially sharp looking and the players raved about the comfort. Early season reports from The Chicago Sports Depot across the street show fans like the retro look as well, with sales up.
 
But will you see the uniforms more than just home Sundays?
 
“Let’s win a game in them first,” a clubhouse sage noted before the game.
 
Well, I’m happy to say that the Sox got their first win in those uniforms today, powered by a two-run homer by Adam Dunn and solo blasts by Alex Rios and Dayan Viciedo, the latter a walk-off shot in the 10th to give us the 4-3 victory. Kudos also to starter Chris Sale and the bullpen trio of Matt Lindstrom, Jesse Crain and Addison Reed, who each worked a scoreless inning. Reed added a win to his three saves. 
 
The Sox ended the season’s first homestand with a 4-2 mark.
 
 
 
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Law, Cruz Represent ’83 Sox
 
Leadoff hitter and centerfielder Rudy Law, who stole 77 bases in 1983, and flashy second baseman Julio Cruz, who added enormous energy and speed to the ’83 lineup, were in the house today. They signed autographs for the fans and participated in the ceremonial first pitch festivities. Here is Law reminiscing about that memorable ’83 season.
 
 
The Final Two
 
Embarking on their first road trip of the young season, the White Sox will be getting together as a team tomorrow night to watch Louisville and Michigan clash in the national championship game. The Sox open a three-game series with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night and head to Cleveland for three and Toronto for four.
 
Congratulations…
 
…to Michigan alums Rick Hahn, Scott Merkin (mlb.com) and former Sox players Chris Getz (Royals) and Clayton Richard (Padres)–those are the only ones I can think of this morning, but I’m sure there are others–on last night’s win over Syracuse. But c’mon, let’s make a free throw at the end to save on the stress.
 
Friendly Advice
 
A sign in the clubhouse reminded players to pack carefully for the road trip to Washington, D.C., Cleveland and then Toronto.
 
“Remember to pack your black shoes,” it read.
 
Smile
 
Four teenage boys will be surprised when they see their on-the-field photo from batting practice. Sneaking up behind the four as they posed for a lifetime memory was 6-foot-5 bench coach Mark Parent, smiling broadly as he provided two of them with “bunny ears.”
 
Rocky Mountain HIgh
 
Righty Jon Garland won 92 games for the White Sox in eight seasons on the South Side, including back-to-back 18-win seasons in the world championship year of 2005 and 2006 and an All-Star nod in ’05. Plus, along with pitching mates Jose Contreras, Mark Buehrle and Freddy Garcia, Sox starters pitched four consecutive complete-game victories in the ’05 ALCS to end the series, the first time the feat was accomplished since the 1928 Yankees. 
 
Since leaving the Sox, Garland pitched for the L.A. Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, L.A. Dodgers and San Diego Padres, but because of undergoing right-shoulder surgery he hadn’t seen action since June 1 of 2011 with the Dodgers. Until last night that is, when he made a successful comeback with the Colorado Rockies, allowing just two runs and five hits in six innings of work for the victory over the Padres in Denver.
 
Welcome back, Jon!
 
Bob Seger
 
Everyone in the clubhouse who attended last night’s Bob Seger concert at the UC was raving.
 
“Top four concert in my life,” Jake Peavy said, with enthusiasm (which, as true fans know. needs to be put into some context because everything Jake says is with enthusiasm).
 
Hoops Visionary
 
Many years before college basketball and the NCAA tournament were as popular as they are today, Sox Vice Chairman Eddie Einhorn was way ahead of everybody. Read more.
 
 
Quote of the Day
 
Bo Jackson, a proud Auburn product, to White Sox 3B Jeff Keppinger, a former Georgia star, on Opening Day: “Did they ever fix the dent I put in that light tower at your field?”
 
Play of the Day
 
Viciedo’s walk-off homer. And the celebration begins…
 
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Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
Off day. On Tuesday, White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (6:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Probable starters: Jake Peavy (1-0) for the Sox vs. Gio Gonzalez (1-0) for Washington.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Conor Gillaspie’s father, Mark, was an All-America outfielder at Mississippi State in 1981 and was selected in the 11th round by the Padres in the ’81 June Amateur Draft? It is also interesting to note that in the years following the elder Gillaspie’s honor, MSU had a string of outstanding players who went on to excel in the major leagues. They included Rafael Palmiero, Will Clark, Jeff Brantley and former Sox closer and current bullpen coach, Bobby Thigpen.
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Sox Executive VP Ken Williams is shown here playing guitar with an “Air Band” at WVON’s star-studded 50th anniversary event last night at the Chicago Theatre. Toni Braxton provided the featured entertainment and rocked the house.

Sox Host Mariners in First Weekend Series of the Season

Friday, April 5, 2013

Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jose Quintana for the Sox, Blake Beavan for the Mariners.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, cf; Keppinger, 2b; Rios, rf; Dunn, dh; Konerko, lb; Viciedo, lf; Ramirez, ss; Flowers, c; Beckham, 2b.
 
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Pitchers Take BP
 
Despite very cool, call it cold, temps and a breeze, Sox pitchers took batting practice in advance of the team’s trip to face the Nationals in Washington, D.C. next week. Extra players also took early BP.
They Call it Work Ethic
Paul Konerko–despite needing only one hit to move into sole possession of third place on the franchise’s all-time hit list (he’s now tied with Frank Thomas at 2,156)–was working in the batting cage at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, well before regular pregame batting practice started.
 
Speaking of PK
Paulie, a huge hockey fan, was in attendance at last night’s Blackhawks-Blues game at the United Center. Here’s Paulie talking baseball and pucks with Blackhawk legends Bobby Hull (left) and Denis Savard.
 (Photo courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks).
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Calling All Foodies
 
For new fan favorite recipes, make sure to check our our Sox Tailgating Secrets every Thursday and Sunday before the game in section 157. And find photos of the food plus recipe cards on our Pinterest board.
Against the Wind
 
Bob Seger fans are likely to spy a few Sox staff and players at the “Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band” concert at the UC tomorrow night. I wonder who will be dancing to “Night Moves.”
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on Paulie’s consistency and leadership qualities:
“He’s been a good hitter throughout his career, but to hold it up year after year after year takes a lot of discipline and talent. He’s always in the cage and always thinking about (hitting)…You have a guy like him and people see what he’s doing–and he’s always been that way. He is a leader and he doesn’t have to yell and scream. It’s by example and if he needs to say something he’ll say it.” 
 
Play(s) of the Day
Two of the Sox’s four full season minor-league affiliates opened their seasons last night. Tyler Saladino and Trayce Thompson homered for Class AA Birmingtham in a 5-2 win at Montgomery…Kale Kiser went 4-5 with two doubles and four RBI for Class Kannapolis in a 9-2 victory at Lakewood. Class AAA Charlotte was rained out.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field (12:10 p.m., CT, CSN+). Probable starters are Dylan Axelrod for the Sox, Felix Hernandez for Seattle.
 
Did You Know…
…that the White Sox lead the American League and rank second in the major leagues with a 1.00 ERA (3 ER/27 IP) while the Sox bullpen is tied with the Dodgers for the major league lead with a 0.00 ERA?
 
Photo of the Day

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In his first series as the Sox’s starting catcher, Tyler Flowers batted .571 (4-7) with two homers and posted a .700 on-base percentage against the Royals this week.
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