White Sox A-Z: Kaat to Konerko
By Art Berke
Need a Sox fix? Every Thursday we are paying tribute to White Sox standouts of the past, spotlighting a different letter of the alphabet each week.
Today we focus on four popular Sox players whose last names begin with the letter K — Jim Kaat, Ron Karkovice, Ron Kittle and Paul Konerko.
Jim Kaat, LHP, White Sox (1973–75), Senators/Twins, Phillies, Yankees, Cardinals
Jim Kaat won 283 games in 25 major-league seasons from 1959–1983, was awarded 16 Gold Gloves (12 straight) for his defensive prowess and as a Twin led the American League in wins (25) and complete games (19) in 1966. In terms of longevity, he boasts the third longest career by a pitcher in big-league history, behind only Nolan Ryan (27) and Tommy John (26).
In his three seasons with the White Sox, the native Michigander recorded a 45–28 win-loss mark with a fine 3.10 ERA. He won 21 games with a 2.92 ERA in ‘74 and 20 and 3.11 in ‘75. He earned an All-Star nod in ‘75, his third midsummer classic selection, and won a Gold Glove in each of those years.
In one of the most celebrated moments of his career, “Kitty” bested Dodger Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax for the victory in Game 2 of the 1965 World Series for the Twins and was a member of the 1982 World Champion Cardinals.
In addition to his stellar pitching career, Kaat distinguished himself both as a pitching coach and broadcaster after his playing days were over.
Ron Karkovice, C, White Sox (1986–1997)
A first-round pick (14th overall) by the White Sox in the 1982 draft, Ron Karkovice spent his entire 12-year career with the Sox — establishing himself as one of the game’s premier defensive catchers.
Nicknamed “Officer Karkovice” by Hawk Harrelson, the Orlando, Florida native was praised for his ability to throw out runners. During his career he tracked down 41 percent of potential base runners and in 1993, in a poll of major-league managers, he was named the best throwing catcher. Baseball America named him the top defensive catcher in 1994.
Offensively, Karko reached double figures in home runs five times with a high of 20 with 54 RBI in 1993 during the Sox’ American League West championship season. His home run total in ‘93 earned him the distinction of being only the third catcher in franchise history to hit 20 home runs in a single season (also Carlton Fisk, who Karkovice backed up for six seasons, and Sherm Lollar).
Karko was behind the plate for two White Sox no-hitters — the gems pitched by Joe Cowley and Wilson Alvárez. He also homered in the Cowley game.
Following his playing career, Karko managed and coached in the minor leagues and was a head coach in high school.
Ron Kittle, OF/DH, White Sox (1982–86, 1989–90, 1991), Yankees, Indians, Orioles
A native of nearby Gary, Indiana and arguably the most prominent athlete to graduate from Wirt High School, rookie Ron Kittle burst into prominence in 1983 as a major power source for the 1983 American League West champion “Winning Ugly” White Sox.
Kittle’s 35 homers and 100 RBI in his first full season earned him the A.L. Rookie of the Year award as he led a power-laden Sox team — which also included the likes of veterans Greg Luzinski and Carlton Fisk — in both categories. He was named to the A.L. All-Star team that year and was greeted with a loud roar by the hometown crowd at Comiskey Park.
Kittle continued his power surge the next three seasons with homer totals of 32, 26, and 21 and reached 100 homers faster than any other hitter in Sox history (438 games). In 1986, he was dealt to the Yankees in a multi-player deal at the trade deadline. The popular and affable slugger, a 10-year major leaguer, returned to Chicago three years later and ultimately played for the Sox on three different occasions. He continues to be part of the organization as a team ambassador.
Kittle, who managed the non-affiliated minor-league Schaumburg Flyers from 1998–2001, is a talented craftsman. Among other creations he builds benches out of baseballs, bats and bases and has made them for many Sox celebrations. He also has his own non-profit, Ron Kittle Charities.
Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox (1999–2014), Dodgers, Reds
It’s hard to imagine that at the time the White Sox knew how important their 1998 Veterans Day trade for Paul Konerko would become.
The deal, which sent outfielder Mike Cameron to Cincinnati, certainly was a landmark occasion in franchise history as Paulie became one of the Sox’ most productive and beloved players of all-time.
Take a look at Konerko’s impact on the Sox:
— White Sox captain from 2006–2014
— World Series champion in 2005
— American League Championship Series MVP in 2005
— Six-time A.L. All-Star (2002, 2005, 2006, 2010–12)
— Roberto Clemente Award in 2014
— №14 retired
— A sculpture was erected in the left field concourse in his honor
The Phoenix, Arizona-area resident who was born in Providence, Rhode Island was drafted by the Dodgers, began his career in L.A. and played briefly in Cincy. But after playing 16 of his 18 big-league seasons on the South Side, Konerko became an icon in Chicago.
He ended his White Sox career first in total bases (4,010), second with 432 homers, 1,383 RBI (behind Frank Thomas in both categories), №2 to Luke Appling in games played (2,268), a slash line of .281/.356/.486 and 2,292 hits. All in all, Paulie finished his extraordinary career with 439 homers, 1,412 RBI and slashed .279/.354/.486.
And there’s more. While in a Sox uniform he hit 20 or more homers in 13 seasons, 30 or more seven times and twice 40-plus with a high of 41 in 2004. The captain drove in 90 or more runs on nine occasions and 100 or more six times with a high of 117 in ’04. Konerko also batted .300 or better in four seasons with a high of .313 in 2006 and had seasons of .298 (twice) and .294.
In the 2005 postseason, Paulie slugged five homers with 15 RBI. Perhaps the greatest moment of his career and one of the most memorable in Sox history came when he electrified the fans in U.S. Cellular Field with a dramatic grand slam to give the Sox a 6–4 advantage in the victorious Game 2 of the ‘05 World Series.
