“If you want to see a bunch of happy Americans, go out to opening day at any baseball stadium in the land.” ~ Ben Fountain
On a partly sunny 59-degree at game time day, the White Sox packed in 36,948 fans, including the Yellow M&M jacket guy into beautiful Guaranteed Rate Field (pronounce Comiskey Park by us south siders) yesterday. The Red, White, and Blue bunting lined the stands. As always, the field was pristine thanks to Roger Bossard, The Sodfather and his crew.
(Borrowed from Facebook Page “We Love the Chicago White Sox”. Assuming Public Domain.)
The pregame ceremony included an introduction of the staff, White Sox greats Ozzie Guillen, Vincent “Bo” Jackson, Hall of Famer Jim Thome and Hall of Famer Harold Baines who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Then a Ford motorcade of the rostered players entering the field while giving fist bumps to Southpaw and the rest. The White Sox honoured our fallen military, the people of Ukraine and members of the White Sox family who have passed away. They included: Stan Williams, Jim Synder, Joe Cunningham, Del Crandall, Dick Tidrow, Vito Valentinette, Johnny Growth, Charlie Lindstrom, Eddie Robinson, Roland Hemond, Lamarr Hoyt, Julio Cruz, Pete Ward, Tommy Davis, Les Grobstein, Jeff Dickerson, Orestes Minoso, Jr, and Martyl Reinsdorf. This followed by Grammy Award Nominee and Chicago’s owner R&B singer Jeremih singing the National Anthem.
It came out yesterday that Harold Baines had undergone both a heart and kidney transplant due to a hereditary disease. He looked great and seemed emotional to be on the field. Prayers for Harold, a true gentleman of the game and an outstanding hitter.
(Borrowed from Facebook Page “Chicago White Sox Nation”. Assuming Public Domain.)
The Sox came into the game with a 2-1 record and left with a 3-1 record as they beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2. Liam Hendriks recorded the save. New-comer, pitcher Vince Velasquez gave a solid performance and the bullpen finished strong. Luis Robert had an outstanding game with a HR, an amazing catch off the right-center wall as well as two stolen bases that put him in position to be driven in by Eloy Jimenez’s leg-out fielders’ choice. Eloy also had a fine catch up against the left field fence, I think his hard work on the defensive side is paying off. On a side note, Yasmani Grandal, DH’ing in the game had an infield single when he hit a pitch down the third base line with a drastic shift on. Perhaps more on shifts and my feelings of them in another post.
It was a great homer opener and there definitely was “a bunch of happy Americans” celebrating in the stands. There is going to be a ton of excitement on the south side this season. Join in fun!
(Borrowed from Facebook Page “We Love the Chicago White Sox”. Assuming Public Domain.)
~ Coach Mike
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What a fabulous recap🤩 I felt the joy and excitement thru your words🎉👏. Love it🤗