Major League Baseball and its fans gave very-well-deserved kudos, gifts, applause, and appreciation to retiring New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter, and we can understand why. Jeter was an exceptional player for 20 years on an exceptional team for most of those years. We saw “Derek Jeter Day,” his walk-off hit in his final home game, and his RBI single in his final career at bat. Jeter means much to baseball and to Yankee fans everywhere, and we wish him the best in his retirement.
Nevertheless, one other very notable player has also hung up his pinstripes and ended a very stellar career of his own when the 2014 season ended on September 28. The Chicago White Sox have said good-bye to slugging first baseman/designated hitter Paul Konerko as the White Sox ended their season on Sunday.
Although it did not receive the same attention throughout the Majors as Jeter’s did, the White Sox held Paul Konerko Day on Saturday, September 27. Among other gifts, including the grand slam ball that Konerko hit during the 2005 World series (thanks to the fan, Mr. Chris Clayes, who caught the ball), the White Sox unveiled a statue of Konerko that sits high above the left-field bleachers. Here are the highlights of the pregame ceremony, courtesy of MLB.com.
“Paulie” was his classy self as he addressed the crowd, whom he called his friends, saying that they are the reason for his special day as he referred to the statue.
A look at Konerko’s career numbers show why he deserves this honor. In 18 years, all but the first two with the White Sox, Konerko put up the following totals:
- .279/.354/.486 slash line
- 439 HR (42nd all-time) and, 1,412 RBI (71st)
- 6 American League All-Star teams
- Top five in A.L. MVP voting twice
- 7 HR and 17 RBI in 19 postseason games
- 2005 World Series grand slam
- .995 fielding percentage
Konerko’s 432 White Sox home runs and 1,383 runs batted in both rank second on the White Sox’ all-time lists (Frank Thomas: 448 HR, 1,465 RBI). Konerko also ranks second in games played for the White Sox with 2,268, behind only Luke Appling‘s 2,422.
While these numbers may not necessarily mean certain induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame , Konerko will certainly garner many well-deserved votes. He will, though, find his way into the White Sox version of their team Hall of Fame and have his #14 retired.
Congratulations to Mr. Paul Konerko on a spectacular Major League career.
PHOTO CREDITS: Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images Sport (both photos)
