Konerko honored
What can I say about Paul Konerko?
It has been 16 amazing years in the Chicago White Sox organization. I have seen numerous games with Paulie in a White Sox uniform. I am sure numerous memories will flood my memories over the coming days, however, right now my mind and heart are mostly filled with pure joy. The ceremony before the game was perfect. From Hawk Harrelson leading the fans in a chant of “Paulie,” to multiple tribute videos where shown and Konerko’s best trait, his loyalty, stood out. Many family, former teammates and friends were there to honor Konerko. It was awesome.
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
Numerous parting gifts were given including pictures, a seat made of bats, signed baseballs by all of his 2005 World Series teammates, two guitars, the baseball Konerko hit for a grand slam caught by a fan in the 2005 World Series, and a statue of Paulie was unveiled too. So cool.
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
Then Konerko spoke and thanked his family, the front office, the Kansas City organization who the White Sox were playing against, former and current coaches, players and teammates who helped him in his career and the fans whom he called “friends” because they mean more to him than just fans.
The game was just as great too. Konerko went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, yet although Konerko did not get a hit, it was still awesome to watch the game. Everytime he came to the plate he received a standing ovation and loud cheers. In the 7th, replaced by Andy Wilkins, the fans roared.
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
In the game it was fitting that Jose Abreu, Konerko’s replacement had a big night. He went 2-for-2 with a homerun, two RBI’s and two walks. Abreu’s 2-run homer was his 36th on the season, a Chicago White Sox rookie record. The homer came in the 1st inning after Alexei Ramirez drove in Adam Eaton who walked and stole 2nd base to begin the game. The White Sox took a 4-0 lead on a solo blast by Josh Phegley in the 2nd inning.
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
John Danks pitched well as he threw seven solid innings, allowing just two runs on five hits, while walking two and striking out three. When he left the game, the Sox had a 4-2 lead. Yet Josh Phegley, hit yet another homerun to put the Sox back ahead 5-2.
That homer would loom large because the Royals, a serious World Series contender, fought back but fell just short. They scored a run in the 8th off Ronald Bellisario. Bellisario allowed a walk and two straight singles and did not record an out as the Royals cut the lead to 5-3.
Eric Surkamp, who entered the game with runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs was able to get Eric Hosmer to ground into a double play. Jake Petricka entered the game and was able to get Billy Butler to ground out to 3rd base to end the inning.
Petricka walked Alex Gordon to lead off the 9th before leaving the game due to an injury. Javy Guerra entered the game and would record the first two outs in the frame before an RBI single by Mike Moustakas to cut the Chicago lead to 5-4. Yet Alcides Escobar would ground out to short to end the game.
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
A White Sox victory was the perfect way to honor Paul Konerko on this day.
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
I guess there is only one more thing I could say.
(Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
Thanks, PK
The South Side story 