Today is a national holiday. It is Paul Konerko’s 48th birthday. For White Sox fans around my age, he was the man. We were too young to remember Frank Thomas in his prime, but Paulie was there for us through thick and thin. He took less money to stay in Chicago and was loyal until the end. Paulie gave us so many memorable moments; I will recap some of my favorites.
#5 - Inside-The-Park Homer (April 11th, 2000)
In an early season contest against the Devil Rays in Tampa, Konerko hit a long fly ball to left center field that deflected very weirdly off the wall. He was younger when this happened, but it is still hard to believe that Konerko ever hit an inside-the-park homer, given that he never had much speed. But he did.
#4 - 400th Home Run (April 25th, 2012)
In one of my all-time favorite Hawk Harrelson calls, Konerko launched his 400th career home run on April 25th, 2012 in Oakland, becoming the 48th player in MLB history to reach the 400 home run milestone. And in typical Paulie fashion, this home run tied the game in the top of the 9th inning.
#3 - Take That, Pavano (September 16th, 2010)
Paulie owned Carl Pavano. Throughout their careers, Konerko hit .366 with three home runs and a .994 OPS against him in 44 plate appearances. Whether the plunking was intentional or not on Pavano’s part, Paulie stayed in the game and homered on the first pitch in his very next at-bat. This one moment was symbolic of Konerko’s entire career. No trash-talking, no confrontations. He let his performance on the field do all the talking.
#2 - 2005 ALCS (October 11th-16th, 2005)
While this is not one specific moment, one cannot discuss Konerko’s career without mentioning the 2005 ALCS. Tied 1-1 in the series against the Angels on the road, Konerko hit a two-run homer in the top of the first inning in game three and then hit another home run in the first inning of game four, this time a three-run shot. These two home runs shifted the momentum of the series in the White Sox favor and they did not lose another game the rest of the postseason. Konerko also caught the final out of the series, winning the ALCS MVP award in well-deserved fashion.
#1 - World Series Grand Slam (October 23rd, 2005)
No debate. Down 4-2 in the 7th inning of Game 2 of the 2005 World Series, Konerko stepped into the box against Astros reliever Chad Qualls. The first pitch of the at-bat and the rest was history. The World Series grand slam was the absolute signature moment of Paulie’s career and a home run that no White Sox fan will ever forget as long as they live.
Honorable Mentions
Home Run Derby Appearance (July 8th, 2002)
All-Star Game Double (July 9th, 2002)
Two 2005 ALDS Home Runs (October 4th-7th, 2005)
Two 2008 ALDS Home Runs (October 2nd-6th, 2008)
Back-To-Back 300th Home Runs with Jermaine Dye (April 13th, 2009)
3 Home Run game (July 7th, 2009)
Final game (September 28th, 2014)
All told in a White Sox uniform, Konerko hit 432 home runs, was a six-time All-Star, 2005 ALCS MVP, World Series champion, team captain, Roberto Clemente Award winner, and one of the greatest White Sox players to ever live. His #14 is rightfully retired by the team and will never be worn again.
Happy birthday, Paulie. Thank you for everything.
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