Chicago sports world reacts to Chance the Rapper's Grammy wins

The Chicago sports world reacted favorably on Sunday to news that the city's own Chance the Rapper won three Grammy awards at the 59th annual celebration of popular music.

Chance, who grew up a White Sox fan in the West Chatham neighborhood on Chicago's south side, took home the awards for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album ("Coloring Book") and Best Rap Performance ("No Problem" with 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne).

The White Sox were among the first to congratulate the 23-year-old recording artist, who designed three limited-edition caps for the team last year and also threw out the first pitch at their home opener. White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson posted a photo of Chance atop the dugout at Guaranteed Rate Field, which is seven miles from West Chatham.

The Chicago Bulls also acknowledged Chance's acclaim. First-year Bulls guard and Chicago native Dwyane Wade referred to Chance as a brother, writing "Way to rep the city fam!" The rapper's connection to the Bulls runs even deeper as he recently appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine with the team's lone All-Star,Jimmy Butler, who offered an accurate prediction of Chance's performance at the Grammys.

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery of the Chicago Bears gave nod to Chance as well. The 2013 Pro Bowl selection called the rapper's Grammys "well-deserved."

Chance, who has built his career on releasing music for free, garnered seven total Grammy nominations after The Recording Academy eased its eligibility requirements last year. Prior to the rule change, recordings that were not commercially sold were banned from consideration.

-- Nick Ostiller