Minnie Minoso visitation: Fans, relatives pay respects to White Sox star

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fans of Minnie Minoso paid their respects on Friday to the White Sox legend on Friday as his family and friends prepare for a final goodbye on Saturday.

Minoso was the first black player to play for the White Sox and the first black Cuban in the major leagues. But to his family, Minnie Minoso was just "dad."

"He was the most generous person and he had the biggest heart and he was the best cook," said Charlie Rice-Minoso, son.

Minoso, known as Mr. White Sox, started playing with the team in 1951 and became an instant star.

"Since 1978 I've known Minnie, I probably only understood like seven words since that long, but he was a genuine heart, you nod your head, you listen to him, and he loved to talk baseball," said Ron Kittle, a retired White Sox player.

Many people trickled in to the visitation to say goodbye to 92-year-old Minoso, known as the "Cuban Comet", a man who years later went on to serve as an ambassador for the Sox.

"Minnie's irreplaceable. He will forever be present in our hearts, and it's hard because for people who walk into the ball park, he was a fixture, he was an icon, he was always there," said Christine O'Reilly, White Sox VP of community relations.

Minoso left his mark on many, especially the fans, who say they will never forget his kind spirit.

"Minnie is a wonderful fellow. He served a long time with the Sox, and everyone enjoyed him, and we did, too," said Gregory Pero, a fan.

"I met him at least a few times. He was always so humble. Minnie Minoso was like a household name in our family," said Tom Jeffers, a fan.

A memorial service will be Saturday at noon at Holy Family Church. A procession immediately following the memorial service will pass U.S. Cellular Field, the home of the White Sox where a statue of Minoso stands.

You can watch Minnie Minoso's funeral streamed live on ABC7Chicago.com on Saturday at 12 p.m.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Minoso's memory donate to Chicago White Sox Charities at www.whitesox.com/donate. Minoso served as a community relations ambassador for the club.

Donations can also be sent to:

Chicago White Sox Charities

In Memory of Minnie Minoso

333 W. 35th Street

Chicago, IL 60616