Chicago White Sox home opener at Guaranteed Rate Tuesday
No shortage of optimism ahead of White Sox game
CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's time to play ball on the South Side: The Chicago White Sox home opener is Tuesday against Seattle.
The White Sox and their fans are excited to get back inside Guaranteed Rate Field and begin the process of trying to repeat as American League Central Division champions.
"We've been locked in for so long and to be out here and celebrating," Sox fan Kat Guerrero said. "They made it to the playoffs; this year they are going to the World Series no doubt."
That effort got off to a good start over the weekend in Detroit when the team shook off injuries to two of their top pitchers to win two of three games against the Tigers.
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Until both Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito can return to the pitching rotation, the Sox will rely on a bevy of hitters to keep the wins coming.
There's also the start of a newly acquired pitcher, Vince Velazquez.
With the experience of last season's playoff appearance guiding them, there is no shortage of optimism on the South Side.
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For Antonio Perez, Tuesday is more than just about the game.
Perez is actually a fan of the North Side team, but his brother loved the White Sox. They were supposed to come to Tuesday's game together, but his brother died last August.
So Perez came to honor him, even wearing his brother's jersey to show his love.
"The day he passed away was when the White Sox beat the Cubs, and so the last words I told him was 'hey, you finally won the bet.' So, I bought this hat because I knew it was the one he wanted; I bought this jersey. So I said, 'no, I'm coming to the game; I don't care what anyone says. I'm coming to the game,'" Perez said.
About 40,000 people are expected at Sox park Tuesday.
White Sox Charities Executive Director Christine O'Reilly joined ABC7 Chicago early Tuesday to talk about their 50/50 raffle, and Sheena Quinn, White Sox senior director of public relations, talked about what to expect at games this season.
Brooks Boyer, White Sox chief revenue and marketing officer, said fans will see a more normal season after the COVID pandemic.
And Bret Donaldson, a chef from Delaware North, the official retail and concession operator for the White Sox, revealed Guaranteed Rate Field's newest tasty treats, including a pretzel bun-wrapped brat.
There's also new merchandise that screams South Side pride.
White Sox fans will remember baseball great, Hall-of-Famer Harold Baines, who will be in attendance Tuesday, as well.
After spending time recovering from heart and kidney transplant surgery, he will be in attendance for Opening Day.
"They took care of me everyday, and I'm very grateful for that," Baines said.
The first pitch against Seattle is slated for 3:10 p.m.
