A uniquely Latino Opening Day in Chicago
By Tab Bamford
When we arrived at Guaranteed Rate Field on Chicago’s south side Friday morning, it was an overcast, 44 degrees. After the White Sox postponed their home opener by a day because of rain and similarly not-ideal temps on Thursday, the hopes were that the promise of sun and mid-50s temps would arrive soon.
Because of the rain on Thursday there wasn’t on-field batting practice. Before the gates opened only a few players came out to get in some defensive work and to get in some long toss before the pageantry of the 2019 home opener started.
One of the players who came out early is a young man who has a lot to prove. Yoán Moncada moved back to third base, the position he grew up playing in Cuba. He has looked more comfortable in the field and at the plate this season, reaching base in every White Sox game to begin the year.
As the players threw on the field, White Sox manager Rick Renteria met with the Chicago media. The collection of writers and radio and television personalities was large, even by Opening Day standards. The questions focused largely on two players: Moncada and Eloy Jiménez, the team’s top prospect.
As the Sox lined up in order for the first time at their home park, the middle of their lineup made clear how significant the influence of Latino players would be on the field for Chicago this season. Including Friday’s starting pitcher, Reynaldo Lopez, eight of the White Sox’s 10 starters are Latino. The heart of their batting order was (Jose Abreu (Cuba), Welington Castillo (Dominican Republic), Moncada (Cuba), Jiménez (Dominican Republic) and Yonder Alonso (Cuba). Dominican outfielder Leury García led off, and Venezuelan second baseman José Rondón batted eighth.
Keeping an eye on it all from just beyond the hitter’s backdrop in center field is the bronze likeness of the “Cuban Comet,” the godfather of the White Sox’s long Cuban heritage. Minnie Miñoso would have been thrilled to watch a Sox lineup that includes as many as four players of Cuban heritage (including Jon Jay when he’s healthy).
“Hamilton” star Miguel Cervantes performed the Star Spangled Banner with the White Sox and Mariners lined up on the third and first base lines, respectively. When the game began Chicago was ready. After allowing a run in the top of the first, the Sox loaded bases in time for Moncada to unload.
The sun was shining bright. Warmer temps had arrived and baseball season was upon us in Chicago.
Featured Image: La Vida Baseball
Inset Images: La Vida Baseball