“I was born in Munster, Indiana, in 1992. I lived in Lansing, Illinois for the first six years of my life. Then started moving around the country; I lived in Tennessee until I was a teenager then moved back to Northwest Indiana. After graduating high school, I went to college at Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana. My first job was in South Bend before eventually moving to Fort Wayne Indiana in 2015. I have called the ‘Summit City’ my home since then.”

“I became a White Sox fan around 2003. My Dad had me playing sports since I was able to walk, which included baseball. He kept telling me: ‘if I want to be better, I should start watching professional games.’ We had just moved back to Northwest Indiana. A few years later I got to go to my first White Sox game during the 2005 season, what a year!”

“For a long time, my favorite memory was Mark Buehrle’s flip between his legs to Paul Konerko on Opening Day 2011 (still remember it to this day). As my fandom continued, it has easily become Game 3 of the 2021 ALDS against the Houston Astros (probably the same for everyone else who went to that game). My family (Dad, Mom, and brother) tailgated the game just like we were kids again. There was so much nervous energy going into the park, being my first playoff game since Game 2 of the 2005 ALDS, where Tadahito Iguichi hit a three-run bomb to give the White Sox the lead. Not only was the game a great game but the atmosphere was something I’ve never experienced. I’ve been to the Final Four and multiple NBA playoff games, but never where one of my teams participated. Everyone in Section 506 was so friendly and welcoming. It brought me to happy tears after going home and reflecting on what I just witnessed.”

Have you been to Sox Park? If so, what were your honest feelings about it?

“I have multiple times. While it doesn’t have the mystic Fenway Park or Dodger Stadium, it is my second home. I have so many memories with my family attending games as I grew up. Now I am making new memories with my wife attending her first game there last year and soon my son (and future kids).”

“I think this is a terrible idea! I think the show Ted Lasso said it best: ‘Football (in this context sports) isn’t just a game. It’s one of those amazing things in life that can make you feel like s*** one moment, and then, like it’s Christmas morning the next. It has the ability to make heroes and villains out of ordinary people.’ Some say I take sports too seriously, and while that might be true, I live and die with my heroes.”

Does WST help you feel more connected to the fanbase?

“Yes it truly does! To quote Ted Lasso again, it is something that I truly live my life by, not just sports. ‘I promise you there is something worse out there than being sad, and that is being alone and sad.’ If the White Sox are doing great it is fun to celebrate with people across the world. Same goes if they are doing bad (which is most of the time). Having a community of people who support a team is another thing that makes sports great. I truly appreciate WST for welcoming me into the fold and following what I have to say about this team.”

Are there any Sox bars/meetups in your area? How do you connect yourself with the team outside of WST?

“I’ve only been to one tailgate or meet up, it was put on by the Chicago Sports Bums. I have never met a more friendly group of White Sox fans until this year. Not just the Bums but also everyone who was there. Everyone was so nice and friendly to not only me but also my Dad, who they’ve never seen tweet or ever interacted with. I can’t thank everyone enough for how nice they have been to me. When I’m not able to make it to games I watch multiple podcasts, including the All Sports Scene, Chicago Sports Bums, From The 108, the Pinwheels and Ivy to help me stay connected to the fanbase.”

What changes would you like to see the Sox make in the next few years?

“I think a tear down of the entire organization from a management standpoint has been long overdue. The White Sox love to have people grow from within. While I love that they are promoting people from within the organization, I think there’s a benefit to bringing in people who have seen the organization from a far. I loved hiring Pedro Grifol and I hope he eventually succeeds, but I think both Rick Hahn and Kenny Williams need to be replaced with someone who has either seen success with another organization or has a vast knowledge of watching the White Sox throughout the years who isn’t in the organization.”

“This is such a difficult question. I hope I never have to make this decision, but my gut says I would stay with the White Sox no matter where they went. They can move the team but they can’t take my memories and love of the team”

“My favorite pitcher is Lucas Giolito. I hope he doesn’t get traded or leave in free agency. He’s not only a great ball player, but also a great person with all he does. It’s part of the reason my wife and I named our first born son after him.

My favorite player has been Yoan Moncada but I LOVE JAKE BURGER! The obstacles he overcame, both physically and mentally, is something to be emulated. Both he and his wife are wonderful people. I take lessons from how they act as parents so I can be a better Dad. 

My favorite all-time player is Jermaine Dye. He was always cool under pressure and his game winning RBI single to win the 2005 World Series is burned into my memory.”