By: @chi_rox_
In our third installment of our series, we’re highlighting Sox fans who live all over the country and asking them how they found their roots in White Sox Fandom. Today we’re speaking with La Pantera Blanca aka @whitesoxken.
Where were you born/when did you move out of Chicago (if born here)?
Born and raised in CT
When did you become a White Sox fan and who can you credit for this?
Have been a Sox fan since I can remember (3-4 years old?). My sports teams are super weird given my location (White Sox, 49ers, Pacers, Rangers) – the only local team I root for is the Rangers (and even then, more of a casual hockey fan). My dad used to travel for work when I was younger, primarily to Chicago and San Francisco, and he would bring back memorabilia, baseball cards, pennants, etc. of the White Sox – and I’ve stuck with them ever since. There’s no turning back now!
What is your favorite Sox game you’ve attended in your “home” park or region?
I don’t think I really have a favorite, but I’ll always go to at least a few semi local games each year, whether its at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Fenway, or even down in Camden Yards (Baltimore). It’s always a blast to get out to the ballpark, and especially when I get to see the White Sox in person. My trip last year with my Dad/Brother/Uncle/Cousin to Fenway was a lot of fun – Luis cranked a HR over the Green Monster (5/6/22) which was awesome to see in person. They swept that series too, which is always nice 🙂
Have you been to Sox Park? If so, what were your honest feelings about it?
I’ve been to a number of games over the years, but it’s been a while since I’ve been back to a Sox game in Chicago. One of my most memorable experiences was watching Buehrle pitch, and was also able to meet him before the game and get an autograph. For me, being at Sox Park, it’s just awesome being in a stadium where all the other fans (or most of them) are rooting for the same team. Usually I’m one of a few Sox fans behind enemy lines. Hoping to make it back to Chicago soon to meet as many of WST in person as I can!
What do you think about gatekeeping baseball fandom based on location?
Seems kind of silly to me
Does WST help you feel more connected to the fanbase?
Absolutely – up until Covid, I really only used Twitter sparingly to get real-time news, sports info, etc. But then I started tweeting about the White Sox, and quickly realized there was a huge, active Twitter following – enter WST!
Are there any Sox bars/meetups in your area? How do you connect yourself with the team outside of WST?
None that I’m aware of. WST is really the primary outlet I have to connect with other White Sox fans – the 108 guys have been awesome to follow and engage with (from their Thursday night live sessions, to the 108tourney, and the live game watches they do which have been a ton of fun), along with all of the other awesome Podcasts (Josh and Jim at SoxMachine have been awesome to follow – they both have an amazing wealth of baseball knowledge). I’ve interacted with a ton of awesome people on WST, which has really enhanced my Sox fan experience and makes me feel a bit more connected to the team even though I’m so far away. I appreciate y’all!
What changes would you like to see the Sox make in the next few years?
Really take a hard look at constructing a roster that has a real chance at competing sustainably for a number of years, which includes being willing to sign and spend on a marquee free agent when we have a competitive window. Also, accountability in the organization from top to bottom.
If the Sox relocated out of Chicago would you still support them?
I would, but I hope they never do.
Who is your favorite current player and all time player?
LA PANTERA is my favorite current player. So much fun to watch, especially right now as he is firing on all cylinders. All-time is tough to pick just one, but I would go with Mark Buehrle, Frank Thomas, Magglio Ordonez, and Paul Konerko as some of my top former players. Honorable mention to Bobby Jenks as well
What is your favorite thing about the White Sox and its fans?
While the franchise has obviously been through its ups and downs, it seems like most White Sox fans are pretty die hard in their fandom. We’ve certainly gone through some tough times (including this season), and of course we aren’t afraid to voice our displeasure when things aren’t going good, as we rightly should, but our fandom remains unwavering. And while 2005 seems like a long time ago, winning a world series (and meeting my wife on the same night they won it!), was an all-time moment for me. Here’s to getting that next one!
Thanks so much to @whitesoxken for his responses, and thank you, dear reader, for taking the time to stop by. We have plenty more folks to feature so stay tuned!
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