Jose Abreu returns to the White Sox for Hispanic Heritage Night, throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Rate Field.
Sep 14, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) smiles during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most beloved players in Chicago White Sox history will make an emotional return to the South Side next month, as former MVP Jose Abreu is set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on September 19 during Hispanic Heritage Night at Guaranteed Rate Field.
A Hero’s Welcome
The White Sox announced that Abreu will be at the ballpark on September 19th, with his ceremonial first pitch highlighting the team’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Night.
Current White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who played alongside Abreu for several seasons, expressed his excitement about the reunion. “I just FaceTimed him and we were talking. It’s good to have him around, and he has been an influential person ever since I came here,” Robert said Friday through an interpreter. “It’s good to be around him.”
A White Sox Icon
Abreu’s impact on the White Sox franchise cannot be overstated. During his nine seasons on the South Side (2014-2022), the Cuban-born first baseman established himself as one of the most productive hitters in team history while becoming a beloved figure in Chicago’s Latino community.
The 38-year-old’s resume with the White Sox reads like a Hall of Fame career: 2020 American League MVP, 2014 AL Rookie of the Year, three Silver Slugger Awards, and three All-Star selections. He led the American League in slugging percentage twice (2014, 2020) and RBI twice (2019, 2020), serving as the offensive catalyst for the White Sox’s return to playoff relevance.
Historic Numbers
Abreu’s statistical legacy with the White Sox places him among the franchise’s all-time greats:
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3rd in franchise history in home runs (243)
5th in RBI (863)
6th in slugging percentage (.506)
7th in offensive WAR (32.9)
9th in OPS (.860)
10th in both runs (697) and hits (1,445)
Perhaps most importantly, Abreu played an integral role in ending the White Sox’s playoff drought, helping the team reach the postseason in both 2020 and 2021—their first playoff appearances since 2008.
Post-Chicago Struggles
Abreu’s departure from Chicago following the 2022 season marked the beginning of a difficult chapter in his career. He signed a three-year, $58.5 million contract with the Houston Astros, but struggled mightily in his new environment.
His 2023 season with Houston was a career-worst campaign, posting a .237/.296/.383 slash line across 141 games and recording a career-low -0.1 wins above replacement. The struggles continued into 2024, with the Astros releasing Abreu just 35 games into the season—less than halfway through his guaranteed contract.
A Meaningful Return
The timing of Abreu’s return during Hispanic Heritage Night adds extra significance to the occasion. Throughout his White Sox career, Abreu served as a role model and inspiration for Chicago’s Latino community, representing the franchise with dignity and class both on and off the field.
His ceremonial first pitch will likely be met with thunderous applause from White Sox fans who remember his clutch hitting, leadership, and the joy he brought during the team’s brief return to contention during “Rebuild 2.0”. For many, Abreu represents the last connection to a White Sox team that had legitimate championship aspirations.
Looking Forward
While the current White Sox team struggles through a rebuilding season, Abreu’s return serves as a reminder of what success looks like on the South Side. His presence could provide inspiration for the organization’s young players and a nostalgic moment for fans who witnessed his remarkable nine-year run in Chicago.
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