Paul Konerko will go down as one of the all-time Chicago White Sox greats. He spent 16 years out of an 18-year career on the South Side, and was the best player on the best team in baseball in 2005. However, while he had a very solid career, voters might not think he has done enough to be worthy of a Hall of Fame induction.
Konerko, who becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2020, may find his path somewhat difficult, but to say he has no chance at all would be a bit harsh. Let’s dive into his statistics and intangibles that made him such a beloved player by all White Sox fans.
Statistics
The White Sox have seen their fair share of legends play for the organization: Frank Thomas, Luke Appling, Minnie Minoso, Eddie Collins, and Shoeless Joe Jackson are just a few.
Paul Konerko is another one of those White Sox legends, and he has the stats to back it up. Konerko is in the franchise’s top 5 in games played, runs scored, hits, home runs, walks, RBI’s, and doubles. A pretty incredible feat. His career batting average of .279 does not jump off the page, but he was always a consistent threat in the middle of Chicago’s lineup.
Character
Konerko will always be remembered as one of the good guys in baseball. He was never in the news about PED’s, team or league fines, suspensions, or dirty play. Instead, he just went out on the diamond every day and competed to the best of his ability. Konerko led by example, which is why he was the captain of the team for years. With all the controversy going on today about letting players in who have doped, Konerko will have a slight edge in that department.
Humility
In one of the more memorable moments of the parade, No. 14 gave owner Jerry Reinsdorf the memory of a lifetime when he handed over the ball that he caught from Juan Uribe to clinch the World Series back in ’05. That gesture by Konerko truly showed just how humble and kind he really was.
When Konerko called it a career, Reinsforf had this to say about Konerko:
“Paul Konerko is one of the greatest players in White Sox history, not only for his strength and performance on the field, but also for his heart and leadership off the field.”
Konerko was also the recipient of the 2014 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to the player that best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual’s contribution to the team. His exceptional character and talent was rightfully recognized throughout the league.
Success
The 2005 White Sox will go down as one of the better teams to ever win a World Series. Finishing with 99 wins, they swept the defending champion Boston Red Sox in the ALDS, won in five games over the Los Angeles Angels in the next round, and swept the N.L. Champion Houston Astros, completing an 11-1 postseason and a World Series run for the ages.
‘Paulie’ won the ALCS MVP, and arguably could have won the World Series MVP for his Grand Slam in Game 2 that gave them the momentum for the remainder of the series. Not everyone in the Hall has won a World Series, but it should certainly help Konerko’s case.
Loyalty
Something that might go overlooked is Konerko’s loyalty to the White Sox. After the World Series run in 2005, Konerko was a free agent and got numerous offers from other teams; however, Konerko turned down more money, and returned to Chicago for less. This truly showed how much he cared about the White Sox organization, the fans, and the city itself.
The White Sox would end up retiring Konerko’s number 14, ensuring no player will ever wear it again.
Recap
Looking back at everything, Paul Konerko was one hell of a baseball player. Although he was never truly unbelievable at one thing, Konerko was very good in almost every aspect of the game. Konerko never won an MVP, a battling title, or a Gold Glove. However, he was a six-time all-star, World Series Champion, a true professional and lover of the game.
Will voters think he has done enough to get voted into the Hall of Fame? Only time will tell. No matter the outcome, he is still a legend to all White Sox fans. Knowing Konerko’s humble mentality, that is probably enough for him.
