Images: Paul Konerko calls it a career
CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox have honored captain Paul Konerko with a statue and say they will retire his No. 14 next season.
The White Sox paid tribute to their retiring star in an emotional ceremony before Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. They did not announce the statue or plans to retire his number in advance, although neither move was exactly a stunner.
Toward the end of about a 35-minute presentation, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf pointed toward the left-field concourse. Dozens of black and white balloons were set loose, revealing a bronze statue of Konerko waving his right fist, just as he did when he hit a grand slam against Houston in the 2005 World Series.
Moments later, emcee Ken Harrelson announced Konerko's number will be retired in 2015.
A baseball fan holds a sign for Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago. The Sox were set to honor their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
Baseball fans hold signs for Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago. The Sox were set to honor their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) watches the big screen in the dugout before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago. The Sox were set to honor their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
A baseball fan holds a sign for Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago. The Sox honored their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
Images of Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) are displayed on the big screen before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago. The Sox were set to honor their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) speaks to fans before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago. The Sox honored their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) waves to the crowd as he walks to the field before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicag. The Sox were set to honor their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) watches the big screen in the dugout before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago. The Sox were set to honor their retiring captain after 16 seasons on the South Side before Saturday night's game.
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko looks to the field after striking out swinging during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago.
Associated Press
Baseball fans hold signs for Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago.
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14), right, watches as he listens to Jerry Reinsdorf before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago.
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox's Paul Kornerko (14) waves to the crowd from the field before a baseball game Saturday against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago.
Associated Press
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