Fans, La Russa, Burger are highlights of White Sox's Cactus League opener

There was something different about Sunday's White Sox-Brewers game.

It was the Cactus League opener, and many of the players on both sides will be long gone before play begins for real on April 1.

Nothing different there.

But as the Sox lost 7-2 to Milwaukee, you could see a big change. You could hear it as well.

Fans were back in the stands at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz, for the 6-inning game.

It was a glorious, welcome change from last season, when COVID-19 kept the stadium entrance gates locked for all clubs throughout major-league baseball.

As he prepared to manage his first game for the White Sox after retiring in 2011, Tony La Russa was among those in uniform to notice the crowds were back. They were scattered - only 18% (2,400 people) are permitted at Camelback - but the energy was noticeable.

"It's the way the game's supposed to be played," La Russa said. "After what we went through last year, it's a dramatic difference. Before the game the guys all noticed and they appreciated the fans being there."

While nothing has been announced yet, the Sox and Cubs are both hoping to have fans in the seats this season.

Here are some other observations from the White Sox's first game of spring training:

They all matter

La Russa won three World Series before calling it quits, and he's in the Hall of Fame.

Nobody is going to remember who finishes with the best Cactus League record this spring, but La Russa likes to win every game that's played.

"I think you've got to practice winning," the 76-year-old manager said. "You get 30 chances, so you don't want to wait until Opening Day. Whether the team or a manager, you're supposed to be using these games to anticipate and make decisions. That's why I like it, in the sense that when I get to Opening Day or October, there really isn't any difference in the concentration and the process."

Burger's back

Jake Burger, the Sox's first-round draft pick (No. 11 overall) in 2017, played in his first game in three years Sunday.

The third baseman missed the 2018-19 seasons recovering from two ruptured left Achilles and a bruised heel, and he sat out last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Burger was 0-for-3 against the Brewers.

"It feels incredible," he said. "It was a special moment today. I kind of broke down in tears on the way to the field for the first day, so this is just another milestone in the comeback. It feels great to be out there with the guys and just playing baseball again.

"I felt great. I think it was one of those things where it kind of told me that I belonged. Those injuries are well behind me and I'm back to playing baseball and belong there."

First impression

Andrew Vaughn, the White Sox's first-round draft pick in 2019, entered camp and positioned to win the vacant designated hitter's job.

He played first base in the exhibition opener and made a nice diving catch. At the plate, Vaughn was 0-for-1 with 2 walks.

"I don't have a crystal ball about whether he's on the squad April 1, but he's going to get a lot of opportunities to play his way on to the this team," La Russa said. "Today was the kind start you expected, really good at-bats, nice defensive play, he doesn't take an inning off. He's the real deal."