Nice gesture off the field, as well for Thome ball
As it turns out, the fan who caught the historic 500th home run ball Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field was just as classy as the man who hit it, Jim Thome.
Will Stewart, a 28-year-old accountant from Austin, Texas, flew to Chicago on Sunday morning for a conference that starts today.
"I've always been a big fan of baseball, and one of the things I really enjoy, I feel like every baseball park is really different from one another,'' Stewart said. "So whenever I go to a new city, I like to try and experience the baseball park and get the feel of it.''
Stewart and another friend got tickets in the left-center field bleachers. He didn't know he'd become part of history.
"I found that out today when I got to the ballpark, and I also found out about the (Thome) bobblehead today as well,'' Stewart said. "So it was a big surprise for me to hear we could possibly have a record today.''
Stewart presented Thome with the ball after the game, and he received an autographed baseball and bat, along with two season tickets for 2008 and the use of Thome's personal suite for a game against the Cubs.
Since he lives in Texas, Stewart donated the season tickets to Thome's Family Champions charity. Stewart will return next year for a Sox-Cubs game.
"As I'm from Austin, Texas, and not from the great city of Chicago and won't be able to use the season tickets, I've asked to donate the season tickets to your charity for use,'' Stewart said to Thome. "That's the best thing I can think of to give back to the city of Chicago.''
Coaching changes? Sox general manager Kenny Williams fired pitching coach Nardi Contreras in 2002. The following season, he fired hitting coach Von Joshua.
Williams still has input when it comes to the White Sox' coaching staff, but he thinks the current group has done a good job this season despite a 64-85 record.
Williams said it's up to manager Ozzie Guillen to make any changes with the coaching staff. While he expects his staff to return in 2008, Guillen said it's too early to make a final decision.
"I'm not going to say anything right now, because all of a sudden I might change my mind,'' Guillen said. "I think they're all going to get fired and I'm going to bring doctors. We don't need coaches, we need doctors, psychologists and guys who can talk to people and get them better.''
Guillen was joking, but he did defend his coaches.
"It's not fair to blame the coaches because of the fiasco and the way we play,'' Guillen said. "I think everybody did their job, and I think everybody has done what they're supposed to do. They work really hard and sometimes I think we overcoach those guys. I'm happy with what I see, but after the season I will make that decision.''
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium
TV: Channel 26 today; Comcast SportsNet-Plus Tuesday; Comcast SportsNet Wednesday; Channel 9 Thursday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox' Javier Vazquez (12-8) vs. Kyle Davies (2-5) today at 7:10 p.m.; Gavin Floyd (1-3) vs. Gil Meche (8-12) Tuesday at 7:10 p.m.; Jose Contreras (9-16) vs. Brian Bannister (12-8) Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.; Jon Garland (9-12) vs. Zack Greinke (6-6) Thursday at 1:10 p.m.
At a glance: The Sox have been in last place in the AL Central since Aug. 24. They can move up to fourth with a good showing against the Royals. The White Sox have fared well against Kansas City this season, going 8-3 (4-1 at Kauffman Stadium).
Next: Minnesota Twins, Friday-Sunday at the Metrodome
-- Scot Gregor