Column: Chicago White Sox are in a postseason groove, as their dance moves prove
CLEVELAND — The rituals involved in any major-league baseball game have become commonplace over the last few years, befitting a generation that grew up with iPhones and social media.
Hitters have unique hand gestures whenever they reach base. Outfielders have their own choreographed routines after the final outs of wins. And many teams feature a home run gimmick where the hitter dons some goofy costume or headgear.
It’s all show biz, after all.
The Chicago White Sox are no different from any other team and have no problem creating a viral moment before games, as they showed again before Monday’s 4-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.
It’s a dugout dance that kind of resembles the haka rituals of the All Blacks rugby team from New Zealand, full of rhythmic clapping and foot stomping and shouting. It can also resemble a Greek wedding reception, or a Soul Train dance line.
“It’s kind of different handshakes that kind of evolved throughout the year,” designated hitter Andrew Benintendi said. “(Mike) Vasil is a big part of that. He’s a big part of this team, and of us getting this far.”
The Sox are one win away from clinching a spot in the American League Championship Series, and return home to Rate Field on Wednesday for what figures to be a dance-athon for the ages.
It would appear the players and coaches have spent hours and hours of quality time together getting everyone on board and making sure the performance is in sync.
But Vasil, the so-called “White Sox Wizard,” said that’s not the case.
“No, we don’t usually practice,” Vasil said Monday before Game 2. “It kind of just happened one day pretty naturally. So once it happened it kind of took off, and the guys have loved it ever since. Everyone knows what to do.
“Zero practice. Just all rhythm. Pretty cool.”
Vasil, to no one’s surprise, is in the middle of the dance party, which takes place minutes before the first pitch. Third base coach Justin Jirschele is frequently in the middle, though not everyone has to play a part to get involved.
“I kind of just watch,” left fielder Sam Antonacci said. “That’s pretty much the Wizard doing all that. He’s the ringleader of that. And if you try to take over, it’s not a good look because the Wizard will get on you.
“So I just sit back and enjoy the party, because there’s something new every day that goes on with him.”
Others are more open to it, including manager Will Venable, who said he claps and stomps from outside the circle. Benintendi, who seems like the most unlikely dance fan, said he “absolutely” takes to it.
“It keeps everybody loose, it’s fun,” he said. “I think this group definitely likes to have fun. We do some unorthodox things. Whatever is working is working, so let’s keep it going.”
Center fielder Tristan Peters said the routine began at the end of the regular season and picked up steam in the playoffs. He was in the middle of Monday’s pregame dance routine.
“Vasil just started doing that, the knee claps,” Peters said. “He randomly started it and everybody started doing it along, and now that’s part of our thing. He’ll just drag random guys into the middle to do some dance moves. I’ve gotten dragged into it a couple times, and I don’t know what to do.”
Wait, you were a Savannah Banana and you don’t know how to dance?
“I know, I know,” Peters said with a laugh. “But it’s been a while.”
As long as they keep winning, look for the Sox to dance until they drop.
psullivan@chicagotribune.com