Dates to Circle on Your 2014 White Sox Calendar
Mar 10, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Micah Johnson (83) dives and makes a catch against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
New seasons bring new opportunities for sports fans young and old, new and polished, to stadiums all around the world. During those seasons, most fans have certain dates circled on their calendars of games and events that involved their teams. Baseball provides 162 games (plus the postseason), so there’s plenty of opportunities to get out to the ballpark and enjoy America’s Pastime.
While playing in the AL Central Division, the White Sox and Detroit Tigers‘ series are always a must-see attraction. Not only will you see good baseball played, you get to see the likes of two-time AL MVP and Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and reigning AL Cy Young winner, Max Scherzer.
Along with those featured games with Detroit, here are some of the high-profile home games for the White Sox in 2014:
March 31 – Opening Day vs. Minnesota
Opening Day in Major League Baseball is always a special event. Ballparks across the nation are full and baseball fans all over get to enjoy a day full of baseball. Who wouldn’t want that after the winter that has passed through the United States this year? Chris Sale has already been announced by manager Robin Ventura as the Sox Opening Day starter. Trust me, if you can, get out to U.S. Cellular Field on Opening Day. It’s a special experience.
April 15-17 – Boston comes to the Windy City
It’s always huge with the defending World Series Champions come to town. It’s ginormous when the opening of the Sox vs. Sox series begins on Jackie Robinson Day. Both teams honoring a pioneer of the game along with the rest of the league will be a sight to see. Jackie Robinson Day is one of the most important days on the Major League Baseball calendar. Add in two more games with the champs and this is a series you’ll want to see.
May 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Jeff Keppinger (7) forces out Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) and throws to first base during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
May 7 and 8 – The Crosstown Cup finale
The city of Chicago is defined by two sides: the North Side and the South Side. Over the years, the rivalry has been intense at times (cue Michael Barrett), and has been intense for fans on both sides. The first two games of the series will be played on May 5th and 6th on the North Side, followed by the final two games at U.S. Cellular Field. The Sox lead the all-time series, 49-44.
May 22-25 – The Evil Empire makes a visit to Chicago
Whenever the New York Yankees come to your team’s town, it’s definitely quite a sight. The Yanks are the most-beloved and most-hated team in baseball, and regardless of where they play, Yankee fans will find their way to the park to cheer on their team. Last season, Alex Rodriguez made his long-awaited return during the Yanks/Sox series in Chicago. This would definitely be a series to check out.
June 30-July 2 – (Arguably) baseball’s most exciting player comes to Chi-Town
Mike Trout has become one of baseball’s most-exciting attractions. In two full seasons in Anaheim, Trout has hit above .320 in both seasons, stolen 30-plus bases, hit 25-plus home runs, made two All-Star Games and finished second to Miguel Cabrera in the AL MVP voting twice.
I think it’s safe to say that he’s pretty good.
Did I mention he plays in the same lineup as three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols? If you need pre-Fourth of July plans, I might have found some for you.
August 4-6 – Everything’s bigger in Chicago
The Sox finish a six-game home-stand in the beginning of August with a three-game series against the premier team of the American League in recent memory: the Texas Rangers. Pending injuries and where the rotation is at the time, Sox fans could get a look at Rangers ace Yu Darvish during the series.
September 25-28 – The grand finale?
Pending a trip to the postseason for the South Siders, their four-game series against the Kansas City Royals could be the last chance for Sox fans to head over to U.S. Cellular Field and see the Good Guys in 2014. Kansas City showed promise last season by finishing 86-76, third in the Central behind Detroit and Cleveland.