Chicago White Sox: Energy at SoxFest ups excitement for 2018
The bright future of the Chicago White Sox had fans excited at the 26th-annual SoxFest this past weekend.
The season is one step closer for the Chicago White Sox, and everyone can’t wait to kick it off.
I attended the 26th-annual SoxFest on Friday night and all day Saturday, and based off of what I saw (and felt), White Sox fans are more excited for this season than they’ve been since at least 2006.
The Chicago White Sox announced earlier in the week that SoxFest had sold out, and it became obvious over the weekend.
Lines started before 6 AM, as fans battled a capacity crowd for autographs. The positive energy that players and fans shared in anticipation of the forthcoming season created a truly exciting vibe.
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The fans, in particular, showed their appreciation at Friday afternoon’s opening ceremonies, greeting current, former and future players with loud applause.
Fan-favorites Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia got the biggest reception among current players, with top-prospects Michael Kopech and Eloy Jimenez receiving the most love among the prospects.
But arguably the loudest applause came when general manager Rick Hahn took the floor. Clearly, the fans are plenty ready to appreciate and embrace the rebuilding process Hahn has set in motion.
A SoxFest-record eight prospects were in attendance, adding to the excitement for fans all ages.
The popular White Sox fan lounge in Salon A was a popular hangout for both players and fans, as I spotted Chicago White Sox great Jose Contreras chatting it up with fans, premier prospect Blake Rutherford playing Xbox with a young fan and Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez and others taking some hacks on virtual reality.
Check out all the sights and sounds of SoxFest2018 Day 3!https://t.co/TtYd2SZ3YQ
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 28, 2018
All in all, my experience (as well as many others) was an A+. It was special to see how excited Sox fans, both old and young, were for a season where most don’t expect much from the big-league team.
Seeing the Chicago White Sox building toward becoming a future World Series contender instilled plenty of hope on its own.
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Most impressive was the appreciation, knowledge and excitement about the young prospects. The White Sox have rarely emphasized their future this way, but fans have embraced the new mentality with open arms.
Another SoxFest has come and gone. Pitchers and catchers report in two weeks.
Chicago White Sox baseball is on the horizon, and something special is cooking on the South Side.