By Dylan Warda ‘22

The Chicago White Sox 2021 season is now over. The Sox put together a squad that was good enough to compete for a World Series title. Even though the Sox fell short of their ultimate goal, they still had an amazing and very fun season.

From the very beginning of the season, the White Sox roster was plagued by injuries. These injuries are what led to the emergence of Yermín Mercedes. Mercedes’ MVP level of hitting in the first month of the season is what helped the White Sox start out hot and he became a fan favorite.

Senior Sean Maloney said, “He still is my favorite Sox player because of how exciting his rookie year was.” Even though he was demoted after slumping in May and June, his April in 2021 should never be forgotten.

White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon emerged as an ace in 2021. Rodon was cut from the Sox after 2020 and was re-signed later in the offseason. Rodon came into the 2021 season with very little expectations. He was thought to have been a possible fifth starter in the rotation. Rodon blew away everyone’s expectations and became the Sox best pitcher. In mid April, Rodon threw his first no-hitter of his career, which was a near perfect game. Rodon was an amazing surprise for the 2021 season.

On Aug. 12, the Chicago White Sox played against the New York Yankees in Dyersville, Iowa, at the Field of Dreams. This game featured two powerhouses in the MLB played on national TV. This was one of the most hyped games of the year and the game did not disappoint. It went back and forth the entire game until Tim Anderson ended it with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.

“This was the best baseball game I’ve ever watched,” said senior Danny White.

The Sox were plagued with injuries the entire year. Sox stars Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Nick Madrigal, and Yasmani Grandal, all suffered major injuries. Other Sox players were also in and out of the lineup with injuries. Even with all these injuries, the Sox were able to dominate the American League Central Division and cruise to win their first division championship since 2008.

The White Sox entered the postseason with the third seed in the playoffs and would go against the second seeded Houston Astros. The Sox would fall to the Astros 3-1 in the series but that does not mean the season was a failure.

“I was disappointed when the Sox lost the series but it was a very fun season,” said senior Gavin Ward. There were so many amazing moments that every White Sox player and fan should remember and be proud of their 2021 season.

SOURCE: https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/08/13/field-of-dreams-game-the-opener