beyond diamond - Chicago White Sox

WHITESOX.COM
312.674.1000
CHICAGO. ILLINOIS 60616
333 WEST 35TH STREET
REGULAR - BLACK BG
IN THIS ISSUE
®
CWSC Announces 2006 Grant Recipients 1
White Sox Charities Update
2
Time Well Spent
Visit and sign-up to become a registered user to receive SoxFest 2007 details as they become available
and free email newsletters and the latest White Sox news.
3-4
Chicago White Sox Build Habitat For Humanity Home
5
Dye Goes To Bat For Kids
6
OUR MISSION
Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) provides annual financial, in-kind and emotional
support to hundreds of Chicago-based organizations, including those leading the fight
against cancer or dedicated to improving the lives of Chicago’s youth through education
and athletics. With the generous support of White Sox fans, friends and sponsors, CWSC
has donated millions of dollars since its inception in 1990, striving to improve the quality
of life for Chicagoans of all ages, races and genders. To the Chicago White Sox, winning
goes beyond the baseball diamond into the community. The White Sox and CWSC want to
inspire, educate and embrace Chicago to create a lasting legacy for future generations.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Edition 2
VOL. 2
BEYOND THE DIAMOND
JOIN US IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO’S LOOP
REGULAR - white or other bg
Jermaine Dye visits pregame with his honored guests from the Chicago Boys and Girls Clubs. Dye has supported Boys and Girls Clubs throughout his career.
DYE GOES TO BAT FOR KIDS
White Sox Charities UPDATE
After a record-setting year in which Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) raised
$1.5 million with the generous support of fans, players and corporate partners,
CWSC has announced several new programs – and the return of some fan
favorites – that will enable fans to participate in the team’s community
outreach efforts.
One exciting way fans joined in the World Series celebration was by purchasing
raffle tickets to win one of three authentic 2005 World Series Championship rings,
exact versions of the ones given to Sox players and staff.
The extravagant rings are personalized with the last name of each winner. The
rings are made of 14-karat yellow gold with a 14-karat white gold insert and
a White Sox logo crest on a black onyx base. Each ring contains 95 brilliant
diamonds of various sizes equaling over two carats.
Over 40,000 raffle tickets were sold at U.S. Cellular Field box offices and online
at whitesox.com (Illinois residents only). Each ticket cost $20 and all proceeds
benefited CWSC. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity closed Monday, July 31.
Along with the opportunity to bring home a World Series ring, fans throughout
Illinois and Northwest Indiana are invited to the World Series Trophy Tour
presented by U.S. Cellular. For a suggested donation of $10 benefiting CWSC and
United Way on behalf of U.S. Cellular, fans may have their picture taken with the
trophy. Through May, the tour raised more than $135,000 for CWSC and more
1 BEYOND THE DIAMOND
than 25,000 fans had ventured to see the pride of the South Side. The tour
launched in December to thank fans for a century of loyalty and support. Due to
overwhelming response to the tour, it has been extended through August.
Popular annual CWSC events also are returning in 2006. On Sunday, July 23, fans
joined White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, players, coaches and their families for
a picnic in the U.S. Cellular Field outfield following the White Sox game versus
the Rangers. Fans met and collected autographs from their favorite Sox team
members, bid on unique auction items and enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show.
Thanks to our generous supporters, Picnic in the Park presented by LaSalle Bank
was sold out.
Golfers will hit the links with current and former White Sox players and local
celebrities at the Field of Greens golf outing at Harborside International Golf
Center on Monday, August 28. Golf groups will be paired with a celebrity for a
day of golf, dinner, raffle prizes and a silent and live auction. Proceeds will
benefit pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Memorial
and Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago. Field of Greens
is sold out.
For information on upcoming CWSC events or to donate to CWSC, please call
(312) 674-1000 or visit whitesox.com.
White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye hasn’t forgotten his humble roots and the
steps he took to become the 2005 World Series Most Valuable Player. As a youth,
Dye was a member of the Richmond, Calif., Boys and Girls Clubs, and throughout
his major-league career he has supported the clubs and its mentoring efforts
for youths.
Again in 2006, Dye will treat members of local Boys and Girls Clubs to White Sox
games. Each month, he provides game tickets and Comiskey Cash to nine kids
chosen to be a part of “JD’s MVPs,” who are recognized for their performance
in school, community and citizenship. He also participates in a meet and greet
as kids are recognized on the field.
“The Boys and Girls Clubs, for me, were a place to go. A place I could call home,”
Dye recalls. “I honed my baseball skills there as a kid.”
He credits life lessons learned during his time with the Boys and Girls Clubs for
shaping him into the man he is today.
“There is a positive atmosphere that surrounds the people there,” Dye said. “The
volunteers create an encouraging environment for the kids to learn and play.”
Dye also supported Boys and Girls Clubs while playing in Oakland and Kansas City,
and participated in the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, which has
expanded or established baseball and fast-pitch softball programs in more than
150 communities nationwide.
Recently, Dye took part in a television commercial shoot for Major League Baseball
and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The national television commercial is
the first one ever to feature a White Sox player. To Dye, the commercial was not
about his star power, but about the benefits of the Boys and Girls Clubs.
“Getting involved with the kids is something positive for them and for me,” Dye
said. “The clubs give them a chance to interact with other kids and it keeps them
off the streets.”
“ The Boys and Girls Clubs, for me,
were a place to go. A place I could
call home. I honed my baseball skills
there as a kid.”
Jermaine Dye, White Sox Right Fielder
Last season, Dye, along with teammates Aaron Rowand and Scott Podsednik,
signed autographs and participated in a Q & A session at the Valentine Boys and
Girls Club. The trio provided game tickets, bus transportation and Comiskey Cash
for 250 members of the Keystone and Torch Clubs.
BEYOND THE DIAMOND
6
TIME WELL SPENT: 2006 Community TimeLInE
January 18
Chicagoans of the Year Award
Chicago Magazine honored the White Sox as one of its
picks for Chicagoans of the Year – individuals who made
vital contributions to the life and spirit of the city in
2005 – at an annual luncheon. Each honoree also was
profiled in the magazine’s January 2006 issue.
February 13
Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards benefiting
the March of Dimes
Rob Mackowiak accepted an award on behalf of the
Chicago White Sox for the 2005 Chicago Sports Team
of the Year. Also on February 13, White Sox players,
coaches and staff traveled to Washington D.C. to meet
U.S. President George Bush at the White House.
April 18
Organ Donor Night
Secretary of State Jesse White promoted Organ Donor
Awareness Month at U.S. Cellular Field. He threw out a
ceremonial first pitch with help from two high school
students awaiting transplants.
April 22
Día del Niño (Day of the Child) Festival
U.S. Cellular and the White Sox hosted the 2nd annual
Día del Niño festival, which celebrated the Day of the
Child and featured Latino Music, baseball skills clinics,
food sampling, family health information, raffle prizes
and autograph sessions with Jose Contreras, Pablo
Ozuna, Javier Vazquez, Alex Cintron, Joey Cora and White
Sox great Minnie Minoso.
April 22
White Sox Training Centers Autograph Session
Brandon McCarthy and Bobby Jenks signed autographs
for kids who registered for White Sox Training Centers
summer camps.
January 27-29
SoxFest
The 14th annual SoxFest set record attendance and
fundraising levels, with nearly 20,000 fans attending
the three-day fan convention. The Garage Sale,
wristband sales and the World Series Trophy Tour raised
$200,000 for Chicago White Sox Charities. More than
25,000 autographs were signed by 18 current players,
in addition to thousands signed by former players,
broadcasters and White Sox VIPs.
February 10
Swimming with the Dolphins
A.J. Pierzynski and his family visited Discovery Cove in
Orlando, Fla., where Pierzynski had a chance to swim
with the dolphins.
March 3
Reading Day at Tuscon Electric Park
Neal Cotts and Brandon McCarthy read Dr. Seuss
favorites to Tucson-area children during Spring Training.
April 15
Jackie Robinson Day
The White Sox recognized Jackie Robinson Day and the
59th anniversary of the day he broke the color barrier
with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Chicago-area scholars were
recognized before the game, and White Sox Jackie
Robinson Foundation scholar Judge Gardner threw out
the ceremonial first pitch.
April 18
Organ Donor Day
Mark Buehrle, Chris Widger and broadcaster Ed Farmer
joined Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to promote
awareness of the need for organ and tissue donations.
April 18
JD’s MVPs
Members of a local Boys & Girls Club attended a game
courtesy of Jermaine Dye, who provides game tickets
and Comiskey Cash for ten kids each month. He also
participates in a pregame meet and greet as the
children are recognized on-field for their excellence
in citizenship, school and community.
3 BEYOND THE DIAMOND
April 18
Misericordia National Anthem
The Misericordia HeartZingers, a chorale group that
performs throughout Chicagoland, sang and signed the
national anthem. Misericordia/Heart of Mercy supports
individuals with developmental disabilities with spirituality,
dignity, respect and enhancement of quality of life.
May 3
World Series Trophy Tour, Presented by U.S. Cellular,
Raises $125,000
The World Series Trophy Tour presented by U.S. Cellular
thanks fans for their loyalty and support. At each tour
stop, fans may make a $10 donation to take their picture
with the trophy. In May, the White Sox announced
that 25,000 fans had ventured to see the prize of the
South Side and had raised $125,000 for CWSC. Because
of overwhelming response to the tour, it will continue
through August.
June 17
Family Field Day and the Yard Sale
Fans took the field for a game of catch, visited the
dugouts and bullpens and posed for photos during
Father’s Day Weekend. Fans also shopped for new and
used equipment, including jerseys, pants, hats, bats,
gloves and baseballs from current and former players at
the annual Yard Sale.
May 10
For the Love of Children Award
At the Children’s Home and Aid Society luncheon, Ozzie
Guillen received the “For the Love of Children” award
for his service to children in Chicago and in his native
Venezuela through the Ozzie Guillen Foundation.
May 23
Jefferson Awards
The Jefferson Awards acknowledge individuals who
give their time and energy to making a difference in
their community. Mark Buehrle and former Chicago Bull
Bill Wennington recognized representatives from 20
Chicago high schools for their outstanding contributions
and achievements.
May 6
Utica Little League
Cliff Politte and Chris Widger welcomed the Utica, Ill.,
Little League to U.S. Cellular Field. After Utica was hit
by a tornado in 2004, the White Sox helped rebuild their
little league fields and bring baseball back to the town.
To thank the White Sox, the 11- and 12-year-old little
league team was renamed the Utica White Sox.
June 3
White Sox Summer Camp Kick-Off
Brian Anderson, Cliff Politte and White Sox great Billy
Pierce signed autographs at the White Sox Fields at
Mt. Greenwood Park to kick off the White Sox Training
Centers summer camps. Southpaw also entertained
young White Sox fans as Training Centers coaches
performed skills clinics for participants.
April 19
U.S. Cellular Baby Blanket Delivery
The White Sox and U.S. Cellular donated 10,000
blankets and 20,000 ticket coupons to local hospitals.
Joe Crede, Jon Garland, Southpaw and John Rooney,
U.S. Cellular president/CEO, delivered baby blankets
to Rush University Medical Center for the first 1,000
babies born after Opening Day.
April 21
Gateway Green PSA Taping
Brian Anderson, Joe Crede, Bobby Jenks and third base
coach Joey Cora taped a public service announcement
in support of Gateway Green’s mission to the continued
beautification of Chicago.
May 9
Habitat for Humanity Build
The White Sox, Major League Baseball and Habitat for
Humanity built a house in partnership with a family who
relocated to Illinois after Hurricane Katrina. White Sox
employees built the home with the help of its new owner,
Shirley Baughman. Paul and Jennifer Konerko, Jim and
Andrea Thome and Scott and Lisa Podsednik stopped by
to support the volunteers’ efforts.
June 8
Prostate Cancer Night
Paul Konerko and Jim Thome teamed up with the
Gillette Prostate Cancer Challenge and the Prostate
Cancer Foundation to help “Keep Dad in the Game.”
Each time a White Sox player hit a home run during
selected games throughout Father’s Day week, Gillette,
along with fans, made pledges to raise money for
prostate cancer research.
June 11
Pepsi Pitch, Hit & Run
Pepsi Pitch, Hit & Run allows children to participate in
a baseball skills competition, where boys and girls ages
7-14 can compete for a spot in the national finals during
2006 MLB All-Star Week. Participants took part in a
morning competition and were honored on-field during
pregame ceremonies.
June 22
White Sox Training Academy Camp
Rob Mackowiak visited with young athletes at a White
Sox Training Academy summer camp in La Grange.
June 22
White Sox Training Academy Camp
Chris Widger visited with young athletes at a White Sox
Training Academy summer camp in Palatine.
June 23
White Sox Training Academy Camp
Bobby Jenks visited with young athletes at a White Sox
Training Academy summer camp in Homewood.
July 5
P.L.A.Y. Day
The Professional Athletic Trainers Association, the
American Diabetes Association and 100 children
created “Promoted a Lifetime of Activity for Youth” with
White Sox trainer Herm Schneider and team spokesman
Paul Konerko. Kids participated in learning sessions
related to healthy lifestyles and received goody bags
from Konerko.
July 5
Illinois Fatherhood Initiative Night
The White Sox and the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative
welcomed the winners of the 2006 Fatherhood Essay
Contest, which annually attracts nearly 30,000 essays
from students across Illinois.
July 6
White Sox Training Centers Autograph Session
Mark Buehrle and Neal Cotts signed autographs for
kids who registered for White Sox Training Centers
summer camps.
July 6
White Sox Day at Taste of Chicago
Joe Crede, A.J. Pierzynski, Ron Kittle, Bill Melton and
Southpaw signed autographs at the annual White Sox
Day at Taste of Chicago.
July 6
White Sox Kids Club On-Field Parade
”All-Star” members of the Pepsi White Sox Kids Club
joined Southpaw in an on-field parade during
pregame ceremonies.
For more information about supporting White Sox
community relations and Chicago White Sox Charities
efforts, call 312-674-1000 or visit whitesox.com.
BEYOND THE DIAMOND
4
CWSC Announces 2006 grant recipients
With the generous support of White Sox fans, friends and sponsors, Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) has donated millions of dollars since its inception in 1990, striving
to improve the quality of life for Chicagoans of all ages, races and genders. For the first time ever, because of generous fan support, CWSC raised more than $1 million in
2005. This year, CWSC again has reached out to help a variety of causes and organizations, and is proud to announce its grant recipients for 2006.
“White Sox Charities is dedicated to enhancing the welfare of our fans, our neighbors and our city,” said CWSC president Scott Reifert. “Whether it is providing recreational
tools, financial assistance, educational opportunities or health care, CWSC makes its presence felt in Chicago.”
Below is a list of some of the agencies and organizations that received CWSC monetary grants in 2006, and how those funds will be used to better the community.
Recreational
Inner City Little League – gives more than 600
children from the Chicago Housing Authority the
opportunity to play little league baseball.
Miracle Field of Buffalo Grove – allows thousands of
children with special needs to realize their dream of
playing baseball.
Girls in the Game – uses sports and fitness to
improve the physical health and mental well-being
of girls.
Keshet – assists with the Keshet’s Buddy
Baseball Program.
White Sox players Scott Podsednik, Jim Thome and Paul Konerko lend Hurricane Katrina victim Shirley Baughman a hand building her new home near U.S. Cellular Field.
Chicago White Sox Build Habitat for
Humanity Home
On May 9, the White Sox teamed up with Major League Baseball and Habitat for
Humanity to construct a house in partnership with a family who was forced to
relocate due to Hurricane Katrina. White Sox players and staff worked on the
construction site at Armour Square Park, just north of U.S. Cellular Field.
Baughman was clearly appreciative of the effort the White Sox organization
and MLB had made. “I’m very happy and proud about what’s going on,” said
Baughman, who assisted in the construction process. “It’s exciting we built as
much as we did in one day.”
The house was built for Shirley Baughman and her family, who lost their home in
Hurricane Katrina. The house will reside in Carter Crossing, a Habitat community
at 12th Street and Washington Park in Lake County. Baughman’s new house will be
one of the first in a subdivision of Habitat homes which will eventually welcome 33
relocated families.
This was the not the first time the White Sox had participated in a Habitat
build. During the 2005 World Series in Houston, MLB and Habitat for Humanity
International built eight houses, each representing one of the eight clubs in
the postseason. The White Sox, including the wives of several current players,
participated in one of the build days in Houston.
Paul and Jennifer Konerko, Jim and Andrea Thome and Scott and Lisa Podsednik
It’s part of being a ballplayer when
stopped by the build site to lend a helping hand. They took time to do some
things like this come up,” Jim
hammering of their own, posed for pictures with volunteers and autographed
“ Thome said, echoing his wife’s
some memorabilia for Baughman. Each expressed the importance of participating
sentiments. “It means a lot to
in charitable efforts, including Habitat for Humanity.
“Everywhere Jim has played, we really felt that it was important to be a part of
the community,” said Andrea Thome. “It’s just as important as what he does on
the field. For us, it’s a no-brainer to come to something like this.”
“It’s part of being a ballplayer when things like this come up,” Jim Thome said,
echoing his wife’s sentiments. “It means a lot to people when you come out and
give your time. The White Sox organization deserves credit. They have done a real
nice job, not only informing players, but getting involved, too. It’s a neat deal.”
5 BEYOND THE DIAMOND
Noble Street Charter High School – provides students
with the knowledge to make positive choices about
diet and exercise.
Special Children’s Charities – supports the purchase of
uniforms for athletes and coaches in the 2006 Spring
Special Olympics.
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago – assists with the
purchase of a permanent mounted scoreboard and
portable indoor/outdoor scoreboard at the new
Rauner YMCA in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.
Medical
Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities – supports cancer
research and treatment programs at Northwestern
Memorial and Children’s Memorial hospitals.
Educational
Ada S. McKinley Community Service – assists the Talent
Search College Preparation and Planning Program,
where participants are low-income first generation
college students.
Golden Apple Foundation – continues the
operation of the Alphabet Bus, a mobile literacy
demonstration site.
Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish –
expands the parish’s after-school mentoring
for youth ages 6-12 from Back of the Yards
in Chicago.
Jackie Robinson Foundation – supports a four-year
college scholarship for an academically gifted student
of color with financial need.
Lawrence Hall Youth Services – uses visual art as a
medium to help students with special needs improve
academic proficiency.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation – funds
scholarship for sons and daughters of Marines in the
Chicagoland area.
Family Services
Chicago Abused Women Coalition – provides shelter for
victims of domestic abuse.
Chicago Project for Violence Prevention – raises
awareness of city-wide shooting violence.
Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center – supports the annual
Cancer Survivor’s Walk.
Children’s Place Association – provides tutoring
activities for children with AIDS/HIV.
people when you come out and give
your time."
Gilda’s Club – addresses the psychosocial needs of
those impacted by cancer.
Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation – provides
prescriptive optical service devices to visually
impaired children in Chicago schools.
Jim Thome, White Sox DH/First Baseman
Shriners Hospitals for Children – provides an
alternative system of communication for
non-verbal patients.
University of Illinois at Chicago – Department of
Surgical Oncology – supports a clinical trial,
investigating the treatment of a common precursor
to melanoma.
Child/Adolescent Development
Boy Scouts of America – teaches students
with special needs the skills to achieve
self-sufficiency.
Bremen Youth Services – expands the mentoring
program to the Robbins community.
Chicago Youth Centers-Elliot Donnelly Center –
addresses job readiness for youth age 13-17 from
the Greater Grand Boulevard Community.
The Crossroads Group at Old St. Patrick’s Church –
creates opportunities for children from
low-income families.
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls – provides educational
opportunities that are critical for transformation to
independent living.
Rainbows – helps local children cope with
traumatic events.
Thresholds – provides those with mental illness the
tools to live independently.
From hospitals and shelters to schools and playing
fields, CWSC is proud to support dozens of valuable
local causes and organizations each year, and our
partnership with these groups provides tremendous
opportunities for thousands of Chicagoans. Just
as the White Sox try to repeat their on-field
accomplishments of 2005, CWSC and its 2006
partners are well on their way to matching the
success they found in the community last year.
Juvenile Protective Association – offers treatment and
counseling for Chicago’s disadvantaged children and
families in crisis.
Night Ministry – provides interim housing for
homeless adolescents and their children.
BEYOND THE DIAMOND
2