Amidst on-field woes, the Chicago White Sox offer a nostalgic escape
While we feel the need to cover our eyes with our hands or a paper sack when watching 2025 Chicago White Sox baseball, today, the team announced a schedule of special guest appearances spanning April, May, and June to celebrate the franchise’s 125th-anniversary season. The organization will welcome back members of the 2005 World Series Championship roster, iconic White Sox figures, and the family of soon-to-be Hall of Fame legend Dick Allen to commemorate this milestone year.
For fans still wanting to actually attend in-person games (no judging, as I am one of those people that has tickets for this year), mark your calendars for the following:
- Scott Podsednik: A key contributor to the 2005 World Series victory, Scotty Pods will be at Rate Field on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, during the series against the Boston Red Sox.
- Aaron Rowand: Another pivotal member of the 2005 championship team, the All-Star outfielder will return to the South Side on Friday, May 2, as the White Sox take on the Houston Astros.
- The Family of Dick Allen: Chicago proudly welcomes the family of the late Dick Allen, the 1972 American League MVP and a seven-time All-Star who will be posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025. They will be honored on Saturday, May 3, also during the series against the Houston Astros.
- Robin Ventura: Former manager and cornerstone of the White Sox for many years, the two-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove Award-winning third baseman will be in attendance on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, when the Miami Marlins come to town.
- Jack McDowell: The dominant righthander, affectionately known as “Black Jack,” who earned three All-Star selections and the 1993 American League Cy Young Award, will greet fans on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, during the series against the Kansas City Royals.
These special guests will participate in ceremonial first pitches and engage with fans throughout their appearances. While select season ticket holders will have exclusive opportunities for autograph sessions and meet-and-greets on highlighted gamedays, it’s important to note that these experiences are limited and are not guaranteed for all attendees.
Stay tuned for further announcements regarding additional special guests and festivities planned for the remainder of the 125th-anniversary season. For the most up-to-date information on all things related to the celebration at Rate Field, fans can visit whitesox.com/125.
It’s important to note here that some pretty big names are nowhere to be found on this list. We have Hall of Famers Harold Baines, Carlton Fisk, Goose Gossage, Tim Raines, and Frank Thomas, who all played at least five years with the South Siders, and Jim Thome, who played three and a half. Also, where is the family of Bill Veeck? How about finally retiring the number of Ozzie Guillén? Or invite legendary organist Nancy Faust back to play for a night — maybe the Mark Buehrle statue celebration? Hopefully, the marketing and PR folks are working hard behind the scenes because while the above-listed guests are fine and good, some of the most prominent people in franchise history are missing. While we’re struggling as an organization to get it right on the field, the very least that can happen is to get it right off of it.