Happy Birthday Paul Konerko

Today is White Sox All-Star slugger Paul Konerko‘s 36th birthday. Since the trade for Mike Cameron on November 11, 1998, Konerko has been a part of the White Sox.

The legacy of Konerko started in the 2005 postseason. In game three against the Angels in the ALCS he went 3 for 4 with a home run and three RBI. He hit another home run in game four and went on to be named ALCS MVP. In the World Series Konerko hit the first grand slam in White Sox World Series history. A huge momentum shift when the team was trailing late.

For 15 years Konerko has gone under the radar. All he has done is post a .282 career average with over 1,200 RBI and he is four home runs away from 400.

Konerko continues to fight off Father Time. Last season he hit .300 with 31 home runs and 105 RBI. The season before that he posted a .312 average with 39 home runs and 111 RBI.

Not only has Konerko been the captain, leader and steady voice on the team but he has solidified himself as one of the greatest players in White Sox history. In 2010 Konerko signed a three-year extension hoping to keep the All-Star slugger in a Sox uniform for the rest of his career.

Not many people would have thought they would be wishing Paul Konerko a happy 36th birthday after that trade in 1998. However Konerko has been a gentleman and perfect ambassador for Chicago and the White Sox organization. Here’s to hoping his allegiance is always with the Black and White and he gets a statue in the outfield of U.S. Cellular Field in the future. Happy Birthday Paulie!