Sometimes people need second chances and the White Sox just showed the classy way to give a former employee a second chance.
The White Sox just rehired a former employee who was wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years.
According to several sources, including MLB.com, Nevest Coleman was rehired after 23 years to work as a groundskeeper at Guaranteed Rate Field.
White Sox in 1995
The last time that Coleman was a free man it was 1995 and the Sox played at Comiskey Park. Robin Ventura and Ozzie Guillen were baseball players. While he spent his time in jail, these two became managers for the Sox. Dave Martinez also was on the 1995 team. While he did not get to manage the Sox, he’s running the show in Washington.
Also from the 1995 season, two players are now members of the Hall of Fame. Tim Raines was elected in 2017. Frank Thomas was elected to the Hall in 2014.
In 1995, the Sox finished third in the American League Central with a record of 68-76 and Gene Lamont was the manager. Alex Fernandez had 30 starts with an ERA of 3.80. And, Roberto Hernandez was the closer with 32 saves and an ERA of 3.92.
The world of baseball was quite different the last time that Coleman was a free man.
His first day back
According to the article on MLB.com by Scott Merkin,
"“Monday marked the 49-year-old’s first day back at work at Guaranteed Rate Field after being wrongly incarcerated for 23 years based on being convicted for first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault.”"
By rehiring Coleman, the White Sox showed what type of an organization is really is. Giving someone like Coleman a second chance at a job he once loved shows that the organization is all about people. It is truly a classy move and the Sox should be commended for doing this.
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Merkin reported that several employees greeted Coleman as he arrived at work on Monday. His current supervisor was an old friend that he worked with back in the 1990’s. Another old friend, who also still works for the Sox, greeted Coleman, too. Only two groundskeepers remain from the days that Coleman was originally employed by the White Sox. This fact is also astonishing and shows that the White Sox organization is a good place to work.
How the world has changed in 23 years
Consider how much the world has changed since Coleman was last a free man. Michael Jordan had just returned to basketball after his foray into minor league baseball. The Atlanta Braves won the World Series with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz on the mound. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Detroit Red Wings for the Stanley Cup. And, the Houston Rockets won the NBA Finals over Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic.
Next: More craft beer at Guaranteed Rate Field
If you’re sitting near the tarp at Guaranteed Rate Field and rain is on the horizon, you might just be able to meet Mr. Coleman. Part of his job is to help cover the field when it rains. Be sure to say hi.