White Sox: It’s time to say goodbye to Hawk Harrelson for the last time
By Matt Cizek
Today is a bittersweet day for White Sox fans, and not just because they might lose the season series to the Cubs.
As many know, Ken “Hawk” Harrelson will be calling his final White Sox ballgame today.
After 34 seasons with the White Sox organization – including 33 as a broadcaster – Hawk is putting away his microphone one last time.
In an article by Colleen Kane with the Chicago Tribune, Hawk said:
"“This has been the greatest ride of my life, and it has been a lot of fun with these fans. I’ll never forget anything that has to do with this, nothing. I’ll remember it forever.”"
We, the fans, will too, Hawk.
A quick history lesson: Ken Harrelson came to the White Sox after a stellar career of his own that included an All-Star selection that helped the Boston Red Sox get to the 1967 World Series. They lost in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals.
He came to the White Sox in 1982 and called games for 4 seasons before a 1 year term as General Manager, which can be classified as unsuccessful (He fired Tony LaRussa, Dave Dombrowski, and traded Bobby Bonilla). “Hawk” then left the organization for 3 seasons before returning to the club in 1990. The rest, as they say, is history.
In an article in USA Today, Hawk was asked what he will miss the most. His response:
"“The friendships. That’s what life’s about to me, family and memories.”"
Sox fans will miss the friendships and memories too, Hawk.
Critics will have several things to say – he was too one sided, too old school, too critical at times. Hawk certainly wasn’t perfect.
However, for those who grew up with him, Hawk’s genuine “homerism” – that is to say rooting for the White Sox – was captivating. It drew people to him. By extension, it also drew people to the team he supported.
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For people who really watched the ballgames, Hawk was very insightful. More than anything else, he respected and loved the game of baseball. In so doing, he made others love and respect the game too.
Not to be forgotten, Hawk’s one liners and catch phrases will forever be memorable. No Sox fan will ever forget what it means to “Put one on the board,” how an easy catch in the outfield is a “Can of corn,” when to encourage a rally by telling players “Don’t stop now, boys” or that a strikeout victim should “Grab some bench!”
From little boys eager to see Frank Thomas hit a home run as he slugged his way to the Hall of Fame, to grown men listening to analysis of how rookie Michael Kopech can help the team get back into contention … Hawk has been there for each step of the journey.
Sox fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
dark. Next. Rookie Daniel Palka setting team records
We, at Southside Showdown, wish Hawk Harrelson the best of luck in his future endeavors. We hope to see him at Guaranteed Rate Field as a fan for a long, long time.