A pretend SoxFest weekend starts on Friday, as White Sox fans try to find a suitable replacement for the yearly fan fest, and the team tries to make some news in the middle of a Chicago winter.
A special event for season ticket holders at the Field Museum is basically taking the place of the regular SoxFest, which was canceled during the pandemic in 2021 and never restarted. The Sox aren’t promoting it much, hoping not to seem like they’re only responding to fans who believe SoxFest was canceled to avoid complaints.
As of Thursday, no media availability was scheduled for Friday’s event, indicating the Sox want this to be a private gathering between the organization and its most loyal, paying customers. Snacks will be served, which might also explain why the Sox don’t want the media around.
The Sox are hoping they can still get media attention on a slow sports weekend in Chicago, without the hassle or cost of planning a huge, multiday event.
On Friday, the Sox announced the return of SoxFest in January 2025 to mark the 20-year anniversary of the 2005 World Series team and the 125-year anniversary of the organization.
If the Sox make any news from the Field Museum, it likely would be leaked first by individual fans, perhaps via Sox Twitter (or Sox X, if you must), to the fans who weren’t invited. Obviously fans have many questions for the Sox brain trust, from the lack of major offseason moves to the Dylan Cease situation to the possibility of a new South Loop stadium.
There’s also newly signed broadcaster John Schriffen to discuss, as well as the one he replaced, Jason Benetti. And what’s the progress of the investigation into the mysterious gunshots in the left–field bleachers?
If a normal SoxFest were in place this weekend, it would be the first time for general manager Chris Getz to explain his plan to fans, just as former GMs Ken Williams and Rick Hahn faithfully did most of the last two decades, with mixed results. A SoxFest without some creative tension is not a true SoxFest.
It would be a great opportunity for manager Pedro Grifol to explain why he expects things to be different in 2024, with a lower payroll and holes in the rotation, bullpen and infield. And marketing boss Brooks Boyer could explain how he plans to get people in the seats in a ballpark the team seemingly admits is not worth preserving.
Meanwhile, the potential South Loop Park has gotten a generally positive reception without any details being announced. Wouldn’t it be perfect to reveal the renderings at SoxFest?
Alas, for those fans who aren’t invited to the Field Museum, a Faux SoxFest will have to suffice.
What is that? According to reliable sources, a Faux SoxFest contains all the elements of the real deal, except without players to sign autographs, executives to yell at about their decisions or memorabilia booths selling action photos of former catcher Carlton Fisk tagging two guys out on one play at the plate.
At Faux SoxFest, there’s no need to drive to McCormick Place or a downtown hotel and pay for parking, an admission fee or maybe even a hotel room. All you need is a few chairs, some cold beverages and three or more fellow Sox fans to discuss the state of the organization. Malört is optional. Anyone bringing up Justin Fields is promptly shown the door.
Sox therapy is available for free and always encouraged, no matter the time of year. Hosting a Faux SoxFest would decrease the team's environmental impact while helping fans reduce stress from the constant and unnecessary refreshing of the mlbtraderumors.com website.
It's clear that this winter has been disappointing for Chicago baseball fans, regardless of which team they support. The absence of a fan convention for the White Sox while the Cubs held theirs in the city center is especially frustrating for some White Sox fans. The beginning of a new season should be commemorated in winter, when there are no defeats, injuries, or random shootings.
Players are generally in high spirits, including Eloy Jiménez, who recently stated in A.J. Pierzynski's podcast, “Fair Territory,” that he could hit over 40 home runs in 2024 “if I’m healthy.”
That's not typically his style, but it's never too early to aim high. The 2024 White Sox will need Jiménez, Luis Robert, and Andrew Vaughn to lead the offense, unless they decide to trade Jiménez.
But this is a matter that can be discussed this weekend at your local Faux SoxFest, where everyone comes together – and where everybody knows your name.
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