The new Chicago White Sox player, Nicky Lopez, is having an extremely memorable offseason.
Even before receiving an honor on Friday, Nicky Lopez felt that this offseason was one of the best times of his life.
“The offseason has been full of events for Lopez.Lopez commented, “It’s definitely been a hectic offseason. The day before my wedding, I was traded from the Braves to the White Sox.
“I won't take for granted the opportunity to play for my hometown team. It's very special to me.”
Being inducted into the Naperville Central Athletic Hall of Fame is equally special for 28-year-old Lopez, who graduated from the school in 2013. He was inducted on Friday, joining other Hall of Fame members. Candace ParkerAnthony Parker, Owen Daniels, Sean Payton and Casey Krueger.
Lopez stated, “It's definitely up there in terms of importance, because it means a lot to me and my family. This is where it all began.
It's a significant milestone for the journey I'm still on. So I'm grateful to come back and see all the teachers who helped shape me into who I am. That's what makes it even more special.”
These teachers include Naperville Central basketball coach Pete Kramer and baseball coach Mike Stock. They were thrilled to be part of the induction ceremony held before the boys' basketball game against Neuqua Valley.
“With it being Nicky, there was a lot of excitement in the building, and that would have been the case even if he was playing for the Braves,” Stock said. “But the fact he’s with the Sox adds another layer.
“It’s just a blast. It’s one of the rewards that you get from being around people like this all the time. We want to make sure we slow it down and celebrate. He’s a great young man from a great family.”
Other inductees on Friday included 2006 graduate Erica Carter, who helped Naperville Central’s girls basketball team win two state titles, and several other accomplished individuals.
Carter mentioned, “I haven’t been back to Naperville since a few months after I graduated. There are so many amazing times that happened throughout high school and my athletic career.
“Walking through the hallways, it brings back a lot of good memories, and I feel honored to be a part of the Hall of Fame. I know there are so many student-athletes that go through the building at Naperville Central, and it’s just been a day full of amazing memories.”
Lopez’s family, including his parents Bob and Angela and brothers Bobby and Anthony, still lives in Naperville. Angela Lopez presented him for induction.
“Obviously, this honor is humbling,” Nicky Lopez said. “You always hear each year of people getting inducted, so to be able to add to the list is awesome.”
After finishing high school at Naperville Central, Lopez played baseball at Creighton and was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB draft. When the Royals brought him up in 2019, he became the first Naperville Central alumnus to play in the major leagues. first Naperville Central graduate to play in the major leagues.
Lopez, who has a .249/.312/.319 career slash line, was a Gold Glove contender at second base in 2020 and was the first Royals shortstop to bat .300 in 2021. He spent parts of five seasons in Kansas City before being traded in July to the Braves, where he contributed to winning the National League East title.
Lopez expressed his excitement about joining the White Sox, who acquired him in November. acquired him in November.
“I grew up attending White Sox games,” he said. “I was at Game 2 of the World Series in 2005, so just having the opportunity to wear the jersey, it’s really cool.”
Known for his modest and hardworking approach to the game, Lopez is eager to acknowledge others for his success.
“When you come to high school, obviously you’re there to learn, but you’re there to grow and also learn life lessons, and these teachers every step of the way helped mold me,” he said. “Whether it was my English teacher or math teacher, we’ve all had conversations with them that have helped me get to where I’m at.
“I can’t thank them enough. They’ve done so good by me with all the respect and love that they’ve shown, and I keep in touch with them.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
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