A memorial service for White Sox legend Minnie Minoso, affectionately known as the "Cuban Comet," was held Saturday followed by a procession to U.S. Cellular Field.
The service took place at Holy Family Church on the Near West Side at noon. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Commissioner John Daley were among the speakers. Minoso's son, Charlie Minoso, and former teammate Bill Pierce were also gave eulogies.
"He was a star in Cuba and he could've had an easier time playing in Mexico, but he wanted to come to America. And he wanted to play America's pastime in one of the most American of American cities: Chicago. In doing so, he didn't just change the team. He changed Chicago," Emanuel said.
Pierce spoke about his former teammate at the service and remembered him as the best friend he could ever have and "a complete ball player." He recalled a time when Minoso apologized to him two days after he missed a ball because he felt bad letting a teammate down.
"It's hard to express it because he was just such a good person," Pierce said. "Everything he ever did, he never did in a bad way."
A tearful Charlie Minoso spoke about growing up with Minoso as his dad and remembered him as "quirky" and "truly one of a kind."
"He was the most generous man with the most infectious smile that ignited a chain reaction of positive energy and joy that made you feel so special," Minoso said.
Minnie Minoso never made it into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but his family and friends at the memorial service made it clear that he was still a Hall of Famer.
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"When the man upstairs calls him, he will be calling a true Hall of Famer, in every sense of the word," Pierce said.
Following the service, Minoso's family, friends and fans took part in a procession to U.S. Cellular Field.
Minoso died Feb. 28 of natural causes at the age of 90.
The Cuban-born Minoso was the first black player for the White Sox and a nine-time All-Star outfielder and Gold Gloves winner. His time with the team spanned four decades.
In lieu of flowers, Minoso's family has asked that donations be made in his memory to Chicago White Sox Charities. To donate, click here.
