Former Chicago White Sox slugger Paul Konerko was named as one of 32 finalists for the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2020 Monday.
Konerko, who slugged 432 home runs and drove in 1,383 RBI’s in 16 seasons with the White Sox, is one of 18 players who are on the ballot for the first time, joining former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, former Yankees slugger Jason Giambi, and former Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee.
Konerko was traded to the White Sox prior to the 1999 season, and made a huge impact on the team over the years, making the All-Star Game six times and finishing in the top-six of American League MVP voting on two occasions.
During the 2005 season, Konerko hit 40 home runs and drove in 100 RBI’s as the White Sox won the Central Division and romped all the way to the franchise’s first World Series title in 88 years as they swept the Houston Astros. Konerko hit a grand slam during the Fall Classic while hitting five home runs and driving in 15 RBI’s during the postseason.
Konerko stayed with the White Sox for the remainder of his career, retiring after the 2014 season.
Writers participating in Hall of Fame voting are allowed to choose up to 10 players on their ballots. Players receiving votes on more than five percent of ballots can remain on the ballot for the following year, and can appear on ballots for up to 10 years.
Players must be named on 75 percent of ballots to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
Chicago Baseball
Several other former players with Chicago ties are on the ballot, including Sammy Sosa, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Pena, Adam Dunn, and Omar Vizquel.
Voting results will be announced on Jan. 21, and inductees will be enshrined in Cooperstown on July 26, 2020.
