CHICAGO -- Paul Konerko's career was defined by hard work, consistency and his leadership skills, all of which were lauded as his playing days came to an end last month.
But boiling it down to the single-best moment of his career, it would be hard to beat his go-ahead grand slam in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros.
That memorable blast, which was commemorated with a blue seat in the left field stands near the White Sox bullpen, happened exactly nine years ago today on Oct. 23, 2005.
Konerko’s slam turned a two-run deficit into a 6-4 lead and the White Sox eventually won the game in the ninth inning on a walk-off home run from Scott Podsednik. That home run is also commemorated with a blue seat to the right side of straightaway center field.
Konerko would only get one more hit in that World Series and wouldn’t drive in another run, but the damage already had been done as the White Sox were off and running toward a four-game sweep and the end of an 88-year White Sox championship drought.
The memorable grand slam was a major theme on Paul Konerko Day, the Sept. 27 pregame celebration of the captain’s productive career.
Not only was he presented with the ball he hit into the stands for his World Series slam, a statue was unveiled on the concourse of Konerko thrusting his fist into the air, just as he did while jogging to first base during one of the defining moments of his career.
