Here at Sox On 35th, we boast a talented and passionate group of contributors that provides coverage all year long. To help you get familiar with our staff, we will be rolling out our “Meet the Team” article series throughout the offseason. In this edition, we get to know our Duke Coughlin.
About Me
How’s it going, everybody? My name is Duke Coughlin and I’m a contributor over here at Sox On 35th. As far back as I can remember, my passion for sports has held center stage in my life. I grew up dreaming about the day when I could work in sports, which makes this opportunity something I’m very passionate about.
One of the earliest memories in my life was going to White Sox games with my parents and always being in love with the entire atmosphere. Watching Frank Thomas, Carlos Lee, Magglio Ordonez, Mark Buehrle, and Paul Konerko on a sunny day in July was always the highlight of my summer. It naturally made me fall in love with the South Side of Chicago, which is fitting considering my father was born and raised in Bridgeport. As I tell everyone, I was born in Wisconsin, but I was raised with Bridgeport values.
As I got older, my love of watching the game translated into my love of playing the game. Whether it was baseball, basketball, or football, you could bet that I’d be signed up for any sport I could get into. While my accolades on the field almost always revolved around football, my love affair with baseball was always present. Nothing topped spending spring/summer with the boys, pitching a few innings, and playing the hot corner. I was always a jack-of-all-trades in regard to the field, but those two positions always had my heart. Even when I was miles deep into a season, you could count on me keeping up with the day-to-day storylines with the White Sox. I was the kid in school who had every stat line imaginable in regard to the team. Even to this day, you’ll catch me looking up Frank Thomas’ RBI total in 1998 for absolutely no reason at all.
When I’m not spending my time at sporting events or recording a podcast, I’m with my beautiful fiancé Kayla and my two pets, Rocky and Sydney.
Fast Facts
- Page Role: Contributor
- Hometown: Janesville, WI
- Current Town (if different from hometown): Madison, WI
Baseball Fandom
- Favorite White Sox Players: Mark Buerhle, Frank Thomas
- Favorite non-White Sox Players: Ben Sheets, Prince Fielder
- Favorite Thing About Being a White Sox Fan: The culture. Impossible to put into words.
- Least Favorite Baseball Team: Cubs or Yankees
- Favorite White Sox Uniform: BRING. BACK. THE. VESTS.
- “Mount Rushmore” of White Sox Players: Carlton Fisk, Frank Thomas, Mark Buehrle, Luke Appling
Honorable Mentions: Paul Konerko, Minnie Minoso, Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio - Favorite In-Person White Sox Memory: Taking my dad to a game after he had his leg amputated and him calling a Tim Anderson grand slam an inning before it happened.
- Least Favorite In-Person White Sox Memory: Every Dallas Keuchel start I’ve ever sat through.
- Favorite Baseball Movie: The Sandlot/Moneyball
- Favorite Baseball Stat: Per 162 stats and K/9
- Favorite Ballpark Food: Jumbo Vienna hot dog with grilled onions and mustard.
- Favorite Ballpark: Haven’t been to many, but I absolutely love Miller Park.
- Ballpark You Want to Visit: Fenway Park.
- All-time Favorite Broadcaster Call: Nothing will ever top Hawk calling the Buerhle perfect game.
Personal Questions
- Who Would Play You in a Movie: Carlos Rodon
- Favorite Fast Food: Does Italian Beef count?
- Favorite TV Show: Currently addicted to Yellowstone!
- Favorite Hobbies: Anything related to sports, grilling, or both.
- Dream Vacation: Ireland. Very proud of my Irish roots.
- Who has inspired you the most in your life: Walter Payton. Never Die Easy.
- Last Concert Attended: Dropkick Murphys.
- Best piece of advice you have ever heard or received: “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”
- Favorite Personal Sports Moment: The 2005 World Series or the 2010 Stanley Cup. Two of the best moments of my life as a fan.
Follow Me
Twitter: @ThatPodGuyDuke
