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Photo Recap: Baseball Returns to the South Side

by Joe Ruffalo

The threat of inclement weather wasn’t enough to dampen the spirit of White Sox nation ahead of Monday’s 2023 Home Opener at Guaranteed Rate Field — but an insufferable 12-3 loss against the San Francisco Giants certainly did the job.

Regardless of how ugly the game itself may have turned out, Opening Day symbolizes so much beyond the final score. It’s more about tradition than anything else. It’s about sharing laughs, grilling out, and spending time with loved ones. It’s about putting the struggles of life aside for a few hours and getting back to what really matters because, for many, this time is valuable. Yesterday’s Home Opener was a first for some and a last for others. The outcome of the game will fade away as time passes, but the memories that we create at the ballpark are what stay with us forever.


Baseball fans enjoy pregame festivities around the newly-renovated grounds outside Guaranteed Rate Field before Monday’s Home Opener. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

On Monday, thousands of baseball fans flocked to Guaranteed Rate Field’s parking lots for delicious food and beverages ahead of the Chicago White Sox Home Opener against the San Francisco Giants. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

From left, NBC Sports Chicago’s Chuck Garfien, Ozzie Guillen, Gordon Beckham, and A.J. Pierzynski report live from Guaranteed Rate Field ahead of the Chicago White Sox Home Opener on April 3rd, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

A wave of baseball fans cross the Wentworth/35th Street intersection as they make their way to Guaranteed Rate Field for the 2023 Chicago White Sox Home Opener. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Shortly before the National Anthem during Monday’s Home Opener, the Chicago White Sox took a moment to remember late franchise legend, Gary Peters. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

White Sox slugger Eloy Jimenez waves to fans during player introductions inside Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday afternoon. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Chicago White Sox fans slowly make their way around the right field concourse during Monday’s Home Opener at Guaranteed Rate Field. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Fans relax and enjoy a bite to eat before heading into Guaranteed Rate Field for the 2023 Season Home Opener on Monday afternoon. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson waves to fans during team introductions at Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday afternoon. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech delivers a strikeout pitch to Giants infielder LaMonte Wade, Jr. in the first inning of Monday’s Home Opener. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Fans tailgate in Lot B prior to first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Fielder on Monday afternoon. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

On Monday, countless fans posed for photos in the batters box near the site of Old Comiskey Park. The ground surrounding home plate was recently renovated with turf this past off-season. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Fans enjoy the game from the brand new Blue Moon Balcony in the 500-level at Guaranteed Rate Field during Monday’s Home Opener. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

2005 World Series Champion and Chicago White Sox legend A.J. Pierzynski delivers the Ceremonial First Pitch ahead of the team’s Home Opener against the San Francisco Giants on April 3rd, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Jake Diekman delivers a strikeout pitch to Giants infielder Thairo Estrada in the sixth inning of Monday’s Home Opener. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi heads home to score on an Andrew Vaughn RBI double in the seventh inning of the team’s Home Opener against the San Francisco Giants on Monday. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

A Miller Lite logo above the right field video board is among the newest installations around Guaranteed Rate Field in 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Chicago White Sox slugger Luis Robert rounds the bases after belting his second home run of the 2023 season. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Prior to first pitch, Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks makes a virtual appearance on the scoreboard to wish the team good luck. Hendriks also shared that he was beginning his final chemotherapy treatment for his Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Follow us @SoxOn35th for more throughout the Spring!

Featured Words & Images: Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96

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Dave

Excellent photographs, Joe.
Very vivid.
Thanks for sharing.

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