A new era is about to start for the south side of Chicago.
After Tony La Russa announced his intention of stepping aside in 2023 because of health issues, the Chicago White Sox appointed Pedro Grifol as their new skipper on a multi-year contract.
Grifol played minor league ball with the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets from 1991 to 1999.
After retiring as a player, he worked for the Seattle Mariners as their director of minor league operations.
Since 2013, Grifol worked with the Kansas City Royals in a variety of positions, most recently as their bench coach (since 2020).
This week, he was named the 42nd manager in White Sox history.
He has already been in contact with the fans and the people of Chicago.
Baseball is important to them, and they want to see the team succeed.
Making New Fans
Grifol also made some new supporters with a nice gesture.
“New Chicago @whitesox manager Pedro Grifol hasn’t won any games with the team yet, but he has won over some fans here on the South Side by picking up the tab for lunch today! Hear from Pedro and some happy customers today on @WBBMNewsradio!” Andy Dahn tweeted.
New Chicago @whitesox manager Pedro Grifol hasn’t won any games with the team yet, but he has won over some fans here on the South Side by picking up the tab for lunch today!
Hear from Pedro and some happy customers today on @WBBMNewsradio! pic.twitter.com/PZsLRsg4H5
— Andy Dahn (@thisisandydahn) November 4, 2022
He also greeted them, shook their hands and even had time for a few jokes.
Grifol seems to be embracing his role and is opening himself up to fans.
La Russa guided the Sox to a nice 93-win season in 2021 but was eliminated early in the postseason.
Things got worse last year, as the team’s 81-81 record when they had the roster for much more left a bad taste in everybody’s mouths.
As a result, Grifol’s first goal should be returning to the playoffs.
He has a capable roster.
Does he have the managerial skills?
We will all find out in a few months.
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