Former Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko was one of the best first baseman in the MLB during the 2000s.
However, he was commonly underrated and undervalued on the field.
He was the core of the White Sox, becoming one of the best players in franchise history.
By the end of his career, he put together a resumé that many would envy in league history.
Paulie's last game.
What's your favorite Paul Konerko memory? #TurnBacktheSox pic.twitter.com/oboDe4yeA1
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 22, 2016
Here is a look at the complete story of the beloved White Sox star, and where he is at today.
Face of the Franchise
Konerko was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round of the 1994 MLB Draft.
He was fast tracked to the majors, even after being taken out of high school.
However, it took some time for him to find a spot in the MLB.
After struggling in his first few seasons with the Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds, Konerko was traded to the White Sox for Mike Cameron.
20 years ago today, the #WhiteSox traded for Paul Konerko.
And Sox fans would never look at the number 14 the same way again. pic.twitter.com/TB44HYhM38
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 11, 2018
Here, he finally made his presence known.
In his first season with the White Sox, Konerko hit 24 home runs and posted a .294 batting average.
He continued this consistent level of play over the next five years, constantly being a reliable source of power.
However, he took a major step forward in 2004 as he totaled 41 home runs with 117 RBI.
Even though his production had entered the next level, he was still an underrated player after finishing 16th in the MVP voting.
The next season, he followed it up with another 40-home run season and his second career All-Star appearance.
He also was the soul of a White Sox team that won the World Series.
Paul Konerko came in CLUTCH with this GRAND SLAM 💪
📺 Game 2 of the 2005 World Series is reairing NOW on FS1! pic.twitter.com/0j7rfnDg9l
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 24, 2020
Konerko continued his solid play over the rest of his career, always posting over 20 home runs until his final two seasons in the league.
By the time he retired in 2014, he tallied 2,340 hits with 439 home runs and a .279 batting average.
This is a solid and well-rounded stat line that many fans of the sport overlook.
He was truly a premier first baseman for a very long time, being the epitome of franchise star for 16 years.
Konerko and the Hall of Fame
Konerko fell off the Hall of Fame ballot during last year’s vote, earning just 2.5% of the vote.
8 years ago today, Paul Konerko took a pitch to the face.
Don't fret, he homered in the next AB. Because he's tough. pic.twitter.com/COQ8vZxNEN
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 16, 2018
While this was an abrupt ending for Konerko, the stats may require some reconsideration from voters.
When looking at his traditional Hall of Fame measurements, Konerko deserves a spot.
He produced at a high level and broke the 2,000 hit and 400 home run thresholds.
While these aren’t the greatest compared to some other Hall of Famers, they are right on the brink of making it to Cooperstown.
However, Konerko’s defensive hurts his case.
He was a below average defender for most of his career, diminishing his career wins above replacement.
This ultimately hurts his resumé, failing to give him any kind of boost for his Hall of Fame potential.
Where is Konerko Today?
Since retiring, Konerko has taken on a new role in the game of baseball: Little League coach.
Little League dad Paul Konerko loving life after #WhiteSox, @CST_soxvan writes https://t.co/LTqZFCw4K1 pic.twitter.com/bMUO5OOX20
— Sun-Times Sports (@suntimes_sports) March 5, 2018
This isn’t surprising for many people, as he was generally considered to be a future coach by many in the sport.
However, many believed this would come in professional baseball.
For now, Konerko is trying to help guide his own son through the world of baseball as he grows up.
He coaches the team with former teammate J.J. Putz.
No matter what level he ends up coaching at, Konerko will always be a beloved figure in White Sox history.
He was the undisputed face of the franchise throughout the 2000s and helped bring a World Series title to the franchise: that will not go forgotten on the South side of Chicago.
NEXT: 3 White Sox Players Who Should Be In The Hall Of Fame
Paul Konerko was an amazing player, I truly enjoy warching him played, I’m not from chicago but when talking about baseball in the 2000 Konerko was it, he really deserve a spot in the hall of fame, a shame for baseball he is not there, one more reason to let you know the old system does not work, it’s a shame.
I acutely played with Paul when we we’re kids 10 12 yrs old . Norwich little League