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2w ago

White Sox Announce July 11 Alumni Home‑Run Derby at Rate Field; Several Franchise Sluggers Not Participating

Organizers present the postgame event as a fan-focused nostalgia attraction whose reception is shaped by a public legal dispute over Frank Thomas's likeness.

Chicago White Sox’s Alexei Ramirez, left, shatters his bat on a pitch from Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Doug Fister during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Overview

  • The White Sox confirmed on Monday that an alumni home-run derby will follow the July 11 game against the Oakland Athletics at Rate Field.
  • Six former Sox are listed as participants: Jose Canseco, Gordon Beckham, Leury García, Daniel Palka, Scott Podsednik, and Alexei Ramírez.
  • The derby format is set as three rounds with a first round of either 10 outs or three minutes, top four advancing, select balls counting double, and a fan vote to break ties.
  • Notable absences include franchise all-time leader Frank Thomas, Paul Konerko, and Jose Abreu, a fact reporters link to Thomas's March lawsuit accusing the club, Nike, and Fanatics of using his likeness without consent.
  • The lineup mixes name recognition and nostalgia with practical choices about who will realistically swing in the event, and the club is using the promotion to drive fan engagement during a July game day packed with activities.