Seventeen years ago, Paul Konerko made his major league debut with the L.A. Dodgers. But his career was only just beginning-he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds and in 1999 was dealt to the White Sox.
Almost two decades later, he's a Chicago legend. Fans chant "Pau-lie" when he steps to the plate and the team captain is known for his slow trot around the bases after home runs (he doesn't do it to show off, he's just not very fast). During his legendary career, Konerko has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. Here are our Top 5.
All those home runs
Konerko has 439 round-trippers in his career. That ranks Paulie seventh among active players and 42nd all time. His 432 homers as a Sox player place him only 16 home runs behind Hall of Famer Frank Thomas (448) for the franchise record.
All those All-Star appearances
The first baseman's consistent play has earned him six All-Star selections over his 18-year career. All six of those honors came as a member of the Sox, including three straight from 2010-12.
Winning that ring
The early 2000s were a bit of a championship desert in Chicago. The Bulls' 1990s dominance was over and the Blackhawks' rise to power was still years off when the Sox broke through in 2005. Konerko was named MVP of the American League Championship Series before slugging his famous grand slam in Game 2 of the World Series. It was only the 18th grand slam in World Series history.
All those RBIs
Paulie has 1,411 runs batted in for his career-he ranks sixth among active players in that department. To compare to the all-time greats, Hall of Famer Hank Aaron holds the record with 2,297.
The total package
We're taking our eyes off the stat sheet for this one. The veteran is one of the best Sox players ever, and he's managed to stay humble. Konerko has stayed loyal to the Sox and took a paycut to come back and play his final season in Chicago. Fans have seen him start a family-he and his wife have three kids. Konerko also has made a difference in the community. Among other efforts, he and former teammate Jim Thome founded the Bring Me Home Campaign eight years ago; the charity assists foster children and their families.
DON'T FORGET
Konerko has played 2,345 total games; that ranks him sixth among active players and 97th all time. These numbers will jump out at you, too.
>> On Aug. 6, 2014, Konerko became the first player in White Sox history to reach 4,000 total bases; he has 4,009 as of Tuesday.
>> Paulie can play D, too. He has turned 1,658 double plays as a first baseman, tops among active players and ninth all time.
>> Konerko ranks third in White Sox history in hits (2,287) and doubles (405).
KONERKO'S LAST SERIES
Fans have four more chances to see Paul Konerko play. The White Sox host Kansas City this weekend:
7:10 p.m. Thursday, CSN
7:10 p.m. Friday WCIU
6:10 p.m. Saturday CSN
1:10 p.m. Sunday CSN
Tickets: Visit whitesox.com.