White Sox Honor Daley With 'Mayor Daley Night'
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago White Sox honored former Mayor Richard M. Daley on Wednesday with "Mayor Daley Night" at U.S. Cellular Field.
Daley also received an award, two team jerseys, and commemorative bricks during a special pregame ceremony before the game against the New York Yankees.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Bob Roberts reports, Daley also got to toss the ceremonial first pitch – with grandchildren Jack and Maggie Conroy at his side – floating the ball high and inside to Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle.
But Daley's throw was no worse than anything Sox starter Gavin Floyd served up in a disastrous 2.1 innings of work, surrendering 10 runs on nine hits, including two triples and two home runs.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Bob Roberts reports
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Daley took a front-row seat next to the Sox dugout, after telling the crowd he was born a Sox fan. He grew up just blocks away from the original Comiskey Park.
"I will never give up on the White Sox. This is gonna be a better season. Remember, have faith in the White Sox. Go White Sox," Daley said. "I think of my mother and father, so many years going to the games with them and my family and it's a great honor from all the White Sox organization."
Daley said the best part of being at the ballpark is that there are no titles, just Sox fans.
Former Sox General Manager Roland Hemond gave Daley the award from the team, named in Hemond's honor.
He received two jerseys, a framed number 22 jersey – the same number of years he served as mayor – and another jersey that he immediately donned, bearing the number 11 – the same number as the South Side ward where he grew up.
