White Sox To Honor Retired Mayor Daley
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The White Sox next week will honor a lifelong fan whom Chicagoans called "Hizzoner" for 22 years.
On Wednesday, Aug. 3, the team will honor retired Mayor Richard M. Daley, with "Mayor Daley Night," when they take on the New York Yankees at 7:10 p.m.
At U.S. Cellular Field that night, there will be a special pregame ceremony in which the White Sox will present Daley with the 2011 Roland Hemond Award for his 22 years in office. The team established the award in 2003, to honor those who "show a consistent dedication of bettering the lives around them," as they describe it in a news release.
"Mayor Daley worked tirelessly for more than two decades to improve this great city and the lives of those who live here," White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a news release. "He is a reason Chicago maintains such a strong international reputation, and is the ideal recipient of the Roland Hemond Award as he has continuously demonstrated character, kindness and generosity – traits similar to those of the award's namesake."
The ceremony will also include a special video for Mayor Daley, as well as presentation of gifts. Fans who come to the game will be given a commemorative Mayor Daley "photo baseball" as they leave.
"My family members and I have been loyal White Sox fans for generations, and I was fortunate to be Mayor of Chicago during the team's remarkable run to the World Series in 2005. It is humbling to have them recognize my service as Mayor of this great city," Daley said in the release. "I am especially honored to be selected as the recipient of the Roland Hemond Award, as I know it is given to those who have positively contributed to Chicago's wonderful neighborhoods. I am proud to be one of millions of dedicated White Sox fans."
