CHICAGO — Even if summer weather isn’t here yet, the Boys of Summer are back.
Thursday is Opening Day on the South Side, as the Chicago White Sox embark on their 2024 campaign against the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field this afternoon on the first full day of the Major League Baseball season.
First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m.
Fans will notice a lot of new things on and off the field for the White Sox.
Last season didn’t go as well as the team and fans wanted, as the South Siders finished in fourth place in the American League Central with a 61-101 record. But they start fresh Thursday after management made some moves in the offseason to try to improve on last season’s record and put pieces in place for the future.
To get people excited for the season, a couple of White Sox players handed out hot dogs Wednesday. On Thursday, fans will get to experience new food and drink offerings at Guaranteed Rate Field.
As they say, everybody is in first place to start Opening Day, which is always exciting for fans of all ages. Especially for kids who play and love the game.
“Opening Day means a lot to me,” says Ian Dunn, a member of the Leo Catholic High School baseball team on the South Side.
“It’s an example of new beginnings. It’s like a new life for baseball players. It’s a time to come alive, it starts getting warm.”
As for the 2024 season outlook for the White Sox, Dunn’s teammate, Aiden Lott, is optimistic.
“I feel like their moves are pretty good,” Lott said. “The owners know what they’re doing with the team. I’m sure they have a great vision in mind for this season, and hopefully we can win a lot of games.”
On Opening Day, everybody is in first place and anything seems possible.
“I want them to make it to the World Series,” Lott said.
The Cubs, meanwhile, open their 2024 season on the road Thursday night with a primetime matchup on ESPN against the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers.
First pitch from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
The Cubs’ home opener is Monday afternoon against the Colorado Rockies, as the North Siders get underway in their first campaign under new manager Craig Counsell.