Home » Articles » May Photo Recap: Moments of Resilience and Emotional Returns

May Photo Recap: Moments of Resilience and Emotional Returns

by Joe Ruffalo

May was a month of mixed results for the Chicago White Sox. Despite a favorable schedule of primarily divisional matchups, the South Siders fell short of expectations, as reflected by their 15-14 record over that timespan. Amid the team’s ongoing struggles, however, there were a handful of bright spots that stirred the emotions of fans and players alike.


May 12th, 2023: José Abreu’s Homecoming

One of the first standout moments of May was the homecoming of José Abreu. Abreu, who had inked a three-year deal with the rival Houston Astros last off-season, was preparing to make his return to 35th and Shields for the first time as a visiting player. Leading up to Abreu’s homecoming, many had wondered how the events would unfold, especially after the slugger’s abrupt off-season departure. Anticipation continued to build prior to first pitch (largely in part to a lengthy rain delay) as fans stayed dry while inclement weather loomed over the ballpark.

José Abreu cheers with fans as Public Address Announcer Gene Honda says his name in the lineup at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 12th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

As the storm clouds parted, the tarp came off the field, and Abreu emerged from the visitor’s dugout with great enthusiasm toward his fans and former teammates. Shortly before first pitch, the Chicago White Sox honored Abreu with a tasteful video tribute on the centerfield scoreboard to thank him for his nine seasons of being arguably the heart and soul of the franchise. As José stepped into the batter’s box to face Michael Kopech for the very first time, the slugger took a moment to tip his cap to the fanbase, the city, and the entire organization.

José Abreu tips his cap to fans before taking his first at-bat as a visiting player at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 12th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

While the acknowledgment was rather brief, it proved to be a special moment for those in attendance. Dedicated fans, who had braved the near two-hour delay, came to life with applause, demonstrating their appreciation for Abreu’s hard work and contributions over the course of his near-decade playing in Chicago. Despite donning number 79 in unfavorable colors, it was evident that José Abreu’s bond with the South Side loyal has remained unbroken.

A White Sox fan holds a sign for José Abreu as he takes the field on May 12th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

May 18th, 2023: Garrett Crochet’s Anticipated Return

Less than a week after José Abreu’s return, another familiar face came back to the South Side. May 18th marked the return of hard-throwing lefty, Garrett Crochet, whose last Major League appearance came during Game 4 of the 2021 American League Division Series against the Houston Astros. Being sidelined the entire 2022 season to recover from Tommy John surgery was a true test for the 23-year-old southpaw, one that presented its share of ups and downs. 583 days later, Crochet finally returned to the mound, hurling a perfect ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians. Fans and teammates applauded Crochet’s successful comeback while recognizing the positive impact it could potentially have on the team’s performance moving forward.

Chicago White Sox southpaw Garret Crochet delivers his first pitch in a Major League game in 583 days on May 18th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

May 29th, 2023: The Emotional Comeback of Liam Hendriks

In a remarkable display of strength, Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks made his triumphant return to the mound, less than five months after beginning treatment for stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The significance of this moment extended far beyond the confines of the diamond, capturing the hearts of fans and serving as a testament to Hendriks’ unwavering resilience.

White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks enters the ballgame to thunderous applause on May 29th, 2023 at Guaranteed Rate Field. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Liam’s return was deeply touching. His charisma, selflessness, and charitable efforts have always left a lasting impact on the fanbase. With how involved he and his wife, Kristi, have been in the community, fans were eager to reciprocate the support. Appreciation was shown in several ways, in the form of signs, t-shirts, and thunderous applauses. In a heartfelt display of solidarity, a group of spectators situated in the left field bleachers then held up letters spelling “Team Liam” as he made his way toward the bullpen.

Fans in the left field bleachers hold up letters that spell out “Team Liam” as Hendriks makes his way to the bullpen at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

When Hendriks entered the game on the evening of that very special Memorial Day, the atmosphere in the ballpark was unparalleled. As cheers rang through Guaranteed Rate Field and tears of joy flowed, it was evident that this was the most meaningful highlight of the entire season. In that moment, Liam Hendriks was more than a baseball player — he was a hero, an inspiration, and a profound symbol of hope. Liam’s story remains a poignant reminder that a person’s spirit can indeed be unbreakable.

Liam Hendriks takes the mound for his first Major League appearance since being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Words and even photos cannot fully capture the magnitude of this moment, because it transcended on-field performance and statistics. It symbolized something much greater: the power that humans truly hold to overcome adversity. Hendriks’ return to the mound not only marked a personal milestone but also served as an inspiration for countless others facing their own battles. May 29th, 2023 will forever be etched in baseball history as a day when the game became secondary, and a player’s personal triumph was celebrated by all.

Liam Hendriks tips his cap to fans before the start of the game in which he made his return to the mound on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Onto June…

While the 2023 White Sox continue to claw their way out of a deep hole, these pivotal moments in May were catalysts for hope and a brighter future. The significant events highlighted above served as reminders that baseball is not solely about wins and losses, but about the shared experiences that unite fans with their favorite players. May was a month filled with ups and downs for the Chicago White Sox, as the team grappled with inconsistent performance on the field. However, in hindsight, the month also brought forth noteworthy moments that will be remembered forever.


Feel free to check out some additional photos taken throughout the month of May below.

Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. shares a laugh with teammates ahead of Saturday’s home matchup against the Kansas City Royals on May 20th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Chicago White Sox baserunner Andrew Benintendi slides home to score on an Eloy Jiménez single during the team’s home matchup against the Los Angeles Angels on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Eloy Jiménez crosses home plate after belting his fourth home run of the season against Minnesota on May 4th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
With the sacks packed with Sox in the bottom of the sixth inning, Jake Burger delivers a bases-clearing double to center field, scoring Andrew Benintendi, Luis Robert Jr., and Yoán Moncada on May 20th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
White Sox outfielder Billy Hamilton signs autographs for fans ahead of the team’s home game at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 20th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Gavin Sheets and Yoán Moncada catch up with former teammate José Abreu prior to their matchup at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 13th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
The Chicago White Sox Grounds Crew rakes the infield dirt between innings on May 4th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito takes the mound at home against the Minnesota Twins on May 4th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Eloy Jiménez heads home after belting his fifth home run of the season against Los Angeles on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa and White Sox infielder Elvis Andrus share a laugh between pitches on May 4th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease faces Cleveland Guardians hitters during his start on May 18th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Fans sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in the left field bleachers at Guaranteed Rate Field during the Seventh Inning Stretch on May 20th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Luis Robert Jr. heads home after blasting his eleventh home run of the 2023 season on May 14th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Former White Sox slugger José Abreu signs autographs for fans before the Houston Astros take on the Chicago White Sox on May 13th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Chicago White Sox Head Groundskeeper Roger “The Sodfather” Bossard preps the field prior to the team’s home matchup on May 13th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)
Tim Anderson and Mike Trout hug before the start of the Chicago White Sox home matchup against the Los Angeles Angels on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96)

Follow us @SoxOn35th for more updates throughout the season!

Featured Words and Images: Joe Ruffalo/@jruff96

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

You may also like