The highly anticipated lineup for July’s Alumni Home Run Derby is finally here.
The White Sox announced that six former players are scheduled to participate in the inaugural event following the Saturday, July 11th game vs. the Athletics. The eclectic group includes the following, with write-ups provided by the team:
- José Canseco, 1988 American League Most Valuable Player, six-time MLB All-Star, two-time World Series champion, 1986 AL Rookie of the Year and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner; totaled 462 career home runs, led the league in homers twice, formed one half of the famed “Bash Brothers” duo with Oakland’s Mark McGwire, and hit the final home run of his MLB career in a White Sox uniform.
- Gordon Beckham, decade-long Major League Baseball veteran turned fan-favorite broadcaster who finished in the top five of AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2009; became the first player in major-league history to record game-ending hits on both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in 2015; and helped turn The Outfield’s “Your Love” into an unofficial anthem for White Sox fans.
- Leury Garcia, longtime White Sox utility player who helped the club to consecutive postseason appearances, hitting a three-run home run in Game 3 of the 2021 ALDS against the Houston Astros; affectionately referred to as “Leury Legend,” with one devoted fan even commemorating his postseason home run with a tattoo.
- Daniel Palka, whose 2018 rookie campaign featured 27 home runs and 67 RBI, earning a top-five finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting; a White Sox cult hero whose personality made him especially popular among fans who frequent the ballpark’s Section 108.
- Scott Podsednik, 2005 All-Star outfielder and World Series champion who delivered one of the most iconic moments in franchise history with a walk-off home run in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series; a single blue seat remains in right-center field commemorating the second of his two postseason home runs (Section 101, Row 1, Seat 13).
- Alexei Ramírez, 2014 All-Star infielder and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner; set a rookie record with four grand slams in 2008, including a pivotal blast on September 29 vs. Detroit that helped propel the White Sox to a win and into the eventual “Blackout Game” tiebreaker.
Here’s how the Home Run Derby will work:
- Three-round format, beginning with each participant having either 10 outs or three minutes to hit as many home runs as possible.
- The top four sluggers will advance to the semifinal round, with the top two finishers competing for bragging rights and the championship trophy.
- The derby also includes designated “Blue Moon Orange Baseballs,” counting as two home runs, as well as a fan vote in the event of a player tie.
For those planning on attending, note that the first pitch has been bumped up to 1:10 p.m. CT. Before the game even starts, fans are also invited to watch the organization’s first overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft during a special Watch Party inside Rate Field. Gates to the ballpark will open at 11:40 a.m. CT, with the club’s selection set to be announced live on the centerfield videoboard at approximately 12:37 p.m. CT. With help from concessions partners Delaware North and Levy Restaurants, fans will enjoy 20 percent off savings on all concessions until 1 p.m. CT.
If you still need tickets, visit whitesox.com/tickets for more!
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more!
Featured Photo: Chicago White Sox/X
