The White Sox have been one of baseball’s biggest surprises during the first half of the 2026 season. After reaching the All-Star break with 50 wins and a share of first place in the American League Central, the team will be well-represented by Miguel Vargas, Munetaka Murakami, and Tristan Peters on one of the game’s biggest stages in Philadelphia.
But when the All-Stars take the field Tuesday night, another member of the Sox organization will be joining them.
Kayla Corbett, who is in her eighth season with the White Sox Ball Crew, will serve as the American League’s Ball Girl after winning a vote that drew overwhelming support from the fan base and local community. It’s more than just a personal achievement, as her selection shines a spotlight on the dedication, skill, and passion of the many ball crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“I feel blessed,” Corbett said. “I’m supporting the American League, but I’m also supporting all women ball girls throughout the entire league. I’m hoping this inspires young girls to follow their dreams.”
Corbett’s journey with the White Sox began in 2018 after she saw an ad for an opening on the team’s ball crew. She applied online, attended the tryout, and earned the job after handling ground balls and line drives with ease. Since then, the 24-year-old has become a familiar face along the foul lines at Rate Field.
However, Corbett’s connection to the game started long before she ever stepped onto the field at 35th and Shields.
“I always played softball,” Corbett said. “I was a shortstop. I started in Little League, and then went into travel ball at 10 years old until I was 18. I then played Division III softball for one year. I loved the game.”
That experience prepared her well, giving her the instincts and reactions needed to succeed as a member of the White Sox Ball Crew.
But there’s more to the job than simply fielding foul balls.
“I have to get there two hours early and grab my equipment at the club level,” Corbett said. “Then I have to help the staff bring equipment to the bullpen.”
Once the game begins, every pitch demands her full attention.
“The hardest part is being mentally prepared for each and every play, and deciding which kid I should give the ball to when I do get the foul ground ball.”
While Corbett has helped create many moments for the fans sitting around her, she’s also built plenty of memories of her own over the years. Her favorite came during the 2021 season, when she caught her first line drive, a play that even earned praise from Steve Stone on the broadcast.
“During and after the game, I had hundreds of texts from friends and family congratulating me,” Corbett said.
As memorable as that moment was, this week may have a chance to top it.
Corbett first learned about the possibility of attending the All-Star Game when her boss, Michael Gomez, told her she had been nominated to represent the White Sox in the Ball Crew vote. Though it initially felt like a long shot, the opportunity began turning more realistic once she advanced to the final six.
“I was extremely anxious and nervous,” Corbett said, as she began calling on family members and friends to help spread the word.
The anticipation continued for several days as final voting took place across Major League Baseball’s website and social media accounts. White Sox Twitter wasted no time rallying behind one of their own, helping Corbett capture 82.2% of the vote with approximately 4,382 votes in just over a day.
When she learned she had won, the nerves were replaced with gratitude.
“I was extremely happy, but I also felt extremely humble because all of the city of Chicago was rooting for me on all social media platforms,” Corbett shared. “My neighborhood, Canaryville, especially made me feel like a celebrity. The support I got has been unbelievable.”
The congratulations for the South Side’s very own poured in immediately after the announcement, including from much of the White Sox clubhouse.
“Miguel Vargas especially stands out because at first, it was just him and me representing the team,” Corbett said. “He was extremely thrilled about that.”
Nearly a decade after responding to that posting on the White Sox website, Corbett’s passion for baseball remains as strong as ever. Even away from Rate Field, she stays involved on the diamond by coaching Little League softball and umpiring games, sharing her appreciation for the sport with the next generation.
Now, that same dedication will take her to the Midsummer Classic, where she won’t just be watching the All-Stars at Citizens Bank Park. She’ll be standing alongside them, proudly representing the White Sox organization, the city, and everyone who helped turn a dream into reality.
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Featured Photo: Chicago White Sox
