Chicago Sun-Times

A.J. using his head in return

- BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN, STAFF REPORTER dvanschouw­en@suntimes.com | @CST_soxvan

A.J. Pierzynski remembers the last time the White Sox went to the postseason. It was 2008.

The catcher on that team and the 2005 World Series champs, now a team ambassador, stopped by Guaranteed Rate Field to promote his bobblehead featuring Pierzynski’s bleach-blond hair in his memorable postgame celebratio­n pose acknowledg­ing fans after the 2008 “Blackout Game,’’ the AL Central tiebreaker against the Twins, which the Sox won 1-0.

It was one of the most memo- rable games in recent Sox history and one of the most memorable for Pierzynski.

“One game, everything on the line,’’ he said.

“The fans were really into it. It was one of the coolest experience­s to walk out on the field and every person in the stands was in black. It was just something I had never seen before.’’

More than anything, it was about making the postseason.

“We hadn’t been there for a few years and the White Sox haven’t been back since,’’ Pierzynski said.

Pierzynski is broadcasti­ng for Fox Sports about once a week and will do a Sox game with Ken Harrelson on Sept. 2. He has kept an eye on his old team from a distance.

“I like the direction they are in,’’ he said. “They need to keep going. It’s tough. These guys are thrust into the fire. You look around MLB right now and there are a lot of teams in the same spot. It’s all going to come down to who develops their players the quickest. The White Sox have a good staff and organizati­on and are on the right track.’’

The bobblehead­s are available for $35 online at whitesox.com/ajbob

ble and at Guaranteed Rate Field in Section 135 beginning Friday. Shipping rates also apply. All pro- ceeds from the bobblehead sales benefit White Sox Charities and Make-A-Wish Illinois, an organizati­on selected by Pierzynski.

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