Surprise! White Sox Unveil Statue Of Konerko As Retiring Slugger Is Honored

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox have honored captain Paul Konerko with a statue and say they will retire his No. 14 next season.

The White Sox paid tribute to their retiring star in an emotional ceremony before Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. They did not announce the statue or plans to retire his number in advance, although neither move was exactly a stunner.

Toward the end of about a 35-minute presentation, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf pointed toward the left-field concourse. Dozens of black and white balloons were set loose, revealing a bronze statue of Konerko waving his right fist, just as he did when he hit a grand slam against Houston in the 2005 World Series.

Moments later, emcee Ken Harrelson announced Konerko's number will be retired in 2015.

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