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{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1976)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name       = Paul Konerko
| image      = Paul Konerko on August 10, 2011.jpg
| width      = 
| caption    = Konerko with the Chicago White Sox in 2011
| position   = [[First baseman]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|3|5}}
| birth_place= [[Providence, Rhode Island]], U.S.
| bats       = Right
| throws     = Right
|debutleague = MLB
| debutdate  = September 8
| debutyear  = 1997
| debutteam  = Los Angeles Dodgers
|finalleague = MLB
| finaldate=September 28
| finalyear=2014
| finalteam=Chicago White Sox
|statleague = MLB
| stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat1value = .279
| stat2label = [[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
| stat2value = 2,340
| stat3label = [[Home run]]s
| stat3value = 439
| stat4label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
| stat4value = 1,412
| teams      = 
* [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] ({{mlby|1997}}–{{mlby|1998}})
* [[Cincinnati Reds]] ({{mlby|1998}})
* [[Chicago White Sox]] ({{mlby|1999}}–{{mlby|2014}})
| awards     = 
* 6× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2002]], [[2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2005]], [[2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2006]], [[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]]–[[2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2012]])
* [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|2005}})
* [[ALCS MVP]] ({{alcsy|2005}})
* [[Roberto Clemente Award]] (2014)
* [[Chicago White Sox#Retired numbers|Chicago White Sox No. 14]] retired
}}

'''Paul Henry Konerko''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|n|ɛər|k|oʊ}} {{respell|kə|NAIR|koh}}; born March 5, 1976) is an American former professional [[baseball]] player. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) as a [[first baseman]] from 1997 to 2014, most prominently as a member of the [[Chicago White Sox]], where he was a six-time American League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] and [[Captain (baseball)|team captain]] for the [[2005 World Series]] winning team. Konerko began his career with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] and the [[Cincinnati Reds]]. In 2014, Konerko was named the recipient of the prestigious [[Roberto Clemente Award]].

==High school career==
Born in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], to Henry<ref name="draft" /> ("Hank") and Elena Konerko, Konerko is of Polish and Italian descent.<ref name="dad">{{cite news |last1=Padilla |first1=Doug |date=September 27, 2014 |title=Konerko's dad: Chicago was ideal locale |work=[[ESPN]] |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/white-sox/post/_/id/22151/konerkos-dad-chicago-was-ideal-locale |access-date=January 6, 2018}}</ref> At [[Chaparral High School (Arizona)|Chaparral High School]] in [[Scottsdale, Arizona]], Konerko was named the ''[[Arizona Republic]]''/''[[Phoenix Gazette]]'' Player of the Year as a senior, after leading his team to a Class 4-A state championship. Konerko hit .558 in 1994, the school season record until [[Ike Davis]], who later became a Major League first baseman, hit .559 in 2003. Konerko also held the school season record in doubles, with 18, until Davis hit 23 doubles in 2003. He also held the school career record in doubles (44), until Davis passed him with 48 doubles.<ref>{{cite web |author=Falduto |first=Brad |date=May 15, 2005 |title=Chaparral rolls to third straight state title |url=https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/chaparral-rolls-to-third-straight-state-title/article_373a5298-408b-56bb-b29a-738defed07a3.html |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[East Valley Tribune]]}}</ref> As of 2014, he was the school's all-time leader in home runs and RBI.<ref name="hs">{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Kevin |date=September 25, 2014 |title=Paul Konerko's legend began in high school |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-konerkos-legend-began-in-high-school/c-96323730 |access-date=January 7, 2018}}</ref> Konerko was ranked the #1 catcher in the nation during his senior year in high school.<ref>{{Cite web |title=White Sox {{!}} Paul Konerko |url=http://www.neiu.edu/~emlarkin/sox/1b.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609165349/http://www.neiu.edu/~emlarkin/sox/1b.htm |archive-date=June 9, 2013 |access-date=June 9, 2013 |website=NEIU}}</ref>

He signed a [[letter of intent]] to play [[college baseball]] at [[Arizona State Sun Devils baseball|Arizona State]].<ref name="draft">{{cite news |last1=Newhan |first1=Ross |date=June 3, 1994 |title=Mission Improbable: Angels to Wait : Baseball draft: They select outfielder who won't be available for two years. Dodgers pick a catcher. |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-03-sp-65427-story.html |access-date=January 6, 2018}}</ref>

==Professional career==

===Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds===
Konerko was drafted in the first round (13th overall) of the [[1994 Major League Baseball draft|1994 MLB draft]] by the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].<ref name="draft" /> Konerko had been on the radar of [[Eddie Bane]], the special assistant to Dodgers general manager [[Fred Claire]], since he was 13 years old.<ref name="hs" />

On May 13, 1995, with the Single-A [[Inland Empire 66ers|San Bernardino Spirit]], he drove in the only run of a 21-inning game. It was the longest [[shutouts in baseball|shutout]] in [[California League]] history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paul Konerko from the Chronology |url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=Paul_Konerko_1976&page=chronology |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020103647/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballplayers/player.php?name=Paul_Konerko_1976&page=chronology |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=October 20, 2012 |website=Baseball Library}}</ref>

Konerko played for the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Albuquerque Dukes]] for the majority of the 1997 season, batting .323 with 37 home runs and 127 RBI in 130 games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paul Konerko Minor Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=konerk001pau |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He is one of four Dodgers position players to have been twice selected for the Dodgers organization's "Minor League Player of the Year" award, along with [[Billy Ashley]], [[Joc Pederson]], and [[Gavin Lux]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Stephen |first=Eric |date=September 26, 2014 |title=Joc Pederson, Corey Seager, Julio Urias named Dodgers minor league players of the year |url=http://www.truebluela.com/2014/9/26/6851871/joc-pederson-julio-urias-corey-seager-dodgers-minor-league-awards |access-date=September 26, 2014 |work=True Blue LA |publisher=[[SB Nation]]}}</ref>

On September 8, 1997, Konerko made his major league debut with the Dodgers against the [[Florida Marlins]] as a pinch hitter, hitting a single off Marlins pitcher [[Dennis Cook]] for his first career hit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 1997 |title=Florida Marlins at Los Angeles Dodgers Box Score, September 8, 1997 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN199709080.shtml |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He would finish with one hits in six at-bats with a walk in six major league games with the Dodgers to close out the season.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> In 1998, Konerko played in 49 games with the Dodgers, batting .215 with four home runs and 16 RBI.<ref name="baseball-reference" />

On July 4, 1998, Konerko was traded along with left-handed pitcher [[Dennys Reyes]] to the [[Cincinnati Reds]] for All-Star closer [[Jeff Shaw]].<ref>{{cite news |date=July 4, 1998 |title=Reds Trade All-Star Shaw To L.A |work=[[CBS News]] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reds-trade-all-star-shaw-to-la/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226182244/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/07/04/archive/main13173.shtml |archive-date=February 26, 2009}}</ref> Konerko played 26 games with the Reds, batting .219 with three home runs and 13 RBI.<ref name="baseball-reference">{{cite web |title=Paul Konerko Statistics and History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/konerpa01.shtml |access-date=September 28, 2014 |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref>

===Chicago White Sox===

====1999–2005: early years, World Series champion====
On November 11, 1998, Konerko was traded by the Reds to the White Sox for [[Mike Cameron]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Looking back at Cameron for Konerko: Part 1 |url=http://beerleaguer.typepad.com/whitesox/2011/03/paul-konerko-mike-cameron-white-sox-reds-part-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812080209/http://beerleaguer.typepad.com/whitesox/2011/03/paul-konerko-mike-cameron-white-sox-reds-part-1.html |archive-date=August 12, 2011 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |website=Beer Leaguer}}</ref> Konerko became a consistent hitter and power threat upon his arrival to the White Sox, hitting for a .294 average with 24 home runs and 81 RBI in 142 games during his first season with Chicago in 1999.<ref name="baseball-reference" />

In 2000, Konerko finished the season batting .298 with 21 home runs and 97 RBI in 143 games.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> The White Sox finished with a 95–67 record, and made the playoffs for the first time since 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Chicago White Sox Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/2000.shtml |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Konerko made his first postseason appearance that year, when the White Sox lost to the [[Seattle Mariners]] in the [[2000 American League Division Series]] (ALDS). The Mariners swept the series in three games, and in nine at-bats, Konerko did not record a hit. He got on base once via a [[Base on balls|walk]].<ref name="baseball-reference" />

Konerko continued to hit consistently in 2001, hitting .282 with 32 home runs and 99 RBI in 156 games, reaching the 30-homer plateau for the first time in his career.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> The next season, he reached 100 RBI for the first time, finishing with a .304 average, 27 home runs and 104 RBI in 151 games.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> This culminated in his first [[2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] appearance at [[Miller Park (Milwaukee)|Miller Park]], where he also participated in the Home Run Derby, hitting 12 home runs in the two rounds he appeared in.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home Run Derby (2000-2009) |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/asgbox/hrderby.shtml |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball Almanac]]}}</ref> In the [[2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2002 All-Star Game]], Konerko hit a two-run double for the American League in the top of the seventh inning to grab the lead.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2002 |title=2002 All-Star Game Box Score, July 9 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/2002-allstar-game.shtml |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Broadcasters [[Tim McCarver]] and [[Joe Buck]] stated that if the American League had won the game, Konerko would have been the MVP; however, the game ended in a tie and the MVP was not awarded.<ref name=":0" />

Konerko suffered a thumb injury in 2003 that reduced his playing time to 137 games and resulted in a drop in offensive production. He finished the season batting just .234 with 18 home runs and 65 RBI.<ref name="baseball-reference" />

In 2004, Konerko bounced back in a big way, eclipsing the 40 home run mark for the first time in his career. In 155 games, he hit .277 while setting career highs with 41 home runs and 117 RBI.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> Konerko finished 16th in the MVP voting that year as the White Sox finished second in the division to the [[2004 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2004.shtml |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

[[Image:WhiteSox President.jpeg|left|thumb|Konerko (right) and [[Jermaine Dye]] (left) present a jersey to then-President [[George W. Bush]] as the White Sox are honored at the [[White House]] for their victory in the [[2005 World Series]].]]
In 2005, Konerko and the White Sox got off to a hot start with a 17–7 record at the end of April and never looked back. They became only the fifth team in Major League history to go wire-to-wire, staying in first place every day of the season, and the first team since the [[1990 Cincinnati Reds season|1990 Cincinnati Reds]] to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |title=11 cool facts about the 2005 White Sox |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/white-sox/11-cool-facts-about-2005-white-sox-0 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[NBC Sports]] |language=en}}</ref> Konerko finished the season batting .283 with 40 home runs, his second time hitting the mark, and 100 RBI in 158 games as the White Sox won the division for the first time since 2000.<ref name="baseball-reference" />

Konerko continued hitting hot into the playoffs with a home run in Games 1 and 3 of the [[2005 American League Division Series|ALDS]] against the [[2005 Boston Red Sox Season|Boston Red Sox]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Paul Konerko Postseason Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=konerpa01&t=b&year= |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> With Konerko's help, the White Sox swept the defending champions in three games to move on to their first [[American League Championship Series|ALCS]] since 1993. The White Sox defeated the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] in the [[2005 American League Championship Series|American League Championship Series]] (ALCS). After going 0-for-4 in Game 1<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2005 |title=2005 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 1, Angels at White Sox, October 11 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200510110.shtml |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> and 1-for-4 in Game 2,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2005 |title=2005 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 2, Angels at White Sox, October 12 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200510120.shtml |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Konerko went 3-for-4 with three RBI in the Game 3 against the Angels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2005 |title=2005 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 3, White Sox at Angels, October 14 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA200510140.shtml |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Two of the RBIs came from a home run in the first inning. In Game 4, Konerko was 1-for-4 with 3 RBI on another first inning [[home run]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2005 |title=2005 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 4, White Sox at Angels, October 15 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA200510150.shtml |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> the second in as many nights. His Game 4 home run set a franchise record for most home runs in a postseason and all-time with his fourth career postseason home run, passing [[Ted Kluszewski|Ted Kluszewski's]] three home runs in the [[1959 World Series]]. In Game 5, Konerko went 1-for-5 with another RBI.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 16, 2005 |title=2005 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 5, Chicago White Sox vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: October 16, 2005 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA200510160.shtml |access-date= |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named the ALCS [[Most Valuable Player|MVP]] on the strength of a .268 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]], two home runs and seven RBI, becoming the first, and as of the 2023 season, only White Sox player to receive the award.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Jesse |date=October 17, 2005 |title=Konerko blasts way to ALCS MVP |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20051017&content_id=1252530&vkey=ps2005news&fext=.jsp%5D.?iframe=true&affiliateId=CommentWidget |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033214/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20051017&content_id=1252530&vkey=ps2005news&fext=.jsp%5D.?iframe=true&affiliateId=CommentWidget |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=March 4, 2016 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> He said, "I think you could split this four ways," referring to his feeling that the [[Most valuable player|MVP]] should be awarded to the White Sox [[starting pitcher]]s who pitched four consecutive complete games in the ALCS.

In Game 2 of the [[2005 World Series]], Konerko hit the first grand slam in White Sox World Series history to put the White Sox ahead 6–4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=White Sox 2005 World Series – Fun Facts, Questions, Answers, Information |url=http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/White-Sox-2005-World-Series-220834.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003165837/http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/White-Sox-2005-World-Series-220834.html |archive-date=October 3, 2012 |access-date=May 19, 2011 |website=Fun Trivia |df=mdy-all}}</ref> It was also the first grand slam in postseason history to give a team the lead when trailing in the seventh inning or later. He became the 18th player in Major League history to hit a grand slam in the World Series and the first since [[Tino Martinez]] in [[1998 World Series|1998]]. Those were Konerko's only RBIs of the World Series, but they were critical in giving the White Sox the momentum to complete a four-game sweep of the [[Houston Astros]]. His RBI total was also the highest on the White Sox during the series. Konerko caught the final out for every one of the series-clinching games throughout the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Chris |date=February 19, 2010 |title=MLB: 2005 Chicago White Sox Five Greatest Postseason Performances |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/348623-chicago-white-sox-five-greatest-postseason-performances |access-date= |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |language=en}}</ref> Konerko hit .265 with five home runs and 15 RBI during the White Sox' championship run, all White Sox postseason records.

====2006–2014: team captain====
Following the 2005 World Series victory, Konerko signed a five-year $60&nbsp;million deal with the White Sox on November 30, 2005, after reportedly turning down more lucrative offers from the [[Los Angeles Angels]] and the [[Baltimore Orioles]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=November 30, 2005 |title=Konerko re-signs with White Sox All-Star first baseman inks five-year deal to remain in Chicago |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051130&content_id=1274138&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519234111/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051130&content_id=1274138&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=May 19, 2007 |access-date=October 23, 2008 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

With the departure of [[Frank Thomas]], Konerko became the new official face of the White Sox franchise. Konerko concluded the 2006 season batting .313 with 35 home runs and 113 RBI in 152 games, helping him rank in the top 10 for total home runs over the past three seasons, after hitting over 40 home runs in 2004 and 2005.<ref name="baseball-reference" />

[[Image:Andruw Jones with Konerko.jpg|right|thumb|Konerko (left) and [[Andruw Jones]] during a spring training game in 2008]]

In 2008, Konerko again injured his thumb in the first half of the season, resulting in him being limited to 122 games. He hit .240 with 22 home runs and 62 RBI.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> On September 18, 2008, Konerko became the last opposing player to hit a home run at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2008 |title=The last homer, the last out at Yankee Stadium |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=3601833 |access-date= |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> in the ninth inning of a 9–2 White Sox loss. Konerko and the White Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins in a dramatic 1–0 victory in the [[2008 American League Central tie-breaker game|tie-breaker game]] to decide the AL Central winner and move on to the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Just |first=David |date=October 3, 2008 |title=Danks steps up in tiebreaker |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081001&content_id=3577908&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003093642/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081001&content_id=3577908&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |archive-date=October 3, 2008 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> In the [[2008 American League Division Series]], Konerko hit two home runs and drove in two runs in a quick exit for the White Sox, who lost the series to the eventual American League Champion [[2008 Tampa Bay Rays season|Tampa Bay Rays]] in four games.<ref name=":1" />

On April 13, 2009, Konerko connected back to back with [[Jermaine Dye]] for the 300th home run of both players' respective careers off of [[Detroit Tigers]] pitcher [[Zach Miner]]. This was the first time that this had ever happened in Major League history; where two players had hit a century milestone home run in one game, let alone back to back.<ref>{{cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=April 13, 2009 |title=Back-to-back, Dye, Konerko reach 300 |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090413&content_id=4249066&vkey=news_cws& |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325024511/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090413&content_id=4249066&vkey=news_cws& |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On July 7, 2009, Konerko was 3-for-4 with three home runs and 7 RBIs in a 10–6 win against the [[Cleveland Indians]]. It was the first time in his big league career that he hit three home runs in a game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 7, 2009 |title=Konerko powers ChiSox with 3 HRs, slam |url=http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/konerko_powers_chisox_with_3_hrs_slam/781797 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324234728/http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/konerko_powers_chisox_with_3_hrs_slam/781797 |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |access-date=March 24, 2012 |website=Yard Barker}}</ref> He is also the only White Sox player to accomplish that at [[U.S. Cellular Field]].

On July 10, 2010, Konerko was announced to replace Twins first baseman [[Justin Morneau]] at the [[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game]]. This was the fourth All-Star selection of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2010 |title=Paul Konerko to replace Justin Morneau on A.L. All-Star roster |url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100710&content_id=12154124&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001170849/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100710&content_id=12154124&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=October 1, 2012 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> Near the end of the 2010 season, Konerko was hit in the face by [[Minnesota Twins]] [[pitcher]] [[Carl Pavano]]. This resulted in major controversy. White Sox pitcher [[Mark Buehrle]] returned the favor in the next inning hitting Twins first baseman [[Michael Cuddyer]]. Both teams then received a warning from the head umpire and no further incidents occurred. Refusing to leave the game, Konerko hit a solo home run on the first pitch he saw in his next at bat against Pavano.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=September 17, 2010 |title=Konerko, White Sox show toughness in loss |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100916&content_id=14743054&c_id=cws&vkey=recap |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325024540/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100916&content_id=14743054&c_id=cws&vkey=recap |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Konerko finished the 2010 season with 39 home runs, his most since 2005 and the third-highest total of his career, as well as a .312 average and 111 RBI in 149 games.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> Additionally, he was in fifth place in the year's MVP voting, the highest finish of his career to date.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2010.shtml |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

On December 8, 2010, Konerko re-signed with the White Sox on a three-year, $37.5 million contract.<ref>{{cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=December 8, 2010 |title=Konerko, White Sox stay together with new deal |url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101208&content_id=16279452&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007211319/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101208&content_id=16279452&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=December 8, 2010 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> On June 1, 2011, Konerko hit his 377th career home run in a game against the Boston Red Sox, passing former White Sox player [[Carlton Fisk]] on the all-time home run list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2012 |title=Who's Konerko in line to pass on HR list? |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/chicago-white-sox/whos-konerko-line-pass-hr-list |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[NBC Sports]] |language=en}}</ref>

On June 10, 2011, Konerko hit a home run in a game against the Oakland Athletics, setting the franchise record for consecutive games with an extra base hit at nine games.
<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2011 |title=Scott Sizemore's three-run double helps A's snap 10-game skid |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/310610104 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027172636/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/310610104 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> On June 20, 2011, Konerko hit his 385th career home run in a game against the [[Chicago Cubs]], passing former White Sox player [[Harold Baines]] on the all-time home run list. On June 21, 2011, Konerko continued his hot June when he homered in a game against the Cubs, marking his fifth straight game with a home run, becoming the fifth player in White Sox history to hit a home run in five consecutive games. The other five are [[Greg Luzinski]], [[Ron Kittle]], [[Frank Thomas]] (twice), [[Carlos Lee]], and most recently [[A. J. Pierzynski]] in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=June 22, 2011 |title=Konerko homers in fifth straight game |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110621&content_id=20831942&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106210420/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110621&content_id=20831942&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2012 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Konerko made it onto his fifth All-Star team after winning the [[All-Star Final Vote|Final Vote]] contest for the American League.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brisbee |first=Grant |date=July 7, 2011 |title=All-Star Game 2011: Shane Victorino, Paul Konerko Win Final Vote |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2011/7/7/2265030/all-star-game-2011-shane-victorino-paul-konerko-final-vote |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[SB Nation]] |language=en}}</ref>

On August 23, 2011, Konerko recorded his 2,000th hit in the top of the eighth inning against the Angels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2011 |title=Peter Bourjos, Angels walk off with fifth victory in row |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/310823103 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027172634/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/310823103 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref>

Konerko finished the season with 31 home runs, 105 RBIs, and a .300 batting average in 149 games, the fifth time in his career that he finished with 30 home runs and 100+ RBIs.<ref name="baseball-reference" />

In October 2011, White Sox general manager [[Kenny Williams (baseball)|Kenny Williams]] admitted that he briefly considered naming Konerko [[Player-manager#Player-manager|player-manager]] for Chicago after the departure of manager [[Ozzie Guillén]]. However, Williams never discussed the possibility with Konerko. Former White Sox player [[Robin Ventura]] was named manager for the upcoming 2012 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2011 |title=White Sox unveil Ventura, considered Konerko |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7088503/chicago-white-sox-unveil-robin-ventura-considered-paul-konerko-manager |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> There has not been a player-manager in Major League Baseball since [[Pete Rose]] served in the capacity for the [[Cincinnati Reds]] in 1986.

In November 2011, Konerko was inducted into the [[Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame]] along with [[Philadelphia Phillies|Phillies]] first baseman [[Ryan Howard]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Tom |date=October 22, 2011 |title=Konerko inducted to Fall League Hall of Fame |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111022&content_id=25748978&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023150654/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111022&content_id=25748978&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=October 23, 2013 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

On April 25, 2012, Konerko hit his 400th career home run, passing [[Al Kaline]] and [[Andrés Galarraga]] and becoming the 48th player in Major League history to hit 400 home runs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Paulie, Paulie |url=https://whitesoxpride.mlblogs.com/paulie-paulie-359f42bcc3cb |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=MLBlogs}}</ref> Konerko was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of April 23–29. He hit .435 with three home runs and 4 RBI. He led the AL in slugging and total bases that week.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 30, 2012 |title=Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox named the American League Player of the Week |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120430&content_id=30047396 |access-date=April 30, 2012 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

Konerko continued his hot hitting into the month of May as he racked up his second American League Player of the Week award of the season for the week of May 23–29. He hit .583 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and a 14-game hitting streak, including his 400th career home run as a member of the White Sox, becoming only the second player in franchise history to hit 400 home runs, Frank Thomas being the first.<ref>{{cite web |last=Casella |first=Paul |date=May 29, 2012 |title=Huge week nets Konerko AL weekly honor |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120529&content_id=32437360&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601004218/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120529&content_id=32437360&vkey=news_cws&c_id=cws |archive-date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=June 12, 2012 |work=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On July 1, 2012, Konerko was elected by his peers, along with teammates [[Adam Dunn]], [[Jake Peavy]] and [[Chris Sale]] to the [[2012 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|83rd All-Star Game]] in Kansas City.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All-Stars {{!}} White Sox History {{!}} Chicago White Sox |url=https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/history/all-stars |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |language=en}}</ref> It was his sixth All-star appearance and his third in three years.
[[File:Paul Konerko batting against the Detroit Tigers in 2012.jpg|thumb|Paul Konerko batting against the Detroit Tigers in 2012]]

Konerko's production declined in 2013, as he finished the season hitting .244 with 12 home runs and 54 RBI in 126 games, his lowest number of both home runs and RBI since joining the White Sox.<ref name="baseball-reference" /> On December 4, 2013, Konerko re-signed with the White Sox to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 4, 2013 |title=White Sox and Paul Konerko agree to terms on one-year contract |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/white-sox-and-paul-konerko-agree-to-terms-on-one-year-contract/c-64384362#:~:text=CHICAGO%20%2D%20The%20Chicago%20White%20Sox,and%20%241%20million%20in%202021. |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

Throughout the 2014 season, Konerko was honored and given a variety of farewell gifts during road games from various teams throughout baseball, including the [[2014 Minnesota Twins season|Twins]], [[2014 New York Yankees season|Yankees]], [[2014 Cleveland Indians season|Indians]], [[Kansas City Royals|Royals]], and crosstown rival [[2014 Chicago Cubs season|Cubs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nightengale |first=Bob |author-link=Bob Nightengale |date=September 18, 2014 |title=The other farewell retiring tour: Paul Konerko |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/09/18/paul-konerko-retiring/15855943/ |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[USA Today]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

On April 23, 2014, Konerko doubled off of Detroit Tigers pitcher [[Justin Miller (baseball, born 1987)|Justin Miller]] to break Frank Thomas' franchise total bases record with his 3,950th total base.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2014 |title=Marcus Semien's grand slam sends White Sox past Tigers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/340423106 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref>

On May 7, 2014, Konerko played in his final game against the crosstown rival Cubs. Konerko went 2-for-3, including a bases-clearing three-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the Sox in the lead for good as they went on to win 8–3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2014 |title=Gordon Beckham provides power as White Sox trample Cubs |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/340507104 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> Konerko would finish his career with 20 home runs against the Cubs. Konerko would hit his 439th and final home run on the July 4 in a home game against the [[Seattle Mariners]], the same team that he hit his first Major League home run against in 1998, in a 7–1 win for the White Sox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 4, 2014 |title=Jose Abreu belts MLB-best 27th HR to propel White Sox past Mariners |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/340704104 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref>

During the final homestand of the season, Konerko was honored during a pregame ceremony on September 27, 2014, before a game against the [[2014 Kansas City Royals season|Kansas City Royals]]. A statue of Konerko out in the left field concourse, adjacent to the [[Frank Thomas]] statue, was revealed during the ceremony and the fan that caught his 2005 World Series grand slam delivered the ball to Konerko as a parting gift.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |author= |date=September 27, 2014 |title=White Sox honor retiring Paul Konerko with statue |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/09/27/white-sox-honor-retiring-konerko-with-statue/16358271/ |access-date=October 27, 2020 |website=[[USA Today]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Konerko played in his final game on September 28, 2014, in the last game of the season at home. Konerko went 0-for-3 before being replaced in the top of the sixth inning by [[Andy Wilkins]] and leaving the field to a standing ovation from the crowd of 32,266.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2014 |title=Royals rally for 6-4 victory over White Sox |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/340928104 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> Upon his retirement, Konerko finished in the top three in most offensive categories with the White Sox with 432 home runs (second), 2,292 hits (third), 1,383 RBIs (second), 406 doubles (third), and 4,010 total bases (first). Konerko is also the White Sox postseason leader in both home runs and RBI with 7 and 17 respectively.

[[Aaron Rowand]], one of Konerko's teammates, praised the slugger's leadership abilities. "He’s definitely very even-keeled, but stay out of his way if he has a rough game. He’ll blow up a little bit. He knows this organization, and most of us have played together for quite some time now. Everybody looks up to Paul as a leader and team captain. He does a good job with it and brings guys along for the ride.”<ref name="Rock">{{cite web |last=Kernan |first=Kevin |date=October 22, 2005 |title=Rock of the Chi-Sox; Rowand Goes All-Out in CF |url=https://nypost.com/2005/10/22/rock-of-the-chisox-rowand-goes-all-out-in-cf/ |accessdate=March 9, 2021 |work=[[New York Post]]}}</ref>

==Retirement==
{{MLBBioRet
|Image  = SoxRetired14.PNG
|Name   = Paul Konerko
|Number = 14
|Team   = Chicago White Sox
|Month  = May
|Date   = 23
|Year   = 2015
}}
Konerko retired on September 28, 2014, after spending 18 years in the Major League Baseball, the last 16 of which were with the White Sox.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bell |first1=Kyle |date=September 29, 2014 |title=Paul Konerko Exemplifies the Best in Sports |work=South Bend Voice |url=http://southbendvoice.com/2014/09/29/paul-konerko-exemplifies-the-best-in-sports/ |access-date=September 29, 2014}}</ref> All but 81 of Konerko's 2,349 career MLB games were played with the White Sox. Konerko was the last member of the 2005 champion White Sox left on the team at the time of his retirement. It was announced on Paul Konerko Day that his number (#14) would be retired and the statue of Konerko was revealed in the left field concourse, becoming the ninth player to be honored with a statue by the White Sox.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Paul Konerko Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=248415 |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref> On October 24, 2014, Konerko was named the co-winner of the [[Roberto Clemente Award]], sharing the honor with [[Jimmy Rollins]] of the [[Philadelphia Phillies]]. By winning the award, Konerko became the first member of the White Sox to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2014 |title=Konerko, Rollins both win Clemente Award |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11756986/paul-konerko-chicago-white-sox-jimmy-rollins-philadelphia-phillies-named-clemente-award-co-winners |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> On May 23, 2015, prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field, Konerko became the tenth White Sox player to have his number retired. His #14 is the eleventh overall number retired by the team as [[Jackie Robinson|Jackie Robinson's]] #42 was retired by the whole MLB in 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merkin |first=Scott |date=May 23, 2015 |title=Konerko's No. 14 retired on South Side |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-konerko-s-no-14-retired-by-white-sox-c126177712 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago White Sox Retired Numbers |url=https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/history/retired-numbers |access-date=February 25, 2024 |website=MLB: White Sox |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |language=en}}</ref>

In May 2016, the White Sox celebrated [[U.S. Cellular Field]]'s 25th anniversary by introducing the 25 most memorable moments in the park's history. In a bracket style competition, Konerko's grand slam in Game 2 of the [[2005 World Series]] was voted the best moment in the park's 25-year history, as it was deemed as an iconic moment in the breaking of the franchise's 88 year championship drought.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Tim |date=April 22, 2016 |title=25 Best White Sox Moments at U.S. Cellular Field on 25th Anniversary |url=http://patch.com/illinois/southside/25-best-white-sox-moments-us-cellular-field-25th-anniversary |access-date=April 23, 2016 |website=[[Patch (website)|Patch]]}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
In 2,349 games over 18 seasons, Konerko posted a .279 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] (2,340-for-8,393) with 1,162 [[run (baseball)|runs]], 410 [[double (baseball)|doubles]], 439 [[home runs]], 1412 [[Run batted in|RBI]], 921 [[bases on balls]], .354 [[on-base percentage]] and .486 [[slugging percentage]]. He finished his career with a .995 [[fielding percentage]] as a first baseman.<ref name="baseball-reference" />

==Hall of Fame eligibility==
In 2020, his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility, Konerko received 2.5% of votes, below the 5% threshold, and has been subsequently removed from future ballots.<ref name="baseball-reference2">{{cite web |title=2020 Hall of Fame Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hof_2020.shtml |access-date=February 16, 2020 |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Konerko married Jennifer Wells in 2004. They have two sons and a daughter: Nicholas, Owen, and Amelia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Paul Konerko Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/paul-konerko-117244 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

A fan of the band [[Metallica]], Konerko's walk-up music throughout most of his tenure with the White Sox was the song "[[Harvester of Sorrow]]" from Metallica's 1988 album ''[[...And Justice For All (album)|...And Justice For All]].'' The song became synonymous with Konerko in Chicago and his looming presence at the plate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2014 |title=One Era Ends, Another Begins |url=https://whitesoxpride.mlblogs.com/one-era-ends-another-begins-66195e5d049d |access-date=October 27, 2022 |website=MLBlogs}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
* [[List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career total bases leaders]]
*[[List of Major League Baseball career strikeouts by batters leaders]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=117244|espn=3747|br=k/konerpa01|fangraphs=242|brm=konerk001pau}}

{{S-start|header={{s-ach}}}}
{{Succession box|before=[[Jason Giambi]]|title=[[Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award|American League Player of the Month]]|years=June 2002|after=[[Alex Rodriguez]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{1994 MLB Draft}}
{{Los Angeles Dodgers first-round draft picks}}
{{Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League Player of the Year}}
{{2005 Chicago White Sox}}
{{Chicago White Sox retired numbers}}
{{ALCS MVP}}
{{AL Comeback Players of the Year}}
{{Roberto Clemente Award}}
{{PCL MVPs}}
{{Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award}}
{{Topps Minor League Player of the Year Award}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Konerko, Paul}}
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