Introduction to Kyle Teel
Kyle Teel would probably spin the decks more in the White Sox clubhouse if his DJ equipment hadn’t been stolen earlier this year in Charlotte. Still, the rookie catcher has become a regular at controlling the pre-game tunes, often setting the vibe with house music — an upbeat genre compatible with Teel’s naturally buoyant personality.
The Importance of Music in the Clubhouse
“I feel like I bring a good aux cord to the mix,” Teel said. “Music is such an important thing pre-game because, like, it can set the tone for the day and create good energy before we go out there.” While living in Charlotte, the Sox’ Triple-A home, thieves took Teel’s truck, in which his DJ equipment had been stored. He later recovered the truck, but his mixers were long gone.
Overcoming the Loss of DJ Equipment
“But we can get new equipment. I have my laptop, which is most important,” he said. Meantime, he’s been playing around with Sox assistant clubhouse manager Tom Bafia’s mixing equipment, though he hasn’t broken it out for post-game celebrations like he routinely would when playing in the Red Sox minor league system. At that time, teammates called him DJ Base Monkey, which hasn’t yet caught on in Chicago, but his energy certainly has.
Teel’s Energy in the Clubhouse
“His energy is interesting,” Sox manager Will Venable said. “The best way I could describe it right is, the genuine enthusiasm for being at the baseball field that sometimes can be lost in the daily grind of being a professional baseball player. He brings that kind of energy that always reminds us that how special it is to be at the ballpark playing baseball, whether it’s in the clubhouse, in the dugout, on the field. With the way he plays, it’s just high energy, but the kind of energy that is really wholesome, right? It’s just the genuine enthusiasm for being a baseball player, which is what it’s all about, and I think everyone feeds off of [it].”
Teel’s Background and Love for House Music
The 23-year-old former first round draft pick was a prized return for the Sox in the Garrett Crochet trade with the Red Sox, which Teel feels like was fated, given his love for house music and Chicago being the birthplace of it. Inspired by a host of house DJs, Teel pointed to Chicago area native John Summit as a go-to listen with a song catalog that is among Teel’s favorites to mix, specifically, of course, “Summertime Chi.” “I love the city,” Teel, a New Jersey native, said of living in Chicago since being called up in early June. “This is my favorite time of the year now, where the weather starts to get a little bit cooler and it’s just beautiful here…House music was invented here. I feel like it’s just meant to be.”
Teel’s Musical Background
Teel has dabbled with string instruments all his life, mainly playing guitar and bass. With that music background and his gravity toward house music, Teel figured, “I might as well learn how to DJ too.” And so he taught himself how to spin decks and mix songs while in the Netherlands playing for the 2022 USA Collegiate National Team. He became the team’s impromptu post-game DJ, playing for his teammates that included future MLB All-Stars Paul Skenes and Jacob Wilson, along with other big leaguers Rhett Lowder, Wyatt Langford and others.
Teel’s Performance on the Field
The Sox are likely pleased with Teel’s early numbers, slashing .283/.375/.409 with four home runs, 25 runs scored and 21 RBI through 51 career games entering play Monday while splitting time at catcher with fellow rookie Edgar Quero. Teel’s energy in the Sox clubhouse is unmatched, bouncing around rooms always with a smile. Sometimes he can be seen lugging a pair of boomboxes on his shoulders through the Rate Field tunnel to the locker room.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kyle Teel has brought a unique energy to the White Sox clubhouse with his love for house music and his enthusiasm for the game. His ability to set the tone with his pre-game playlists and his genuine enthusiasm for being a baseball player have made him a valuable addition to the team. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, it will be exciting to see how he contributes to the team’s success.
FAQs
Q: What type of music does Kyle Teel like to play in the clubhouse?
A: Kyle Teel likes to play house music in the clubhouse, which is an upbeat genre that matches his naturally buoyant personality.
Q: What happened to Teel’s DJ equipment?
A: Teel’s DJ equipment was stolen earlier this year in Charlotte when thieves took his truck, which had the equipment stored in it.
Q: How has Teel’s energy been received by his teammates?
A: Teel’s energy has been well-received by his teammates, who love his song choices and appreciate the good energy he brings to the clubhouse.
Q: What are Teel’s early numbers like on the field?
A: Teel has been performing well on the field, slashing .283/.375/.409 with four home runs, 25 runs scored and 21 RBI through 51 career games.
Q: What is Teel’s background in music?
A: Teel has dabbled with string instruments all his life, mainly playing guitar and bass, and taught himself how to DJ while playing for the 2022 USA Collegiate National Team.
