Tim Elko’s Historic Home Run

A Mother’s Day to Remember

Tim Elko gave his mom one heck of a Mother’s Day present Sunday. The freshly promoted White Sox first baseman picked up his first major-league hit in a big way, belting a tiebreaking, three-run home run off 2022 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara to deliver a 4-2 win over the Marlins.

The Gift of a Lifetime

After the game, Elko gifted his mom, Cheryl, the home-run ball and the special pink bat he used to send it over the fence. Elko, 26, has given his mom a quarter-century’s worth of Mother’s Day gifts, but this one has to be the best, right? “It’ll probably be up there,” he said after the game. “It’s not worth any money, which helps the wallet. But it’s a cool moment, for sure.”

A Dream Start to the Career

Elko’s dinger was a gift for Sox fans, too, who had spent weeks clamoring for his call-up from Triple-A Charlotte after his hot start to the season. He finally arrived in the big leagues Saturday. Drafted in the 10th round in 2022, he perhaps wasn’t expected to have a big role in the Sox’ long-term future. But he hit every step of the way in the minors and has started his major-league career with a bang.

Teammates’ Reaction

“I don’t expect anything less from him,” starting pitcher Sean Burke said. “He’s that kind of guy. He’s done that every step of the way. It’s really cool to see. I’m happy to be a part of his journey and see him come up through the minors and be here and continue being who he is.”

The Road Ahead

Manager Will Venable’s forecast of a first-base time-share between Elko and Andrew Vaughn played out as advertised in Elko’s first two games with the Sox. Elko played first base Saturday and was the DH on Sunday. Vaughn, meanwhile, has RBI in every game since news of Elko’s promotion hit, including solo homers in the first two games of the Sox’ series with the Marlins. But as Vaughn, slated for free agency after next season, looks less and less likely to be part of the long-term plans on the South Side, Elko has a shot to slug his way into them.

Elko’s Ambition

“I want to come here and help us win games and do whatever I can to do that,” Elko said. “I was able to contribute today and check a few other boxes, too, which felt great.”

Ejections and Injuries

The Old Heave-Ho

Venable and hitting coach Marcus Thames were ejected for arguing balls and strikes. Plate umpire Bill Miller’s strike zone frustrated the Sox, with several players grumbling in his direction. Thames did more than grumble, shouting from the dugout to earn his ejection during Chase Meidroth’s at-bat in the fifth inning.

Player Absences

Center fielder Luis Robert Jr. was out of the lineup for a second consecutive game with a sore right knee, and infielder Miguel Vargas also missed his second straight game with an issue in his right calf. Both injuries were described as minor by bench coach Walker McKinven, the Sox using the day off Monday to get the duo an extended bit of rest.

Conclusion

Tim Elko’s historic home run on Mother’s Day will be remembered for a long time, not just for the win it brought to the White Sox but for the special moment it created for Elko and his mom. As Elko continues his major league journey, fans will be watching closely to see how he contributes to the team’s success.

FAQs

• Q: Who did Tim Elko hit a home run off of?
  A: Tim Elko hit a home run off 2022 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.
• Q: What was special about the bat Tim Elko used for his home run?
  A: The bat was a special pink bat, which he later gifted to his mom along with the home-run ball.
• Q: Are Luis Robert Jr. and Miguel Vargas’ injuries serious?
  A: No, both injuries are described as minor, and the players are expected to rest and recover with the team’s day off.