Which White Sox were dressed as Spider-Man? Their true identity is still unknown

CHICAGO -- One of the key traits for a superhero is to keep his everyday persona separate and often secret from the alternate personality possessing the special world-changing powers.

That idea played out within the 2025 White Sox via Mike Vasil, who at times was a somewhat mild-mannered right-handed hurler, but everything changed when he donned a Batman mask. The same holds true in ‘26, only Vasil ranges from rehabbing and supportive hurler to a dugout wizard holding magical victory powers.

But Monday’s case of “who are the White Sox Spider-Men?” has gone to a higher level of secrecy.

Third baseman Miguel Vargas posted a picture to his Instagram of two people in Spider-Man outfits reportedly viewing "The Odyssey" at a local theater complex in Chicago. The actual movie can be cleared up immediately, with a smiling Vargas stating Tuesday they were there for a viewing of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." Otherwise, it would have been togas and chariots.

In the post, Vargas claims to be one of the Spider-Men, while outfielder/infielder Sam Antonacci was the second one. Vargas confirmed Tuesday it was him, but Antonacci denies he was the second webslinger. With a wry smile, and a new haircut, Antonacci claimed he had lunch with one of his collegiate friends and then took some swings after that on Monday’s off-day.

Trying to get an answer from the players in the clubhouse on whether it was Vargas and Antonacci, just Vargas or none of the above, is as tough as hitting a 3-2 slider with the bases loaded and the game on the line. Here are some people we can definitively rule out.

Rookie right-hander Tanner McDougal was grilled as to whether he was in the costume. McDougal, who checks in at 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, pointed out he could never fit into such a get-up.

Sean Burke, who started Tuesday’s series opener against the Reds, had an alibi of being at the ballpark on Monday, going as detailed as saying he took a brief nap at Rate Field. There’s a good bet it wasn’t White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, general manager Chris Getz or any other member of the front office.

Even manager Will Venable wasn’t removed from scrutiny, although he couldn’t, or he wouldn’t, identify the men behind the masks.

“I don’t know if it’s true,” said a smiling Venable. “My wife showed me the picture and said, ‘Look at what your players are doing.’ We had a good laugh about that. It was great.

“Those guys are awesome. If it was them, I think it’s great. They are having a good time in Chicago.”

One of the top-flight White Sox clubhouse workers was asked by Vargas to get the Spider-Man costumes this past Friday before the start of the Guardians series, but Antonacci reportedly balked at the idea. So, nothing was officially done until Sunday, when the costumes were picked up from a local Halloween outlet already open for business. Halloween remains more than two months away.

Here’s one point to consider regarding Antonacci, as brought up by another reporter – maybe he really is Spider-Man? Those special capabilities would explain being hit 21 times and still being able to quickly recover.

For now, it’s back to baseball. The identities remain a mystery.