CHICAGO -- Jose Abreu became the third player in Major League history to start his career with four straight seasons of at least 25 home runs and 100 RBIs by virtue of his run-scoring groundout off Scott Alexander in the seventh inning of Saturday night's 8-2 loss to the Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The White Sox designated hitter was proud, but not overjoyed after the contest. It was difficult for a team player and leader such as Abreu to celebrate an individual accomplishment in defeat.
"Honestly, I don't feel as happy as I wanted because we lost today," Abreu said through interpreter Billy Russo. "Personally, it feels good to get this goal, this accomplishment. It's very special for me, for my family, too.
"We were looking for it and did it today. I want to thank the White Sox organization for the opportunity, [manager Rick Renteria], my teammates, and all the guys that have been supporting me through my career, especially this year."

Abreu, who singled home Yoan Moncada against Royals starter Danny Duffy in the first for RBI No. 99, joined Jose Pujols (2001-10) and Joe DiMaggio (1936-39) in accomplishing this rare feat. Pujols, DiMaggio (1936-42), Abreu, Al Simmons (1924-34) and Ted Williams (1939-42) are the only players to start their careers with four straight seasons of at least 100 RBIs.

Since joining the White Sox, Abreu has been a model of consistency offensively. His RBI totals check in at 107, 101, 100 and 100. His home run totals are 36, 30, 25 and 31, and his doubles stand at 35, 34, 32 and 41.
Consistency becomes the overriding target for Abreu, from his daily work ethic to how he carries himself to his production. But the 100 RBIs mark was something he set with his family during the offseason.
"Every year after the season, I meet with my family and we review my season and my stats," Abreu said. "Last year, when we had the meeting, I told them, 'Next year, I'm gonna hit 30 homers, I'm gonna drive in at least 100,' and I did it.
"I was able to do it and that's something that made me feel proud of myself and proud of my family, too. They have been the ones who have been supporting me through my whole career."
Abreu's accomplishment was hit while playing in pain, after fouling a ball off his left shin a couple of games ago. But Abreu wants to keep pushing for the organization supporting him for the past four seasons.
That trait says more about Abreu than even the most impressive statistics.

"This organization was the one who made possible my mom's dream to see me play in the Majors," Abreu said. "And I have to do everything I can for this organization. I'm gonna keep pushing forward. I'm not feeling 100 percent, but I'm gonna keep pushing forward."
"He works extremely hard," Renteria said. "Everybody was feeling it for him tonight. He put himself in a very special class."