White Sox welcome back Bo Jackson as Team Ambassador
CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox today announced that Bo Jackson, former Sox outfielder and designated hitter and member of the 1993 American League West Division Champion White Sox, is rejoining the organization as a team ambassador. Jackson, who was designated the "Greatest Athlete of All Time" by ESPN's Sports Science, played for the White Sox from 1991-93.
Jackson joins other White Sox legends as team ambassadors, including recently announced Hall of Fame inductee Frank Thomas, Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, Ron Kittle, Carlos May, Bill Melton and Minnie Minoso. He will make appearances on behalf of the organization and serve as a team representative in the community and throughout baseball. Jackson also is the founder of the "Bo Bikes Bama." The annual charity bike ride, which hosts its third event this April, raises funds for tornado relief since Alabamians faced deadly tornadoes in 2011. Jackson was honored in 2013 with MLB's Beacon Award, which recognizes individuals whose lives have been emblematic of the spirit of the civil rights movement.
"Bo is an American sports legend, who always will hold a special place in hearts of White Sox fans" said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "His heroic return from what seemed to be a catastrophic career-ending injury helped us win a division title in 1993 and demonstrated to the sports world an unrivaled will and determination to be the best. It is great to again welcome Bo Jackson as a member of the White Sox."
The former MLB All-Star (1989) played eight seasons in the Major Leagues as an outfielder with Kansas City (1986-90), White Sox (1991, 93) and California (1994). Jackson was selected by Kansas City in the fourth round of the 1986 Draft out of Auburn University. He was a career .250 hitter with 141 home runs, 415 RBI and 82 stolen bases in 694 Major League games. In 1993 with the White sox, Jackson dramatically returned from hip replacement surgery to homer in his first at-bat of the season vs. the New York Yankees at Comiskey Park. On September 27 that same season, Jackson belted a three-run home run off of the Seattle Mariners at Comiskey Park to help the White Sox clinch the AL West Division title.
Jackson is the only player in history to be named an All-Star in two professional sports. After being named the 1985 Heisman Trophy Award winner and playing four seasons as a running back in the NFL, Jackson was elected a starter during the 1989 Midsummer Classic. He was named MVP after robbing a home run in the top of the first inning to save two runs and going 2-for-4 with a home run, stolen base and two RBI.