White Sox Player Programs and Community Outreach

Being a member of the White Sox family means accepting a sense of responsibility to reach and inspire youth. Sox players, coaches and front office staff are at the forefront of this charge, providing mentorship and meaningful experiences that actively engage those in need.

The following initiatives illustrate how team members and front office staff continue to make an impact:

Anderson's League of Leaders

All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson and his wife Bria are committed to supporting youth affected by violence in Chicago and their hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, through Anderson’s League of Leaders. In partnership with Youth Guidance's Becoming a Man (BAM) and Working on Womanhood (WOW) Chicago programs, the Andersons have participated in mentorship sessions, held movie screenings and organized youth trips to Kansas City and Atlanta. Most recently, they held the first-ever TA7 Sneaker Ball in Chicago last September and also donated 205 turkeys to families in Tuscaloosa during their annual turkey drive prior to Thanksgiving.

South Slydah Society

All-Star closer Liam Hendriks and his wife Kristi created the South Slydah Society to serve those most in need throughout the community. After donating 1,500+ meals from dozens of family-owned small businesses to unheralded essential workers during the public health crisis, the Hendrikses held 22 outreach events in 2022. From supporting the Highland Park community and assisting Ukrainian refugees, to gestures showing appreciation for local teachers, animal rescue organizations and first responders, Hendriks has touched the lives of countless individuals in need of a helping hand.

Young Yazmanians

Nicknamed the Yazmanian Devil, catcher Yasmani Grandal makes the Tasmanian devil horns sign after every home run to show his three children that he is always thinking about them. With the help of Children’s Home & Aid (CH&A), children in the Young Yazmanians club can take part in this family tradition. The program invites children born in high-risk environments and their families to enjoy games, gifts, food and drinks from a ballpark suite during each homestand. Over the last two seasons, Yasmani and Heather have supported more than 700 children and caregivers through ballpark visits and CH&A’s holiday campaign.

Working in the Schools (WITS)

For the past 14 years, White Sox front office staff volunteers have devoted their lunch breaks once a week to read with third grade students at McClellan Elementary School. Promoting literacy and the love of reading by providing one-on-one tutoring, WITS midday mentoring students continue to outpace non-WITS students in reading level growth.