Paul Konerko, Retired
Date of Birth: 3/5/1976
Birthplace: Providence, Rhode Island
Paul Konerko began his major league baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1997. After playing in only 55 games for the Dodgers in two seasons, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1998. A year later, Konerko began his career as the regular first baseman for the Chicago White Sox. After seven successful years with the White Sox, Konerko was made the team's captain in 2006.
On December 4, 2013, Konerko signed a one year, $2.5 million contract with the White Sox. Prior to the 2014 season, he announced that he would retire after the season. He finished the 2014 season with 43 hits and a .207 batting average in 81 games.
In 15 seasons (1999-2014) with the White Sox, Konerko has posted impressive statistics:
- 4 seasons with a batting average of .300 or better, with a high of .313 in 2006
- 11 seasons with over 150 hits, with a high of 177 in 2006
- 8 seasons with 30 or more doubles, with a high of 35 in 2001
- 10 seasons with 25 or more home runs, with a high of 41 in 2004
Career batting statistics for Konerko through 2014 include:
- 2,349 games played
- 2,340 hits
- 410 doubles
- 439 home runs
- 1,412 RBIs
- 1,391 strikeouts to 921 walks
- .279 batting average
Career fielding statistics for Konerko at first base through 2014 include:
- 1,904 games played
- 1,111 assists
- 1,660 double plays
- 15,936 putouts
- 83 errors
- .995 fielding percentage
Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Paul Konerko
ESPN Sports - Paul Konerko