CLEVELAND — The White Sox arrived at Progressive Field for Game 2 of the American League Division Series with a 1-0 lead over the Guardians and a new clubhouse superstition on the menu: ice cream cones.
Sam Antonacci was not in Chicago’s starting lineup for Sunday’s opener against Cleveland left-hander Parker Messick, but he still found a way into the day’s most memorable moment. When Munetaka Murakami launched the fourth-inning homer that put the White Sox ahead in their 3-0 Game 1 victory, Antonacci was in the clubhouse eating a Drumstick from a freezer at Rate Field.
Once Antonacci shared that detail in a television interview, the clip took off. By Monday afternoon, catcher Kyle Teel was ready to endorse the theory before the teams met again.
“I’ve learned during my career that cones bring good fortune,” Teel said with a grin. “There are hits in ice cream cones.”
Antonacci supplies another clubhouse moment
Antonacci has become one of the White Sox’ more recognizable personalities beyond the foul lines. Earlier this season, he and Miguel Vargas went viral after attending a Spider-Man movie in costume. Antonacci also drew attention when he stumbled on the dugout steps during player introductions in Houston in the American League Wild Card Series.
He has even playfully called out his mother, Nicki, for worrying about how often he gets hit by pitches.
But those lighter moments do not distract from the player the White Sox see once the game begins. Paul Janish, Chicago’s director of player development, described Antonacci as an easygoing teammate who flips a switch between the lines.
“He’s funny, and the ice-cream story is a perfect example,” Janish said. “But once he gets into a game, he locks in completely. He’s the kind of young man who makes you hope your own son grows up with that character. He’s a terrific kid, and we’re fortunate he’s with us.”
Teel offered a similar scouting report, saying Antonacci can be relaxed in the clubhouse and even in the dugout, only to become an entirely different player when he puts on his helmet.
“Something changes when the helmet goes on,” Teel said. “He starts getting himself going and looks ready to run through a wall. I don’t know whether it’s the helmet or the cap, but he turns into an animal on the field.”
A haircut before batting practice
Antonacci’s contributions Monday were not limited to snack-based strategy. Before batting practice, he took a razor to the back of Teel’s hair and gave the catcher a quick trim.
Teel said Antonacci wanted to take off his rat tail, but the catcher refused to let him touch what he called his signature look.
Manager Will Venable had not heard the ice-cream explanation when he entered his pregame session at Progressive Field. Once he was told that Antonacci had been eating a cone when Murakami went deep, Venable was all in.
“If Sam believes it, I’m with him,” Venable said. “I support whatever the players feel brings them luck.”
Then, after hearing the full story, Venable delivered the obvious clubhouse order: ice cream for everyone.
Teel’s recommendation for Antonacci before Game 2 was simpler: keep eating them.
