April 09--When White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton woke up in Chicago on Friday morning, he checked out the weather for the home opener.
"I said, 'What the bleep?'" Eaton said.
U.S. Cellular Field workers were busy dragging a tarp on and off the field Friday afternoon as rain and snow fell in intervals. As of 2 p.m., the game against the Indians was still set for it's 3:10 p.m. start, and fans began to wander into their seats to check out the new 8,000 square foot video board despite the nasty weather.
"At the same time it's the same elements they have to play in," Eaton said. "You can't be worried about it. You have to go out and be mentally tough, understand it's going to be more difficult to grip the bat and it's going to hurt when you swing.
"It's part of playing in Chicago, so we're excited about it. ... This is our city. This is our weather. And we want to own it."
Sox left-hander John Danks, who makes his first start in a homer opener, said this week that he thought it would benefit him to pitch in the cold. The Sox hitters have a bigger battle on their hands, and new third baseman Todd Frazier said he was ready to do it in front of his new fanbase.
"I see myself fitting in a lot," Frazier said. "I can blend in anywhere, really. ... I know it's a crazy bunch of fans, which is good. That fits me perfect. I know they bring energy, I know they like to yell and I've seen pictures in the clubhouse in Arizona. You see the fans in the background, so I know they love their team and hopefully we can bring them a championship."
For several hours before the game, the new center-field video board flashed player photos and bios and ads in bright colors. Sox manager Robin Ventura said he liked the new look.
"It looks nice," he said. "I don't know if it will make us play any better, but I like it."
