GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox had some fun with Nick Madrigal Friday.
After the second baseman — who turned 24 on Friday — confidently said that 3,000 hits was an attainable feat, teammates took note and raised their teasing to another level by wearing “Mr. 3000” T-shirts on the practice fields Friday morning.
The shirts have Madrigal photoshopped into a picture of Bernie Mac, who starred in the 2004 film “Mr. 3000,’ about a retired major league player who makes a comeback at age 47 in order to reach 3,000 hits.
Shortstop Tim Anderson, right fielder Adam Eaton, first baseman Andrew Vaughn and Madrigal himself — who batted .340 in 109 plate appearances in his first season in 2020 — were among those wearing the shirts during drills.
“Just busting his chops a little,” one player said.
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“We saw it this morning and thought it was actually great,” manager Tony La Russa said. “The design ... I’ll let the players reveal who’s idea it was, I don’t want to be the leak.”
La Russa’s only worry was that Madrigal took it the wrong way, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
“He’s a tough guy but there was a concern about whether he’d take it personal or have a good time with it,” La Russa said. “I think it was done with team respect and affection. It’s really a cute shirt, I mean, it’s very witty. I’ll put it in my diary of the camp.”
The Sox entered Friday’s game against the Mariners with an 0-3-2 record, seeking their first win.
“Hopefully a win today will be the highlight,” La Russa said, “to tie him for first.”
Madrigal, coming off shoulder surgery at the end of last season, is close to his first game action and might play Monday, La Russa said.
“I’ve seen a lot of great hitters in this league growing up and watching guys,” Madrigal said on the White Sox Talk podcast. “The 3,000 mark is not easy at all, there’s very few people that do it. But I feel like that’s very reachable.
“I know that’s throwing a big statement out there, but I believe in myself and I know what it takes to play this game and I feel confident I can do that.”
