White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf angers fans amid ‘Nashville relocation possibility away from South Side home’
White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf angers fans over ‘possibility of moving to Nashville away from home in South Side’
- The White Sox have been in their South Side home since the 1991 MLB season
- Prior to the public funding of the stadium, Reinsdorf threatened to move
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The Chicago White Sox are reportedly considering their options, including a move from Chicago ahead of the end of the Guaranteed Rate Field lease in 2029 — and have enraged some of their fans in the process.
According to Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Businessexplore the Sox movements within the greater Chicago area, but leaving for another city, such as baseball-hungry Nashville, is an alternative.
Hinz cited “well-informed sources” who told Chicago Business that owner Jerry Reinsdorf — who also owns the Bulls — sees a new stadium near or in Chicago or a move to Nashville as “possibilities.”
Naturally, the report has caused an uproar among Sox fans on social media, with many taking to X to vent their frustrations.
A Crain’s Chicago Business report says it’s a possibility the Sox will leave the stadium
White Sox – and Bulls – owner Jerry Reinsdorf (L) with ex-NBA GM Jerry Krause in 1997
Fans reacted to the report of the move with one user suggesting that the recent layoffs are a diversion
“The sad thing is Reinsdorf is such a money grab, I can see him trying to move the team to Nashville and bring in even more money,” one user wrote.
A Nashville baseball fan expressed disappointment at news of the Sox’s possible arrival in the Tennessee hot spot.
“If we have to get an AL (team), I want the Rays! Who wants a Loser org??’
The White Sox commented to the outlet and in no way ruled out the possibility of a move — whether from Chicago or Illinois itself.
“We haven’t had any conversations about our rental situation yet, but with six years to go, it’s obviously approaching a point where there should be discussions,” team spokesman Scott Reifert told the outlet.
“The talks would take place with the city, ISFA and the state and would most likely be about vision, opportunities and the future.”
ISFA is the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. While it is not certain that a concrete decision will be made anytime soon, change is already underway at the Sox front office.
The 87-year-old is also subject to rumors that he may be willing to sell the franchise, with the report suggesting an anonymous Chicago developer is “preparing a bid” to win if the organization wants to stay but leave Bridgeport.
It’s been another tough season for the White Sox – culminating in the defeat of Tim Anderson (R) fighting with Jose Ramirez of the Guardians in an August 5 win in Cleveland
The organization announced Tuesday night that it has fired executive vice president Kenny Williams and senior vice president/general manager Rick Hahn.
One X user suggested it was just a ploy to divert attention from the move report.
“They had to do something to dispel the rumors about the Nashville White Sox,” he said.
It’s been another disappointing season for the South Side franchise, which ranks last in the AL Central.
Under Reinsdorf’s ownership, the team threatened to move to Tampa Bay before moving into its government-funded current home, then known as Comiskey Park, in 1991.
If the Sox left the South Side, it would be yet another blow to Chicagoans, who could soon lose the Bears, who are increasingly likely to leave downtown Chi-town as Soldier Field’s lease expires in late 2033 .