White Sox players surprise fans in the Loop with free hot dogs ahead of Opening Day

While it may not feel like spring, baseball season has returned, and White Sox players aren’t letting the cold bother them — greeting fans Wednesday morning in the Loop with a pop-up hot dog cart.

Sox outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Gavin Sheets joined mascot Southpaw at State and Lake streets passing out free hot dogs, hoping to energize Chicagoans ahead of Opening Day on Thursday.

“Who doesn’t want a hot dog at 10 a.m.?” Sheets asked reporters Wednesday.

Dozens paused for pictures and to grab a dog, some exiting the L trains above, others running out of office buildings — even the No. 29 bus came to a stop allowing Southpaw to board and greet riders.

“It’s good to be back in Chicago, doing stuff like this, getting the excitement going,” Sheets said. “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere tomorrow. Opening Day is awesome for everyone. It’s fun for the fans; it’s fun for us.”

“Awesome” is exactly how 9-year-old Raymond and his mom, Diana Garty, described bumping into Benintendi, Sheets and Southpaw.

Raymond was heading to Millennium Park with his mom and younger brother when he spotted the players.

“I love it, connecting with the kids especially — they’re normal people too,” Garty said. “I have two boys. Of course, I am a baseball fan … they’re their heroes, they love baseball players, they love all athletes.”

In addition to the classics, Sox spokespeople say they’re unveiling several new food items at the ballpark this year, including a 16-ounce “Campfire Milkshake” topped with graham crackers, marshmallows and pieces of chocolate.

It might not be milkshake-friendly weather for Opening Day, though.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-40s Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field as the Sox take on the Detroit Tigers.

Garty and her kids hope warm weather is on the horizon, but they’re still looking forward to the start of the season.

“I’m very excited. I want to see these teams play well, have good games,” Raymond said. “Good luck!”

Chicago White Sox outfielder Gavin Sheets gives away a free hot dog at State and Lake streets in the Loop Wednesday. Sheets, fellow White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi and mascot Southpaw distributed the hot dogs to promote Opening Day. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

1 of 8

Raymond Duckett, 9, eats a free hot dog while his brother and mom, Diana Garty, stand beside him in the Loop Wednesday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

2 of 8

Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi gives free hot dogs to commuters and passersby in the Loop Wednesday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

3 of 8

Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw distributes free hot dogs to passersby at State and Lake streets in the Loop Wednesday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

4 of 8

Chicago White Sox outfielder Gavin Sheets greets commuters and passersby Wednesday with free hot dogs in the Loop. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

5 of 8

A Chick-fil-A employee gets a free packet of sauce and hot dog at State and Lake streets in the Loop Wednesday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

6 of 8

Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi passes out free hot dogs to commuters and passersby in the Loop Wednesday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

7 of 8

A person shows off two free hot dogs received in the Loop Wednesday morning. White Sox outfielders Andrew Benintendi, Gavin Sheets and mascot Southpaw distributed the freebies to promote the Sox Home Opener on Thursday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

8 of 8