The list: White Sox’ Jose Abreu’s greatest hits

For White Sox slugger Jose Abreu, signing a contract in 2013 to realize family’s dream tops any of his considerable achievements.

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Jose Abreu of the White Sox singles in the first inning for his 1,000th career hit against the Texas Rangers at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 24, 2019 in Chicago. (Getty Images)

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Jose Abreu is wrapping up the sixth and final year of the contract he signed with the White Sox as a Cuban free agent in 2013. A model of consistent offensive production, Abreu is the fourth player in club history to record four seasons of 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBI, joining Frank Thomas (eight), Paul Konerko (five) and Magglio Ordóñez (four).

A three-time All-Star, Abreu is one of three players to begin his career with four or more consecutive seasons of 25-plus homers and 100-plus RBI, joining Joe DiMaggio (1936-41) and Albert Pujols (2001-10).

We asked Abreu to provide a list of his most memorable moments, but aside from the day he signed “to make my mom and my family’s dream come true” and hitting for the cycle against the Giants on Sept. 17, 2017 (a feat for which he received a ring from chairman Jerry Reinsdorf), he said he was hesitant to do so, citing an absence of team success (six sub .500 seasons) during his tenure.

“We haven’t been to a playoff game,” Abreu said through a translator.

Fair enough. Here’s a look at our own list of Abreu’s best moments:

  • Signed with Sox Oct. 29, 2013.
  • First hit March 31, 2014, vs. Twins.
  • First home run April 8, 2014 at Rockies.
  • Walk-off grand slam April 25, 2014 vs. Rays.
  • First All-Star Game appearance July 15, 2015.
  • Named AL Rookie of the Year and won his first AL Silver Slugger Award in 2014.
  • Played in front of his son, Dariel, for first time on Aug. 12, 2016, at Marlins.
  • Two homer, seven RBI game Sept. 4, 2016 at Twins.
  • Hit 100th home run May 23, 2017 at Diamondbacks.
  • Hit for the cycle Sept. 9, 2017 vs. Giants.
  • Started at first base for the AL in the 2018 All-Star Game July 17, 2018.
  • Won second Silver Slugger Award in 2018.
  • Named White Sox nominee for Roberto Clemente Award in 2018.
  • Recorded 1,000th hit Aug. 24, 2019 vs. Rangers.

Abreu has repeatedly made it clear he wants the list to expand in a Sox uniform, and the Sox are planning to extend his career with a new deal after the season. A mutual loyalty exists on both sides.

“I believe in myself,” Abreu said. “I just try to live in peace with my life every day. And I have the motivation to work hard every day for my family. They are the ones who keep me going, and I don’t need anything else. Work ethic, and with my mom’s support -- she is the light of my life -- that’s the only motivation I need.”

THAT’S WHAT HE SAID

“Some guys are just kind of made for this.”

—White Sox director of player development Chris Getz, on prized outfield prospect Luis Robert being equipped to handle ultra-high expectations.

“That is the first for many to come.”

—Eloy Jimenez, on hitting a home run in the same game as Yoan Moncada for the first time against the Royals Tuesday.

“We were shooting, truthfully, to be .500 or better.”

—Manager Rick Renteria, whose team is on track for a 90-loss season, the team’s seventh in row below the .500 mark

DID YOU KNOW?

Shortstop Tim Anderson, who is challenging for the American League batting title with an average in the .330s, batted .240 last season. Anderson is looking to record the largest average increase in White Sox history among qualifiers. Frank Isbell from 1904 (.210) to 1905 (.296) owns the largest year-to-year increase.

With seven games remaining against the woeful Detroit Tigers, the Sox stand a good chance of posting a winning record against the soft-bottomed AL Central for the first time since 2012. The Sox were 31-30 through Tuesday against the division. They were 37-35 against the division in 2012.

HIDDEN FIGURES

1,236

Number of dogs in attendance for the final dog day at Guaranteed Rate Field Tuesday. Paid attendance of human beings: 15,196. Woof!

35

Number of Chicagoland Breweries represented at inaugural “ChiSox Craft Beer Fest” today at Guaranteed Rate Field, the first craft beer festival held in ballpark on a non-game day. General admission tickets are $45 and include 30 two-ounce samples, tasting glass and poster. Bottoms up!

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