Danny Mendick is making an early impact for the White Sox

Promoted Sept. 3 from Class AAA Charlotte, Mendick’s first week in the major leagues has gone as well as anybody could hope. He has five hits in 14 at-bats, and delivered the first home run of his career in Sunday’s 5-1 win over the Angels.

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White Sox infielder Danny Mendick homers during Sunday’s game against the Angels.

AP Photos

When Danny Mendick’s name came up during his news conference Sunday afternoon, White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing broke into a wide grin. 

“I could not be happier for him,” said McEwing, who was managing in place of a recuperating Rick Renteria (shoulder surgery). “Cheers to the scouting department, player development and Danny Mendick.” 

Promoted Sept. 3 from Class AAA Charlotte, Mendick’s first week in the majors has gone as well as anybody could have hoped. He has five hits in 14 at-bats and blasted the first home run of his career in a 5-1 win Sunday over the Angels.

A young player off to a nice start is always a nice story. But with Mendick, there’s an extra layer.

Unlike some of his teammates, Mendick’s minor-league progress wasn’t breathlessly monitored. Taken in the 22nd round of the 2015 draft, Mendick still worked his way through the Sox’ farm system. 

As Mendick acknowledged Sunday, when he was drafted, he was thinking about working his way up and trying to carve out the best career possible. If that meant the majors, great. If not, he would have been OK as long as he didn’t cheat himself.

“When I initially got drafted, it was never about just getting to the big leagues,” Mendick said. “It was always about working my way every single day. I didn’t really look at it as getting to the big leagues. I was just like, I’m going to enjoy playing professional baseball and I’m going to work my hardest, and if at the end of the day it doesn’t work out, I know that I gave it 110 percent.”

That effort has paid off.

In 133 games for Charlotte this season, Mendick hit 17 home runs, had a .368 on-base percentage and played 125 games at second base, third base or shortstop. Clearly, he earned his call to Chicago.

“It’s a dream come true,” Mendick said. “I’ve worked my whole life to get here, and to actually hear [my name introduced], it’s very relieving and very satisfying, that’s for sure.”

On Sunday, he started at short in place of Tim Anderson. He also claimed a souvenir: the home run ball that landed in the Sox’ bullpen.

“I think I’m going to hold on to it and I’ll give it to my parents,” Mendick said. “They will probably be more careful with it.”

Whether or not that ball is safe with Mendick or his family, making the majors after being taken in the 22nd round is an accomplishment. He knows that some will draw inspiration from his story, and Mendick embraces that idea.

“I like the fact that other people see it and respect it, because that’s kind of how I’ve always done things,” Mendick said. “Just try to work as hard as I possibly can. If it’s helping people out, that’s all I can ask for.”

Mendick, though, isn’t satisfied with a cameo. He wants to make his case for a spot on the 2020 roster.

“I’m just going to try to keep proving myself,” Mendick said. “Try to help the White Sox win every game that I can and try to put myself on the map for next year, too, and hopefully make a name for myself here in the big leagues.”

Though it’s early, Mendick is off on the right foot.

“He’s a real confident kid that believes in his ability and the capability of playing all three infield positions and to go in the outfield,” McEwing said. “Played a great shortstop [Sunday]. He loves every opportunity that he gets and takes advantage of it.”

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