I got to the park with less than an hour and a half before gametime - and I was still later than I wanted to be there.

Today was a special day - today is Carton Fisk Tribute Day. The White Sox were unveiling a bronze statue to Carlton Fisk on the outfield concourse (they're building a whole monument area out there over the coming years of all of the players that impacted the franchise - probably specifically the players that have their numbers retired by the team.) I couldn't get a good spot - obviously there are more fans of Pudge than there were of Minnie Minoso's on his day. I wound up standing behind the area. Everything "in front" was taken, even the staircase going up to the Fan Deck was full. So, I walked up to the fence and stood next to... Moose Skowron. The security guys kept coming over, inviting Moose to come "inside" the ceremonial area, and he kept refusing - he forgot his wearable credentials today, he didn't play with him, etc. Eventually, the 6-time All-Star, 5-time World Series winner accepted the invite. Roland Hemond was there - the GM that brought-in Pudge. Jerry Reinsdorf and Kenny Williams (with left arm in a sling after blowing a bicep muscle) were there. Ron Kittle was there (I saw him Friday night at Elvis night, making the rounds around the main concourse. Tom Shaer was the MC of the event - and as the event started, with Carlton and his entire family present (wife, son, two daughters, four grandchildren and parents), teammates Ozzie Guillen, Harold Baines and Greg walker - in uniform for the game - came up to join in the festivities. Then, sneaking in later, Jack McDowell showed-up.

The statue is really good - it's Fisk to a "T". It's really something to see. It's by Chicago artist Lou Cella, who also did the Harry Caray statue outside Wrigley Field, as well as statues for the Detroit Tigers (which is what this area is starting to turn into).

Carlton had a bunch of things to say, things that just seemed very poignant. He referred to joining the team as "back then when I changed my Sox".

Here's a guy who's in the Hall Of Fame, that says:

"This is the most spectacular and significant recognition that I've probably ever had in my whole life"

and

"I wanted to play forever. Now I'm going to stand here forever."

After the ceremony, Pudge threw out the first pitch - to Jack McDowell.

In a totally karmic moment, the Sox won today - it is win 72 of the season - the same as Carton Fisk's uniform number with the White Sox - 72.

In the game - (other than putting-up with the Mascots from the Chicago teams throwing out t-shirts into the crowd between innings) was a SCARY but wonderful catch by Aaron Rowand who hit the centerfield wall at full speed and held on to the ball when he collapsed face forward to the ground.

(Boxscore)