Jack Suwinski
If you ever doubt baseball’s magic, talk to Jack Suwinski. The guy went from Chicago’s public school fields to the Major Leagues — a leap no one had made in 35 years. He still talks about ballparks like a kid seeing them for the first time: the smell of food, the skyline at PNC, the thrill of Wrigley. I asked him about getting the call, his first day, his connection to fans — and what struck me most is how grateful he still sounds. In an era of stats and cynicism, Jack reminds you what’s sacred about the game.
Jack, you’ve got one of the wildest call-up stories in baseball. Take me through that day — you’re in Double-A, just landed in Akron. How did you find out you were going to the big leagues?
We had just pulled up to the hotel in Akron when the manager called a team meeting in the lobby. He made the announcement — me and Tuku [Tucupita Marcano] were going to Pittsburgh. It was amazing to share that moment with the team. We grabbed our bags, got a rental car, and drove to PNC. The team was already working out when I got there — I maybe caught the last 15 minutes of on-field work. It was wild — calling my family, trying to explain what was happening when I barely knew myself. Everything just flew by.
Had you ever even been in a big-league clubhouse before that?
Only once. When I was with the Padres, they ended instructs with a trip to San Diego. We played a scrimmage and got to use the Petco Park clubhouse. But that was it — Pittsburgh was my first real one as a player.
What’s it like now, playing your home games at PNC Park?
It’s beautiful. I mean, it doesn’t get much better. Coming out of the dugout with the city skyline behind the river — it’s unreal. Everyone around the park is great, too. The fans, the staff, everyone you see walking through the tunnels — they make it feel like home. When the fans get excited, the whole city feels it. That’s when it’s really fun.
You grew up going to White Sox games. What stands out about those childhood trips to the ballpark?
Everything. The size of the stadium, the smell of the food, the sound of the crowd. You walk up the concourse, see the field for the first time — it’s magic. It felt like a mini vacation with my family. That’s when I fell in love with the game.
You’re known for being great with fans. When you sign for kids, does it remind you of being one yourself?
Absolutely. I think about that all the time. I was that kid once. I know how much those moments mean. I wish I could sign for everyone, but any time I can take a few minutes — it’s special. It keeps you grounded, reminds you how grateful you are to be here.
You played a high school game at Wrigley Field, right?
Yeah, it was the Public League Final Four. That’s one of my favorite memories. We were down six-nothing in the first and came back to win on a walk-off. The school let kids leave early if they got permission slips signed, and they bused everyone down. Thousands of people came — classmates, families. It was incredible. Even now, when I play at Wrigley, those memories come back. It doesn’t get old.
You were the first player in about 35 years to make it to the majors straight from Chicago’s public league system, without college. How does that feel?
That’s really special. There are so many people who helped me along the way — coaches, friends, my neighborhood. To represent all of them, it means a lot. It reminds me how many people are part of my story.
You were seven when the White Sox won the World Series in 2005. What do you remember about that?
That was right when I was getting into baseball. It made me love the game even more. Watching my hometown team win the World Series — that’s something you don’t forget. I remember that whole roster: Konerko, Pierzynski, Dye, Buehrle, Garland, Contreras — I could name almost all of them. That team hooked me for life.
When you’re on a big-league field now, in Chicago or Pittsburgh, do you ever stop and think, “This is my life”?
Sometimes. When you’re playing every day, you don’t always get to step back. But there are moments — walking out to center field, hearing the crowd — that make you pause and take it in. You realize how rare it is. Not many people get to do this, and I don’t take it for granted.
Baseball’s a brutal game — it humbles everyone. How do you deal with that?
It’s a constant challenge. You can hit the ball hard five times and go 0-for-5, or hit five bloops and go 5-for-5. That’s baseball. I think one thing that makes it unique is that hitters don’t control the ball — defense does. It’s a mental game. You just have to trust your work and stay within yourself. That’s what keeps you going.
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NOTE: The above was edited for clarity and length.
You can read the full transcript here.