CHICAGO – Tim Elko’s parents were driving to Charlotte to watch their son play Triple-A baseball over Mother’s Day weekend.
They would soon have to reroute to Chicago.
Elko learned Friday from Knights manager Sergio Santos that he had been promoted to the major leagues for Saturday’s White Sox-Marlins game at Rate Field.
“Just happiness,” Elko described his reaction to the news. “I feel like a lot of hard work paid off. Just excited to arrive and begin my journey here.”
Elko’s first phone call was a memorable moment for his family.
“I was tearing up a little bit when I was telling my dad on the phone,” Elko remembered. “But haven’t cried yet.”
“[My parents] were trying to stay stoic, and no, I’m sure there will probably be some tears today.”
Elko’s background makes for a somewhat unique MLB call-up story. Since being drafted in the 10th round by the White Sox in 2022 out of Ole Miss, he has never been ranked among the organization’s top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline.
But he always had long-term goals in mind.
“The goal was always to become a professional baseball player and play in the MLB,” Elko told reporters. “It was always in the back of my mind. But, like you said, I always try to stay where my feet are. I always enjoyed my time at Ole Miss and winning a national championship there; now it’s time to help the White Sox win some games here.”
After hitting 10 home runs in 31 games, the 6-foot-3 right-hander deserved his chance in the big leagues.
“He’s obviously been swinging really well,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “We’re excited to bring him into the lineup and see what he can do. He’s a great guy around the clubhouse. He is capable of defending. “Obviously, his performance at the plate speaks for itself.”
Elko thanked everyone who helped him get to this point, including White Sox coaches who helped him figure out which pitches to hit.
As he continued to crush baseballs in the minors, leading all Triple-A hitters with a 1.110 OPS by the time he was called up, White Sox fans pleaded for him to make the big league roster.
“That was pretty cool. I try to avoid social media as much as possible, but I did see some of the content on Twitter,” Elko said. “It’s pretty cool, to have support like that’s a pretty cool feeling.”
After learning of his call-up, Elko received a flood of congratulatory texts and phone calls from friends and family.
He flew first class for the first time on his way to Chicago, a city he hadn’t visited since attending a Cubs game while playing summer baseball in Wisconsin. On the way, he tried to unwind with music, snacks, and Sudoku.
That’s when it struck him.
“I was kind of like, ‘Dang, I guess I’m going to the big leagues,'” Elko recalls. “But now it’s here, and I’ll see all of the guys again. I already have so many friends up here, so it makes things a little easier. It’s beginning to hit me now. And I’m excited to run out onto the field tonight.”
Despite the excitement of making his MLB debut, Elko said he got a good night’s sleep and is ready for Saturday’s game.
He drove to the game with pitcher Jonathan Cannon, whom Elko described as a good friend, and said it was an exciting feeling to walk into an MLB clubhouse for the first time as a member of the team.
Elko met with Venable to discuss team goals, expectations, and how he can continue his strong start in the minors at the big league level. He stated that it will be an honor to put on the White Sox uniform and take the field for the first time.
Elko is playing first base and batting eighth in Saturday’s game, with his family and a few college friends watching from the stands. Venable expressed excitement about his offensive and defensive potential, as well as Elko’s impact in the clubhouse.
The White Sox have several options at first base and designated hitter, and Venable intends to rotate those positions.
“I think about mixing and matching. [Miguel] Vargas will occasionally play first base. So, I think we’ll take it day by day. But I believe you expect to see Tim [Elko] and [Andrew] Vaughn at first base.”
“The fact that [Elko and Vaughn] primarily play first base changes things if you’re trying to get both of them in the lineup. At the same time, we’ll take each day and build our lineup based on who the best players are for that day. Sometimes it involves both of them. Sometimes it doesn’t. Other times, it could be someone else at DH. We’ll just take it day by day and see how everything comes together.
Elko is excited about the opportunity, regardless of where his name appears on the lineup card or where he is positioned on the diamond.
“Just somebody who cares about winning, cares about their teammates, wants to do anything I can every single day to help us win,” Elko told the media. “Always going to give it 110% and just be the best teammate and player I can be for this organization.”
