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Sacred Heart-Griffin grad joins Springfield area's MLB ranks
TL;DR
Sam Antonacci, a Sacred Heart-Griffin graduate, made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox on April 15, hitting a single in his first at-bat against the Tampa Bay Rays. He also scored a run after drawing a walk in the ninth inning.
Key points
- Sam Antonacci made his MLB debut on April 15
- He hit a single in his first at-bat
- Antonacci scored a run after drawing a walk
- He is expected to play left field for the White Sox
- He is a graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin
Mentioned in this story
Sam AntonacciChicago White SoxTampa Bay RaysSpringfield
Sacred Heart-Griffin graduate Sam Antonacci hit a single in his first MLB at-bat with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, April 15.
He lofted a 0-1 count to right field in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. He also scored his first run in the ninth after drawing a walk.
The 23-year-old left-handed hitter joins several other Springfield area products in the MLB ranks. Here’s what to know.
Sam Antonacci, Chicago White Sox
Antonacci is largely expected to man left field for the White Sox.
Antonacci, rated among the top 10 prospects within the White Sox organization, has built up a sterling résumé ever since he graduated as The State Journal-Register's Large School Player of the Year in 2021.
The former Heartland Community College shortstop was named the NJCAA Division II national player of the year following a blistering run to the 2023 national title.
He was eventually selected by the White Sox in the fifth round of the 2024 draft after a season at Coastal Carolina University with a .367 batting average and six home runs.
He was promoted from the High-A affiliate Winston-Salem Dash (where 2020 Chatham Glenwood graduate Jake Curtis currently resides as a reliever) to the Double-A Birmingham Barons in 2025, the latter of which he summoned a .292 average with eight doubles, two triples, and a homer in 49 games.
Antonacci generated considerably more buzz on Italy’s roster in the World Baseball Classic this past March, where he helped stun Team USA with a two-run homer in an 8-6 win in pool play. He ultimately staged two hits and three RBIs as a shortstop in the WBC six-game stretch.
He soared further with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, where he reportedly transitioned to left field to accommodate the White Sox’s lack of depth in the outfield.
He orchestrated a flourishing .313 average with 15 hits, two home runs and seven RBIs over 14 games with the Knights. He also had 15 walks — compared to eight strikeouts — and five stolen bases.
“He’s made a tremendous impression. Not surprised,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz told MLB.com in March. “From the beginning, when we signed him, the feedback we were getting from our player development crew, his stops at different affiliates last year, this is a kid that can do a lot of different things to help a baseball team win.
Q&A
What team did Sam Antonacci debut with in MLB?
Sam Antonacci debuted with the Chicago White Sox.
When did Sam Antonacci make his MLB debut?
Sam Antonacci made his MLB debut on April 15.
What position is Sam Antonacci expected to play for the White Sox?
Sam Antonacci is largely expected to play left field for the White Sox.
What was Sam Antonacci's performance in his first MLB game?
In his first MLB game, Sam Antonacci hit a single and scored a run after drawing a walk.
