A “Dark Knight” White Sox Exchange
By the Soxman and Paul M. Banks
In a week that saw the Batman sequel shatter box office records, the Sox had to deal with a “joker” of their own, dropping two of three at home to the Royals. However, their half-game lead over the Twins is no laughing matter. Our resident caped-crusader, Soxman and Paul M. Banks, the Harvey Dent of Sox fans, are here to sort it all out. Can you count the number of references to the Dark Knight they use?
(PMB) Holy signs of a second-half meltdown Soxman, what’s up with our bullpen? Or even the starters for that matter?
(SM) Like Mr. Dent says, “it is always darkest before sunrise.” Let’s hope this is about as dark as it gets with our second-half performance. Lately, it has been like flipping a coin with our starters to see whether the good guy or the bad guy shows up.
Gavin Floyd has a 7.27 ERA in his last two starts. Had some runs not been earned due to errors, it would be even worse.
Jose Contreras has a 8.62 ERA in his last three starts and is now on the DL with an injured pitching “wing.” Nick Masset may take his spot in the rotation, because he is sporting a 53.97 ERA in his last two appearances.
Javier Vazquez, a 9.53 ERA in his last start.
John Danks, the “dark” horse in the Cy Young race, has shown that even his heroic pitching is vulnerable to corruption as he is sporting a 7.71 ERA during his last two starts.
Do we need another starter? “We Believe” in Freddy Garcia! LOL.
Should we “signal” to the pen for help? Octavio Dotel has a 5.40 ERA in his last two appearances, Linebrink a 9.00 ERA in his last 5 games, Matt Thornton a 13.49 ERA in his last two games, Adam Russell a 7.94 ERA in his last 6 games.
We now have the second best team ERA (3.64) in baseball to the Oakland Athletics (3.42).
(PMB) Are we going to have to out-bludgeon people the rest of the season?
(SM) Without hope, we cannot win. The people of Chicago need something to believe in. Living and dying by the homer is not the answer. Even though we are third in the majors in team homers (132), we are second worst in MLB batting average with runners in scoring position and two-outs (.191).
Ozzie MUST add execution to his offensive utility belt because the secret identity of our first half pitching success appears to have now been unmasked. I love the thunder we have in our line-up because we have at least 2-3 players we could call “Batman” in the second half thus far.
Swisher is hitting .333, Dye .444, Quentin .400, Ramirez .300, AJ .308, and Crede .364.
However, the hitter we need most has still not found his bat signal. Paul Konerko is hitting only .200 in the second half.
(PMB) It seems like as Nick Swisher goes, so goes the offense, even though he got demoted and hits so low in the order now. What did you think of 80s weekend, the unveiling of the Harold Baines statue, the RETURN OF THOSE AWESOME UNIFORMS on Sunday?
(SM) Harold Baines is truly one of the all-time White Sox greats and an incredible guy. It was nice to see him honored just as Carlton Fisk was. Heroes deserve to be honored from time to time. I think that seeing the 1983 throwback uniforms would have been better if we could have “won ugly,” rather than lose badly. The two games I attended were a blast. It was awesome to meet hundreds of fans on Friday and to sign so many autographs. To all the fans, THANK YOU! The walk on the field for Mullet Night was a blast as well, although it was sweltering hot in the costume.
(PMB) Yes, it was a fun, memorable experience to shadow you for the Sox games on Friday and Saturday night. What was up with the Royals hitting 6 of our batters (including Dye twice) in the series last week?
(SM) Sometimes the best intentions have poor results. We all took a collective gasp when it appeared Dye might have been seriously injured in yesterday’s game. You can bet that Ozzie didn’t forget about it and will likely offer some payback the next time we see K.C. Revenge often breaks the line between hero and villain however. “Purpose pitches” are often as obvious as the Joker’s calling card when defining revenge.
(PMB) Finally, what did you think of the “Dark Knight” and your movie-going experience this weekend?
(SM) The movie was more stunning than the Sox two losses. It was without a doubt the darkest superhero movie I’ve ever seen. Parents might want to screen this one before bringing their children, as Soxman believes the film could have easily received an “R” rating.
It was awesome for Bruce-Wayne Parker to see the movie with some of his closest friends and to hear them select analogies from the movie to the life of Soxman. Heath Ledger really deserves Oscar consideration for his role, not because it was his last, but because he played it so well. The only possible knock against him getting a nomination is that the Academy often looks heavily at dialogue in nominating an actor. The Joker never had extensive dialogue with anyone in the film.
(PMB) True, but the “why so serious” monologue was very dark, yet memorable and powerful. The views of Chicago manifesting within the brilliant cinematography was breathtaking! The caped-crusader perched atop the Sears Tower, the Lake ferries at night, a cycle chase through Millenium Station and even a distant background shot of NBC Tower, “The Chi” really plays a lead role in this film. A minor character was named Richard Dent (“Sackman’s comin, you’re gonna get bent!”) and if you look closely in one of the LaSalle Street scenes, you’ll see a sign reading “Sweet Home Chicago.” New York, your time as Gotham is over, it’s the 2nd city’s turn now!
Here’s a great article describing the specific what and the why of Chicago playing the role of Gotham City.
(SM) A couple of other thoughts on the movie:
The movie overtook my favorite super hero, Spiderman, as the highest weekend gross of all-time at $155.34 million. As a “Gotham” twist, this monster haul is still significantly less than the Yankees $209.10 million team salary.
It was a lot of fun to pick out all of the places in the City of Chicago where film shooting took place. The final “battle” was actually filmed atop the “under construction” Trump Tower, where Batboy II once served as a safety officer.
How about you Mr. Banks, what was the biggest comparison in the movie you saw to your friendly sock-laden super hero? Yourself?
(PMB) For me it was a film reminiscent of the “summer event movies” of my youth, a blockbuster movie that one anticipates like a kid approaching Christmas time. I really enjoyed that it was a Batman movie for adults just like the last one, “Batman Begins.” Because it explored the concepts of chaos theory and critiqued the existence of absolutist morality and free will. Like ABC’s “Lost” it understands that good and evil is often shades of grey rather than black or white…which makes sense because the guy who plays the Mayor of Gotham City is “Richard,” the Other on “Lost” who doesn’t ever age for some reason.
Regarding parallels to the Soxman’s caped crusade, there are certain people we know within Sox Nation who have a less than heroic view of the Soxman and you remember what I said of thou who shall not be named and that individual’s little minions as well. Those who cease to make up their own minds about an individual’s worth and instead let someone else judge the villainous and the heroic…their opinions do not matter. They get neither the hero they need nor the hero that they deserve.
I am honored to be your Commissioner Gordon, serving the public good through the media industry instead of the police department, but still this superhero’s confidant and peer adviser.
Will the White Sox escape the evil clutches of their bitter AL Central rivals? Will they be heroes to all of Gotham in October? Tune in next Tuesday “SportsBat” fans, same bat-time, same bat-URL!
Without a doubt the most fun (ok second most fun next to “9 Mile” article I’ve ever written for the Sportsbank. Excellent job Mr. Dent! Was this the best exchange ever? Let’s leave it to chance. I’ll flip you for it! As a side note, both the sox and the Cubs lose again! Ouch. SM
OMG was this ever an awesome exchange and I’m not really even that big of a Sox fan! I feel like I received a review of the Sox and the Dark Knight all in one article.
Soxman I must admit, when I saw the movie over the weekend I thought of you.
You are one of the more creative writers I’ve ever read. Is there any creative angle you can’t think of?
Here come the Brewers! Bill Hall!
Keep losing Cubbies.
Soxman (and Mr. Dent), I can only say…WOW!!!
This was an extremely creative article with the perfect blend of baseball and the hottest movie around right now. Speaking of hot, Soxman, I saw you on Saturday but you were surrounded by other female fans and I was to shy to come up and say hello.
You looked hot as always…but you also looked HOT, ready to pass out in the heat. Fans are lucky to have someone like you protecting this sox city of ours.
I saw Batman and couldn’t help but wonder what you look like under that mask. Should I hire the Joker to unmask you?
Any comments on that Paul?
Well done Mr. Banks. Your descriptions of the movie were excellent.
XOXO Soxman!!!
Great article guys! The movie ruled much like the both of you.
Soxman- you and Batboy deserve the key to the city for wearing those costumes on Friday. It was too hot (kind of like you).
Paul- any thought to this: Soxman vanishes in the off-season while the Dark Knight is filmed. Could they be the same person?
Soxman, we need another rap. The Sox need you to save them.
I hope Freddy comes back.
Soxman, I believe I met you and Batboy and the NBC5 reporter at the game on Friday night and I can only say I was very impressed. The patience you showed towards the crowd that engulfed you in the outfield was absolutely amazing.
I must admit, as a fellow guy, I could never understand why you had such a lady following or why it was so important to people to just shake your hand. In talking to you and seeing you interact with your friends, you deserve it all. Keep up the good work guys. Soxman any idea when you will be in the Red Eye again? You make a Cub owned paper readable.
Soxman can only say he is flattered by both of your comments. At the Sportsbank, we foster creative passion in writing hard sports news.
Cheese thanks for the compliment. In case anyone wonder, I did not see the movie as Soxman. I instead watched it as my alter ego.
Heidi- I thought that I may have met you before. Could I be wrong? I always have time for my fans no matter how great the number. Say hello next time.
Hugs N High Fives- SM
Wow! Two more comments. First of all to Sox Girl Hopeful, I’ll try to offer a small rap in my next Sox Exchange. Stay tuned.
To Sideshow Bob, I do not have a set schedule for Red Eye appearences. They flash the Sox signal whenever they need me.
Thanks for explaining what you saw as well on Friday. It means a lot that our fans know we are genuine in what we do.
Much Respect- SM
Wow! 8 comments on this before I even wake up to look at it. this could be like the 9 Mile article. I love the Harvey Dent comparisons, especially because he was played by Billy Dee Williams in the first movie, 1989’s “Batman.” And Billy Dee is my fav actor, one of the coolest men around. especially as Lando Calrizzian
HHH, I’ll just say the ladies seem to enjoy what they see underneath the mask
SB- Which guy were you at the Friday game, I’ll have my writeup of the game experiences up in the next couple of days.
SGH, It’s a possibility
but I must protect his identity like Commissioner Gordon to Batman
Bleeding Cheese, Heidi Hot Sox, and the others, thank you for the compliments! and please keep reading
Rock on- I was wearing a throwback Sox hat, tshirt and a scruffy beard. I shook Soxman’s hand and apologized for misjudging him. You were the guy in the green right? We talked briefly but you were busy taking notes.
Aside from the ladies, I thought it was very cool how much time Soxman and Batboy took with the kids. I was amazed how quickly parents put babies in Soxman’s arms. My GF said that is how you can tell he’s a good guy. He appears very selfless and not at all arrogant over the attention he draws.
Anyway it was nice meeting you all. You guys make a great writing team. I love your Red Eye stuff Soxman. I work downtown and it’s the first thing I flip to each day. Im disappointed when I don’t see anything written by you.
Soxman rocks! so did the movie! what a great combination. great article!
Great Job Boys!!! Now only if you would mention me next time?? This would give the article a little more juice…
Also I have bigger arms then Batman!!!
MoeMan Out!!!!
Soxman and Batboy’s legend lives on. Great article. I met you guys at the Sox game on July 18th after being a fan of Soxman for a long time. While I know he represented Sox fans well in the Red Eye, I didn’t know he wrote on a regular basis for a site until I met Paul and got his card. You are an awesome writer and I love what both you and Batboy do. Anyone who does not at least appreciate your spirit and good intentions is really clueless. Keep up the great work!
Soxman and Batboy- Chicago’s proud of you!
Where else can I get a great review, creative wording, and a sox fix? Awesome article Soxman! Thanks for the warning on the movie as my 5 year old really wanted to see the new “Soxman” movie…LOL.
You posed for a picture with him on July 18th and signed his bear.
Did Batboy like the movie?
Very fun write up. Yes Soxman, I thought you and Batboy were pretty stupid at first a part of me still does, but you have grown on the city and on Sox fans everywhere with your passion and overall nice guy approach to things.
Keep on doing your thing guys…you are even growing on the people who didn’t like you. DJ
Not counting the movie review I counted 17 references to Batman. Was I right? And Soxman, you and Batboy are the greatest Batman idea to go to sox park since the original Batman and Robin, Frank Thomas and Robin Ventura! God job guys.
Great meeting you guys on Friday and nice to see yet another media outlet for the sexy Soxman! I want to “sox” you up! Thanks for the card Paul. Great writing.
Bob, you just described half the male fans at Sox park, LOL. I remember you talking about misunderstanding us though, Batboy and I can thank you enough for your support. Drop the Red Eye a line and tell them you like my stuff. High Five- SM
Soxman and Batboy you guys are awesome! You are so wonderful with the children at the park always taking time to pose for photos. Saw you both on Friday. It was obvious your friend wanted to leave but you stopped like 3 times for the kids. Great guys and fun article. Way to grab the moment.
MoeMan Out!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA….
P.S. THX #3! I’m glad they finally stuck you in the OF! To all the new posters today, I only do what I do for you! If not for the fans, I wouldn’t be on the Sportsbank or in the Red Eye.
Dave I am glad someone caught that…I have been using that name all weekend!!! It is Legendary!!!
Moeman Out!!!
Little John, HA HA “lemme see you get low. get low get low get low….to the windows…..to the walls. to the walls”
Looks like we’re headed straight for a new record for comments!
Fpr those of you that asked if I was Batboy…
I think you need to take a better look at my pictures, where you’ll see a noticeable size difference…start with this one, where I (guy in green with the Sox jersey) am standing next to Batboy
http://www.thesportsbank.net/2008/07/21/attend-a-white-sox-game-with-the-sports-bank-2/#more-1516
Paul- great site! We met at the July 18th Sox game while you were doing press for Soxman and Batboy. They are the most down to earth local celebs I met. Great article guys and keep up the good work. R U goig to post some more pics from the game?
Fricking hilarious. I laughed my ass off at the creative hook to this artitcle. Paul you were out of cards but talked about how you hired Soxman for this site. You are the Kenny Williams of cyberspace and he is Carlos Quentin. Look forward to seeing you and Batboy bring us luck again soon. go sox
Yes, I plan to have more pics in Week in Review and in the writeup of my night at the park with Soxman.
Thanks for the complements!
Glad you all are enjoying this article. For the record, Paul M Banks is not Batboy. He is a member of the american League of Justice known as Sports Ace. Dolly, local celebs? I will never get used to that title. Hugs N High Fives! SM
Great article! Soxman I’m a HUGE fan and a Cubs fan concert. Point on review of the Dark Knight.
Awesome article. Just read your blog Soxman. How do you have time for a life outside of being a Super Hero? Way to go sportsbank.
Awseome article as always Soxman. Lots of fun to read.
So much fun! I love you guys!! XOXO. Great meeting you on Friday Paul. Soxman and Batboy, I can’t wait to see you again.
Wow! Biff Zap Zow to Cubs fans, the Sox dynamic duo (or Trio with Paul) are representing!!!! I love you guys.
This response has been completely insane. Thank you! This is the type of product you get when you mix passion with pride! Go Sox! I’m also seeing the Dark Knight again this weekend. SM
What about the secret to destoying your enemy? The only thing missing from an otherwise AWESOME article. Even Batman’s enemy is proud!
I want to see Dark Knight again…Soxman nad Banks when are we going?
Soxman I’m afraid of clowns. Would you protect me if I go to see the Dark Knight? XOXO
Very fun article. It was like a twisting roller coaster of information.
Best darn article I’ve read in some time and it didn’t require half-naked women to make its points!
Now this was awesome! The complex interchange between Sox stuff and Batman stuff reminds me of the complexity of the Joker. VERY GOOD.
Props to my homie Soxman! I’m the Darkest Knight but you are representin well.
Soxman were you one of those extra Batmen in the begining of the film? Go Cubs! keep the Southside safe. It needs it.
I’d like to see more articles like this one. Great
I love how all of the advertisements on this page are of the Dark Knight! Awesome!
The heck with the Joker wanting Batman dead, I’d pay $1 million to see the man with the hottest eyes I’ve ever seen, Soxman unmasked.
Very nice but all the Soxmen in the world are not going to save a team that only hits homers.
Very fun read though A++++++++++++
Gr8t story. He’s a creative writer as well… mama mia!
Very original. Some of this film was shot right by my apartment. Is Christian Bale hotter than the man behind the mask? Go Cubs!
Very creative. Paul- do you know who Soxman and Batboy’s arch nemesis is? Hmmm.
Awesome–this piece should win an award….
Soxman can win without me but I can’t win without Soxman.
Can’t say what has not been said 100 times over. Love the eyes, love these guys!
Did someone here really ask “what is SICA?” I have work to do in publicizing that much more!
Good to see the Boston and Red Sox people coming to support Soxman too! his legend is indeed growing all over
Thanks Tood and everyone else for all the compliments! I just realized what a crime it is that a documentary has been made about Ronnie Woo Woo, but none on Soxman
Like Two-Face said when he was played by Tommy Lee Jones in the last movie “if the bat wants to play, we’ll play!”
I support the idea for some video…I’d love to do another piece for NBC this time with some video, hopefully they’ll get me a camera. It’ll be great for the Soxman movie
I get first dibs on Soxman’s love interest in the movie then! My lips are ready. My friend Lynn wants Batboy.
A Soxman Movie? Now that I would like to see.
Not to sound like the 60’s Batman but Holy Pontification of Poetic Praise Soxman Fans! Batboy and I cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your busy lives to comment on these articles. The overwhelming support you have shown to Batboy and I across all age demographics is second to none. This character is like a dream for the man behind the mask.
While time will tell where we go next, our focus right now is cheering the Sox onto another title first and foremost.
High Five!
SM
Awwww Soxman! See how humble this guy is! You are famous man just go with it.
Grinder Rule #103: When the Soxman signal shines…we win. Very fun
Love the story. Great creative intermix.
Soxman this whole movie reminded me of you. Great article. The sportsbank is pretty fun.
The most critical road trip of the season starts this weekend. Good site and fun story. Batman, grosses 17 mil a day! I say soxman and Batboy get the haul for one day for all of their heroic work. Who’s with me?
I smile everytime I read this. I would like to see another rap. ( Miles was my favorite aricle ever!
This road trip is HUGE!!! Weused to own Comerica Park. hopefully we will again.
stupid typos 9 mile was awesome—the best blog ever. Rap it up Soxman.
Thanks for the compliments on the site everybody! please keep reading
I third or 100th I guess LOL. Most creative article I ever read. Seeing Batman Sunday…Finally
This picture with the Sox signal rocks!!! I think it would be super cool if the Sox did that when they needed a rally. Put the Sox signal in the air and then Soxman and Batboy would come running.
What did everyone think of the Dark Knight in relation to the other Batman films? How would rank the movies from first to worst? This is my opinion of how the films stack up..
W-L GB
Dark Knight 99-63 –
Batman Begins 91-71 8
Batman 88-74 11
Batman Forever 83-79 16
Batman Returns 80-82 19
Batman & Robin 69-93 30
Soxman and Batboy The Movie Wins and it has not even been released yet…haha
I second that!!! Fun article..very creative.