By Paul M. Banks
During the weekend that America became engulfed by the force of nature that is the Batman sequel “The Dark Knight,†I spent two nights in the shadow of our local caped-crusader. Given that the city of Chicago plays the role of Gotham in the current record-setting summer event film, it’s fitting our hero represents a Chicago team. His name is Soxman. He made his first appearance at game one of the 2005 World Series, and his legion quickly grew. He is a fan of fans and simply appears from nowhere to boost the spirit of others who love the White Sox, to show Chicagoans everywhere which team’s fans are truly the most dedicated. While Soxman’s winning record is no longer perfect in games attended, he continues to cheer on his favorite team, while having an incredible 39-7 record since last year’s World Series!
I shadowed him from his traditional pre-game meal (which is always done out of costume) to the end of the night, noticing all the heads that turn as he slowly walks by. He articulated to me how scared he and his trusty sidekick Batboy were the first time they took this walk three years ago. The dynamic duo had no clue whether they would be ridiculed, insulted, jeered, cheered or applauded. The anxiety was worth it as today scores of people approach and request to have their photo taken with him. Basically, a night at the park with him is what happens if you breed Halloween with Soxfest. You experience all that is Sox Nation in the most gregarious of atmospheres. The hotties or “Soxybacks†as he calls them come forward, seeking to get their pictures in further circulation. I even saw one ask if they would sign her breast. The dynamic duo refused, instead signing her shoulder.
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Game One: 80s Night
Making the rounds with the caped-crusader at the ballpark is the only way to truly acknowledge his celebrity. It’s like traveling to a historical site in another state. Sure, you can read about and see pictures, but until you walk in the exact same spaces where those people of legend have walked, you don’t quite get the full effect. I talked to so many people about this story that I was doing that I gave away all the NBC5 Street Team and SportsBank business cards in my pocket. When we collaborated on a Dark Knight themed White Sox article, it broke my site’s record for blog comments the first day!
This was the night that I began to truly appreciate the star power of his sidekick Batboy; who has his own little sub-legion within the legions of fans. Because this is 80s night, the scoreboard takes on graphics and fonts that look like they belong in a Max Headroom add or Atari video game cover. The fans get it on the spirit too (see picture below) and Soxman broke out the retro 1980s logo costume. Batboy is premiering his retro 80s get-up, and the end result looks something like a cross between Nacho Libre and James Brown’s cape from the “Blues Brothers.â€Â
Batboy wholeheartedly agrees with Soxman when he says, “The way people embrace the characters with a sense of celebrity is humbling. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to people asking me for my autograph.†I’m amazed by the overwhelming effect they have on the U.S. Cellular Field crowd. Their friend (and on this day personal photographer) “Bobby Biceps†informs me that what I’ve witnessed is only a mild-average crowd response day. “Not even in the top quadrant of insanity,†Soxman says. He articulated more on his local celebrity status: “I’ll NEVER get used to U.S. Cellular staff asking us to leave so they can go home, or just seeing the word celebrity associated with the name Soxman. The fans gave us that power. With great power comes great responsibility: to never let them down.â€
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Sox Fan Notable Quotables:
Dozens of people in section 111 chanting “S-O-X-M-A-N…B-A-T-B-O-Yâ€
“IT’S SUPER HERO DAY!!!†–some drunk guy at gate 3
“You guys are just rarrrrhhhhh†–from a cougar who showed her claws during the growl portion of that statement in section 112
“You look like you guys don’t need a ticket†–a scalper on 35th street
“Are you the paparazzi or the bodyguards†–Fran Erikson who inquired as to what Soxman friend “Bobby Biceps†and I were doing as we walked with the dynamic duo in the outfield concourse.
“It’s the CAPED CRUSADER†–random Sox fan who later posted on the Dark Knight White Sox Exchange article
“Did you see the Dark Knight yet man? It was such an awesome movie!†–numerous people at U.S. Cellular Field that night
“You are the best dressed man in the park. You and your friend†–guy at outfield beer stand
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Game Two: Mullet Night
For the following night’s game, Soxman donned a “mullet†atop his costume, and we partook in the pre-game “mullet march,†a fun chance to walk the perimeter of the field and get great views of the stadium from the playing surface. Did I mention that little kids are the demographic that seem to love Soxman the most? Makes sense given whom comic book superheroes appeal to the most. Nine year old Alyssa Choksin, a season ticket holder just a couple rows from Soxman and Batboy, gives his sidekick a Twizzler every single game. And she knows quite a bit about baseball heroes. She’s received autographed memorabilia from Miquel Olivo and Mark Grudzielanek. Her father has pictures of both taking her onto the field before the game. When talking with her and her parents, she tells me, “You’re Batboy!†She is not the first one to think that on this evening because I’m using Batboy’s ticket for this game. (You can see the picture of me next to Batboy on a different page of this site if you still think I might be Soxman’s sidekick) I don’t think I’ve seen anyone sing the seventh inning stretch with as much fervor as nine year old Alyssa.
Earlier in the game, a pop fly ricocheted off the glove of the man who Soxman believes to be my celebrity look-alike, Kansas City Royals third baseman Alex Gordon. It then bounces off a fan in the first couple rows and ends up in the hands of Soxman. I’ve never had the person sitting next to me catch a foul ball, and I’ve been to hundreds of baseball games. He promptly gave it to four year old Matthew McLean, who was attending his first Sox game in the aisle across from us.Â
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 I asked the Soxman how his character came to life:
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“During the start of the 2005 play-offs I bet a Cubs fan friend of mine that if the White sox made it to the World Series, I would do something to prove to the City of Chicago, and the world, that White Sox fans are the craziest around.â€
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Where he got the idea:
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The Sox played Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero†from Footloose a lot in 2005 when behind at games. “One morning while in the shower, the song was in my head and I thought to myself: that’s it!â€Â After several sketches and a lot of shopping, the sock laden super-hero was born.
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Soxman used the extra material from the costume to help create Batboy’s first outfit. I also asked him about the detractors, about how to answer people who think he just craves attention and to use that attention for personal gain.
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“Take the time to really get to know the character. Observe what we do and how we interact with fans. Rain or shine, in extreme temperatures, Batboy and I dress. Personal gain goes right out the window because I donate anything I earn from the character to various charities. I’d love to make a living doing Soxman, but as of right now, my other career pays the bills…LOL.â€
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I’ve done charity work with him for Heartland Blood Centers, and I asked him what doing philanthropy brings to his life…
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“When you are blessed with a sense of celebrity simply for who you are, the least you can do is use that power for good. The whole point of Soxman and Batboy is to bring something positive to people. Doing charity work amplifies the good you can do.â€
The excessive media access to Soxman only comes about because he’s been such a critical part of my webzine and its growth. He truly is my #3 and TheSportsBank.net executive Vice President. He shares my professional feelings for him. “I consider you the Super Hero’s insider at the press, you know the one that heroes befriend and give them the exclusives? If you were a super hero, you’d be called: Sports Ace.â€
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Here you go…
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Sports Ace is champion, a friend, and hero support to Soxman,
Spins the world wide web to catch your attention, and is a true Sox fan.
He practices grinder rules to the end, can recite them one to ten.
And brandishes only quick wit, and wields one mighty golden pen.
He polices the net for sports news and pontificates Sox woes,
And writes awesome articles that are enjoyed by 1000’s of average Joes.
Don’t forget pop culture, from Paris to that Lindsey Chic.
He’ll even comment on the Cubs, although it might make him sick.
He can write forever with stamina like a champion marathon jogger.
Look on the net, it’s not a bird or a plane, it’s your friendly neighborhood blogger!
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Welcome to the American League of Justice!
 –Soxman
Join the Sox Super Friends! Soxman and the American League of Justice have posed for 100s of photos. If you have a photo with us or would like to post another sox photo to become a member of the Sox Super Friends please submit your photo to thesoxman72@yahoo.com.
 
Alyssa, Batboy’s Twizzler girl. The Royals gear is because of her friendship with Olivo
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Soxman and Batboy are without a doubt two of the nicest guys and most down to earth celebs I’ve ever met. Soxman has the eyes of a super hero- my gosh are they a mystery many woman would like to solve!!!
Well written chronicle of two of my favorite guys on the planet! They ALWAYS have time for their fans.
It’s about time someone chronicled these guys! Hey White Sox, when are you going to feature these guys in a commercial? It’s long over due. XOXO to Soxman and Batboy!
That’s it. I MUST meet these guys. How cool is it to have something real to look up to? Keep up the good work guys. Awesome article Paul.
The City is Safe or at least the Cell is safe with these guys around. Seriously, most people truly appreciate what you do. The other or just haters. I hope you never retire and I 2nd HS, some on Marketing team for the White Sox, do you see the line of people who want to meet these guys at games? I smell a commercial.
I was just looking for Dark Knight stuff and I have to say…..Holy Shit are these guys ever frickin cool. Any chance you would ever make it out to Vegas for an 51′s game?
An awesome article on two heroes the world is starting to know. I’d love to have soxman’s babies. He’s a dream!!! Aside from what you wrote. did you ever see him in the wheel chair section of US Cellular? He takes so much time with the challenged. He and batboy are the best…period.
He’s twice given his tickets to families in need without any fanfare. As a matter of fact, he actually asked for me to to publish it. Great guys all the way around. I think Batboy is married.
Paul, very well written article. Batboy and I can’t thank you enough for the postive press. We’re honored. To our fans: YOU MAKE US WHO WE ARE. Thank you for all of the positive feedback. We love you guys as well. High Five- SM
Meeting them in person is a bigger treat than seeing them on TV..and man are they ever on TV…a lot. Did Soxman really give a ball up to a kid? I could NEVER to that. Is he really as genuine as he seems?
These guys add an element of passion to the park that has been missing for years. I second the commercial idea. No one could define the Sox fan more White Sox!
Way to go guys. Most guys think these two are full of themselves but it is not the case at all. They have fun with it and really give a ton to the fans and the city of Chicago!
Even one of Batman’s biggest enemies appreciates what the Soxman is all about. Good read.
Soxman, Can wait to meet you when we go to the Sox game..All those rumors are true about me..I’m kinda of a big deal in the SICA..ha
Moe Diddy Runs The City!!! Out!!!
Soxman! It has been toooo long! Soxman and Batboy rule the city! Who the heck is Moe Diddy and what it SICA?
In any event it is your favorite Miller Light Girl…glad to see your “spot light” has never stopped shinning. Great article on a great person. I miss you guys. Still in Cali!
Fantastic article and is sexy as soxman is I’m glad to see my boy with the big buns, Batboy got some love by this article. The things I’d do to him!!!! Muah to both of you.
Soxman sent my child an autographed picture when she was in the ER last season. I don’t care what anyone thinks, him and Batboy are awesome super fans and celebs without the drama. Thank guys
While I understand the demographic this page is trying to reach, I would have liked to read more about the charity work Soxman does and hear more about the interaction with kids. I’ve seen Soxman in action and i know this is the main part of him, yet a woman exposing her breasts, and half-dressed woman are what gets the photo opps and lead in the article. Why is this?
I want a night at the ballpark with MOEMAN!
Very nice piece, almost as nice as the piece with the socks on his head! Thanks for doing what you do guys. all flirting aside, it is really something to see them ignore the flirtation of pretty girls to first say hello to children and people with disabilities. XOXO to these guys.
Well done Soxman! I have to agree the commercial is a must. You should pitch it to the Sox Sports Ace.
While most women could care less about a celebs groupies exposing themselves, everything else in this article is pretty darn amazing. They walk around like normal folks because the beleive they are normal folks. Nice to see two guys making it without thinking they are all that. The big question: Can Soxman pitch?
P.S. Soxman I want an autograph!!!
Neat article on the best kept…not so secret…cool guys in chi-town. Peace and JD for MVP.
Again amazing. My boy is whacked! Tell us something we don’t know! These guys rule.
Soxman needs to come over to “The North Side of the Force.” I’ll give you Alfsonso and Woo Woo for him and Batboy. Super Heroes for a whiner and a Woo Woo. Fair Trade?
There are soem really awesome names in this comment section!
Looks like this one will break the previous comment record too!
Sox Mom, I agree that I should have included a picture of the girl with the red licorice. I have one on the site’s myspace page and I will get that up pronto.
re: your other pts. I didn’t exactly “lead” with the “sex sells” angle in this story, the main focus is on Soxman’s celebrity status and how he appeals to ALL demographics, sexpots as well as children. I’m certainly no fan of the “stripper effect” taking over our culture, I can send you some links to a couple pro-feminist pieces that I’ve published that are critical of raunch culture.
And I did say that children, relating to kids are what he’s really about. In this piece and in numerous past pieces. I’m still waiting for the Soxman and Batboy to give me a for my 3 nieces and 4 nephews. They anxiously await it!
and in reference to his charity work, I’ve been instrumental to the work he’s done with Heartland Blood Centers and given back and served with them as well. I plan on expanding the Soxman story in my forthcoming book, and the service and philanthropy aspect is one component I know I will expand upon.
Good points sir. I did not find the article to hit on the sex angle at all. If anything, Soxman gets points for turning the breast lady down. I know no male man at Wrigley would. I want him as Cubs man.
I love it. Such a great article on a deserving duo. Great write up. Question: Where did Soxman get the rap skills he showed in the 9 mile post? Commercial coming anytime soon? I write him alll the time and he takes forever to respond
Nice article on two very colorful celebs in Chicago. Like luchadors. Does Soxman or Batboy like soccer? I’d love to see them at a Fire game. Beckem should go back to Spain.
Perhaps the experience of traveling in Soxman’s inner circle will make watching a White Sox game–in the hated Cell, no less–bearable. :)
Place at the table!!!!!!!!!!
Long overdue homage to a great bunch of guys. It is a fact of life lots of ladies hit on these guys, I think the reportter just told the story Sox mom. Soxman and Batboy I hope to get your ink next time I see ya.
Soxman and Batboy are two guys a CFD man can be proud of! Great work.
I thought I saw the Sox-signal while gallivanting the city last weekend. I now know why!
Great article. I’ve seen Soxman and Batboy at numerous games and enjoyed them every time. They always take time out to honor the requests of all the fans who ask for a photo. Besides their fun times at the park they are great ambassadors for the Sox and do a lot of charity stuff. Rock on!
Rich
I love the Soxman and have his Red Eye cover story framed on my wall! Great stuff. A prize in my book.
A Red Sox Fan first but I truly love what a freak these two are. It’s awesome to see the city embrace passion in people. Soxman is pretty smart as well when it comes to baseball.
Amazing article. Like most I thought these guys were a bunch of show boats just craving attention. I must admit in seeing them at games they work it hard. I respect them more than ever after I saw Soxman give the ball to the kid on Saturday.
P.S. as a fellow man who could stand to lose a few pounds, I don’t know how Batboy keeps ups with the svelt Soxman. He must do a lot of cardio.
Hottest Guys around…period. The mystery, intensity, and genorosity of these guys makes me warm inside. Are they single? LOL. Would love to get wrapped in his socks.
P.S. How about a dynamic trio–I love bigger guys as well BB.
I’m a Cubs fan to the end but I must admit these two have grown on me as well. Great article and nice to see 2 of Chicago’s own getting some positive press. MLB players could learn a thing or two from these guys.
I’m honored to be called a Soxyback! But It is Soxman who brought Sexyback. There is nothing wrong with a guy who is fly and good with the kids. I love you and Batboy. Hugs and High fives as Soxman always says…
I want to have Soxman’s babies…PERIOD. Such great guys.
You guys are the best. Very humble people in person as well. You couldn’t ask for 2 better guys to look up to kids! Awesome.
Soxman and Batboy are !@#$ing cool man… says the Wizard of Oz!
anybody know the maintenance contract for the batmobile?