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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Was I the only person over the last week to be watching “The Dark Knight” and think to myself, “I wonder if Soxman is going to get carbon-flex titanium plating for his new suit?”
Awesome article and great point Mr. Christian. Seriously, these guys are top grade in my book. I remember a line of people in the bleachers last year to meet them and security had to come help out!
The funniest soxman memory. He’s posing for a pic with me and Batboy and a cop looking very stern points to him in full uniform and calls him over. He says “NOW!” Soxman looked like he was ready to stain his socks. The cop wanted him to pose for pictures and sign stuff for his family who was at the game! I laughed till I…Pd
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
Ozzie, so f@##in good to %&**ing have you up in this @@#$%%^
Thank you 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
good point Pete
Wow! Great comments everyone. I love this site. Soxman, you need to post another article. Your fans are waiting!
I’m ready for the documentary.
Heidi Hot Sox, I’m all for the documentary, how bout you? You could star in it.
sorry for my fat fingers. PLEASE don’t ban me from the site. It was an honest mistake.
Cheese (Al)
Ignore that last post please. I was trying to make a comment to Heidi Hot Sox about the documentary and tabed too quickly. I was not trying to act like her. Sorry Sportsbank!
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
Soxman gave me a smooch at Game II of the World Series in 2005. It was a cheek job but I’ll take it. He and Batboy are really fun to be around at games. Nothing but L 4 ya!
Pop! What a great story. Soxman and Batboy must get tired from signing and posing. We better see you at the Cell during the play-off stretch run!
Grinder Rule# 101: Soxman and Batboy Rule
Grinder Rule 102: Who needs bats when we have Soxmen?
There are none better at the ballpark than these two. Even on the RARE occassion when someone gives them grief at games, they stay positive and display an energy I wish I still had. Thanks for the smiles.
Can Soxman play football? We might need a WR if Hester holds out the season. Great article once again. How about Batboy or Paul Banks?
Awesome guys. You blew up big time without Bobby Jenks bringing the Boom. Good to see you are getting your reward. The best fans around.
Love the pic of the little girl. Soxman and Batboy truly are heroes to people of all shapes and sizes.
Soxman! My gothic looking hero! Awesome. I still hold out hope that I can feel your arms around me at a game this season. Alas you are NEVER there when I am. Love you guys.
Soxman and Batboy really deserve all of the praise they are getting here. Soxman’s site is the PLACE for White Sox fans to get Sox news. He also actually answers his mail! Batboy does as well. What other celebs do that?
Another thought. Soxman and Batboy should be in one of those Sox “show us your signs commercials†After all Fox called him the biggest fans in Chicago next to Daley anf he was in a commercial. Do it up Sox! They represent us!
Amazing that all of these people feel the exact same way I do about these guys. A wonderful homage to two REAL men.
PS HUGS N KISSES guys!!!!!!!
I love this article. I told you a while ago how great Soxman was. Hopefully you locked him into a long-term deal on the cheap like Kenny did with Alexei. Soxman would never pull a Hester would he? Batboy you met my nephew last Friday. He calls you soxman’s best friend…
Great work! I love these guys soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. XOXO.
Great find sportsbank. I used to think Soxman and Batboy were a freak show until I see the way they interact with their fans. Unlike Paris Hilton and other trash that thinks they are all that, Soxman earned this with all of the hard work he does. Good story. Sorry to those who this offends but I would have signed the breast. If he’s not getting paid…he should get paid. ;)
When you flirt with soxman at a game it is easy to get him to blush. It makes him all the more sexy. I heard Batboy was married so hands off ladies!!! I know it might mean a bigger challenge for some but he seems pretty solid and honest. I love you both.
Just a quick note. Fun story about two pretty good guys. My kids met Soxman outside the park at a Halloween thing he was a celebrity judge at. He said his favorite super hero was Spiderman. Anyone know why?
“Unlike Paris Hilton and other trash that thinks they are all that, Soxman earned this with all of the hard work he does.” Great comment. love it!
Soxman says he relates to Peter Parker/Spiderman because Parker is more of a dork than Bruce Wayne. Batman’s alter ego is a billionaire playboy which so very few of us can relate to…SM, correct me if I’m wrong on this analogy?
Interesting explanation. Soxman you post responses as well? Awesome! Good win tonight.
Good story. Liked me here from the NBC site. So is this where Soxman’s American League of Justice resides? Why so serious??? Heeee hoooo ha ha.
Sorry, the joker is growing on me. Fun guys. Hope to meet them soon.
Well my friends and I might have been dreaming but I think we saw two guys who looked just like Soxman and Batboy unmasked in the parking lot of the theater in Woodridge with Batman on IMAX! We sat looking at them in our van for a couple of minutes but were afraid to ask. If it was them, I can only say one thing. The man behind the mask is pretty built! Hot as well.
Great article on two guys that are “Thumbs” up in my book.
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
I’d rather predict how a Soxman movie would stack up! HOT like the man. a perfect box office champ I think!!! WOOOOOO
I don’t understand what your numbers mean next to the comment.
The Dark Knight was the best of the bunch followed by the original Batman with Mr. Mom.
Fantastic Article on two great guys! There are none better to represent the true south side fan.
Have to agree, the soxman and Batboy moving would be number one before it is even made. I get dibs on Batboy’s love interest!!!
WOW! My hands honestly are trembling as I type this at the thought that this article has received so much positive attention. Soxman and Batboy were born as a way to show the world that Sox fans are the best in the world and your praise and support has made it all worthwhile.
I have news for all of you. Every positive compliment you have offered us is a reflection of you, because you have made us what we are.
While Batboy and I will never feel comfortable hearing words like celebrity, ambassadors, or heroes to describe us, we thank you our fans…THE GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD! Thankyou! High Five-SM
As for the series of questions I’ve read on here:
I identify with Peter Parker more because of his background as Paul said and because he was kind of a shy nerd type who evolved into his personality.
Who would play us in a movie? I leave that to you the fans. LOL
I can’t pitch worth a darn..although I was compared to Scott Radinsky when I did. When I had control…look out. Bodybuilding gave way to pitching…LOL.
I’m kinda fast I guess.
I think I got them all.
High Five! SM
I am honored to be mentioned on Soxman’s Wikipedia page as Sports Ace, member of the American League of Justice…which itself is a pretty cool name!
Whats Sarah Spain’s name in the ALOJ? Of course, she’s like Dave, a Cubs fan, so she cant really be in the American League of Justice…whats the coutnerpart? is Seymour Pennants in the Legion of Doom
OK EVERYONE……I Will Play Sox Man…..
It will be Legend..Wait For It…..DARY….LEGENDARY
Moe Diddy Out
DC comics might have a legal problem with it, but Poison Ivy works on a number of levels…
Moe I’m honored that you would want to play Soxman.
I’m taking comment #100 all for myself!
break out the champagne and party favors, noise makers 100 COMMENTS!!!! WOO-WHO!!!
Jason Moe has been locked to play Soxman….The movie will come out summer of 2009…
I hope to get Soxwomen in this one???
Diddy Out