A.J. Pierzynski Bobblehead Will Raise Money For Charity

CHICAGO, IL – The former Major League Baseball catcher that fans of all teams but one loved to hate will have a bobblehead commemorated in his honor by the one team that he will forever be etched in history with. Chicago White Sox fans can now buy an A.J. Pierzynski bobblehead, an item that will be sold online and at the ballpark as a way to raise money for charity.

The bobblehead shows Pierzynski in bleach blonde hair depicting the post-game celebration he took part in after the White Sox won the iconic "Blackout Game," a one-game playoff that gave the team the 2008 American League Central Division championship with a 1-0 win over the Minnesota Twins.

“A.J. has a special place in the hearts of all White Sox fans,” said Christine O’Reilly, Chicago White Sox Charities executive director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate one of the most beloved players in White Sox history in a fun way, while also provide fans an opportunity to support the impactful work of White Sox Charities.”

Pierzynski is most remembered for reaching first base in a controversial "dropped third strike" call that helped the White Sox defeat the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim in Game 2 of the 2005 American League Championship Series. That win for the White Sox was the first of eight consecutive triumphs the team would have in capturing the World Series championship for the first time in 88 years.

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The bobblehead will be available for a limited time. It's available online here now for $35 and will be sold at White Sox home games beginning on Friday, July 13. All proceeds from bobblehead sales benefit Chicago White Sox Charities and Make-A-Wish Illinois, an organization selected by Pierzynski.

Pierzynski is the fifth player to have a bobblehead as part of the White Sox charities fundraising campaign. Previous fan-favorites that have been commemorated include Paul Konerko, Jose Abreu, Bo Jackson and Tim Raines.

In five years, the bobblehead sales have raised more than $350,000 for charity.

Photo courtesy of the Chicago White Sox