The Chicago White Sox announced on April 1 that their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, originally scheduled for Thursday afternoon, has been postponed to 1:10 p.m. Friday because of expected thunderstorms in the city.
The decision was made as a strong storm system is forecasted to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms starting late Wednesday evening and continuing through much of Thursday. Tickets and prepaid parking for the original game will be honored at the rescheduled time on Friday.
Some fans expressed approval online for the team’s choice to move the game instead of risking lengthy rain delays at Guaranteed Rate Field. Lee Carlaw, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Chicago office, said, “We’re going to have a pretty active period of weather.” He explained that waves of showers and storms are likely throughout Thursday, with more intense activity possible later in the day.
Carlaw also said conditions should improve by Friday when the White Sox take the field again but warned that “sporadic” showers could return by evening. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 40s. Chance The Rapper is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Friday’s game.
This season’s early highlight for White Sox fans has been newly signed Japanese player Munetaka Murakami, who hit home runs in each of his first three Major League games. The team currently holds a 1-4 record after starting its season on the road.
The Blue Jays series continues Saturday and Sunday at 1:10 p.m., with former White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease expected to appear for Toronto after signing a $210 million contract during the offseason. The last time a White Sox home opener was postponed was in 2017; that game was played one day later and resulted in a loss against Detroit.
