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Big Leaguers to Little Leaguers: Sox Stars Tape Messages for JRW Players

By Mark Konkol | August 27, 2014 6:45am | Updated on August 27, 2014 7:35am
 Sox outfielder Adam Eaton had a special message for Jackie Robinson West's DJ Butler, "You're a terrific hitter. You play great defense and you make all No. 1's proud."
Sox outfielder Adam Eaton had a special message for Jackie Robinson West's DJ Butler, "You're a terrific hitter. You play great defense and you make all No. 1's proud."
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BRIDGEPORT — On Tuesday, I stopped by the White Sox clubhouse to talk a little Jackie Robinson West baseball with a few big leaguers before they took the field for batting practice.

Sox outfielder Adam Eaton had a special message for Jackie Robinson West's DJ Butler, who wore Eaton's number in the Little League World Series.

"The little guy, No. 1, I've been watching you play," Eaton said. "You're a terrific hitter. You play great defense, and you make all No. 1's proud."

Sox captain Paul Konerko, who secured the final out to win the 2005 World Series, reminded the other South Side sluggers that championships last forever.

"You'll always have that World Series. They can never take it away from you," Konerko said. "Hopefully, this inspires you guys to keep playing the game and take it as far as you can."

And when I asked the Sox slugger if he had any tips for the Little Leaguers he said, "I would actually be calling them ... for tips."

On Wednesday, the parade celebrating the Jackie Robinson West team's success will make a stop at U.S. Cellular Field, where the boys will meet with players and coaches — and get a special gift from the Sox (which I spotted at the ballpark, but swore I wouldn't spoil the surprise) — before heading to the Millennium Park rally.

Some players might not make it to the parade pit stop, so I got a few guys to offer up their congratulations to the boys on video.

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