There were twice as many fans Friday at Comiskey Park as there will be at the United Center for Bulls games this winter.
And Jay Williams, the Bulls’ first-round draft pick from Duke, loved Chicago sports fans’ enthusiasm during the Cubs-White Sox series opener.
“It was exciting to be out there and throw out the first pitch,” Williams said. “The fans’ reception was just great. I’m used to playing in front of a close-knit group at Duke. Now it’s like I’m playing for the whole city and the state. I look forward to doing a lot of great things in Chicago.”
Williams and veteran Bulls teammate Jalen Rose shared the first-pitch honor Friday.
“I’m lucky that our owner is also the owner of the White Sox,” said Williams, who sat in Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf’s private suite to watch the game. “Jerry Reinsdorf is a great guy. I’m looking forward to being with him and Jerry Krause for a long time.”
Williams, who said he played shortstop as a Little Leaguer, met several members of the White Sox before the game.
Williams’ life has been a whirlwind since he was the second overall choice in Wednesday night’s NBA draft.
“It’s been crazy but everything is starting to settle down,” he said. “I got a chance to meet Jalen and he’s a great guy. I met Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry. And I’m getting a chance to see my new hometown. I’m going back home [Saturday] and I will probably be back here July 5. It’s time for me to settle down and make this my home.”
