Paul Sullivan

Paul Sullivan is the Chicago Tribune's In the Wake of News columnist and baseball writer, covering the Cubs, White Sox and national news. A 44-year Tribune veteran, Sullivan was named Illinois Sportswriter of the Year in 2015, '16 and '19 and earned the Ring Lardner Award for excellence in sports journalism in 2018.

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami strikes out in the seventh inning against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of their AL Division Series game on Oct. 7, 2026, at Rate Field in Chicago. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Despite a fun season, the Chicago White Sox rebuild isn’t complete. Changes are needed for 2027.

October 13, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

It was a fun ride for the 2026 Chicago White Sox. But changes have to be made to ensure they're back in the postseason next year.

White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery watches from the dugout after the team lost Game 5 of the ALDS to the Guardians in Cleveland on Oct. 10, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Chicago White Sox vow to get back up after a painful knockout blow in the ALDS

October 11, 2026 at 12:26 a.m.

A storybook Chicago White Sox season turned into a fractured fairy tale in an ALDS collapse. Now they will have to get better to make it back to the postseason...

White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami, right,high-fives teammates while taking fielding practice ahead of Game 5 of the ALDS in Cleveland on Oct. 10, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Nothing left to say for the Chicago White Sox as they approached a win-or-go-home Game 5 in Cleveland

October 10, 2026 at 9:57 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox' remarkable season was on the brink entering Game 5 of the American League Division Series in Cleveland, and there was nothing left to say.

Mike Ditka looks at the clock during the 2nd quarter of the Bears vs Minnesota game on Nov. 11, 1991 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Bears beat the Vikings 34 to 17. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)

published January 15, 1992

Date Created: 1991-11-11

Copyright Notice: Chicago Tribune

Folder Description: Ditka, Mike

Folder Extended Description: Football Alone 1991 - 1993

Title: DITKA, MIKE FOOTBALL ALONE 1991-1993

Subject: DITKA, MIKE

Column: Chicago mourns Mike Ditka, the Pennsylvania kid who became the ultimate symbol of our town

October 9, 2026 at 9:16 p.m.

Mike Ditka wasn’t perfect, but he was perfectly imperfect, and Chicago loved him because he was Da Coach, and that is all that really mattered.

First baseman Munetaka Murakami walks into the dugout after the Sox lost to the Guardians 9-5 in Game 4 of the AL Division Series on Oct. 8, 2026, at Rate Field in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Best-laid plans go awry for the Chicago White Sox, who now face a do-or-die ALDS Game 5 on the road

October 9, 2026 at 12:40 a.m.

After a pair of devastating losses in clinching situations at the Rate, the Chicago White Sox face a difficult task in Game 5 of the ALDS in Cleveland.

White Sox fans watch as their team trails the Guardians in the seventh inning of Game 4 of their AL Division Series on Oct. 8, 2026, at Rate Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Anxiety is part of Chicago White Sox’s journey in going from near anonymity to postseason spotlight

October 8, 2026 at 11:06 p.m.

Can Pope Leo really pull strings with the guy upstairs and get the Chicago White Sox to a World Series?

Gareth Mullins reacts after Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio drove in a run with a single during the ninth inning of Game 3 in the AL Division Series against the White Sox on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Rate Field. The Sox lost 9-3 and will face the Guardians on Thursday in Game 4. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Rate Field was ready for a clincher, but the Chicago White Sox staged a Game 3 clunker

October 7, 2026 at 7:21 p.m.

Chicago White Sox fans brought the smoke for Game 3 of the ALDS, refusing to take a single pitch off as their team played from behind most of the game.

From left, Amador Castro and his son Trajan Castro wear pope hats while walking outside before the White Sox play Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Guardians at Rate Field Oct. 7, 2026 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

What to know about Chicago White Sox’s ALDS Game 3, including a mystery first pitch and special Rate Field cut

October 7, 2026 at 3:13 p.m.

Here's what to expect at Rate Field for the start of Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Rate Field.

White Sox players Brenton Doyle, Munetaka Murakami, Sam Antonacci and Miguel Vargas talk on the field during a workout at Rate Field on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Sunny forecast for the Chicago White Sox after years of gloom and doom

October 6, 2026 at 7:21 p.m.

Sunny days at Rate Field as the Chicago White Sox try to clinch their first postseason series win at home since the 1906 World Series.

White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil hoists infield coach Justin Jirschele (71) as they dance in the dugout before Game 2 of the AL Division Series against the Guardians on Oct. 5, 2026, in Cleveland. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago White Sox are in a postseason groove, as their dance moves prove

October 6, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Chicago White Sox are one win from clinching a spot in the ALCS and return home to Rate Field for what figures to be a dance-athon for the ages.

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