NewsKonerko drives in 1,000th career run
Milestone comes on RBI single off Harang in fifth
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
06/21/09 6:20 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- Paul Konerko's two-out single in the fifth inning off Aaron Harang at Great American Ball Park did more than bring home the White Sox third run of the afternoon during the South Siders' 4-1 victory over the Reds.It also stood as the 1,000th RBI of Konerko's illustrious career.
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"I mean, it's cool," said the low-key Konerko, who doesn't spend much time during the season, if any, talking about his individual accomplishments. "Of all those statistics, RBIs are just one of those that kind of add up.
"You don't really pay attention to it. You don't ever pique your head up at that kind of stuff. But as a middle-of-the-order guy, it's what you hang your hat on."
This lofty total includes 971 RBIs as a member of the White Sox, with his 300th home run as part of the team coming on Friday. Konerko ranks second all-time for the White Sox in both categories and has 307 home runs for his career.
Since joining the White Sox, the team captain pretty much has been the model of consistency. Konerko has four years with at least 100 RBIs, another three with at least 90, and one more with 81. Konerko leads the 2009 White Sox with his 43 RBIs.
"That's why he's the King," said White Sox leadoff man Scott Podsednik with a smile, referring to Konerko's nickname. Podsednik scored the run on Konerko's single. "He's been doing it, playing at a high level, for a long time."
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
