Yesterday Was Paul Konerko's Last MLB Game, Too

As the world celebrated the storied career of New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter Sunday, Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko was playing in his last game, too.

Konerko took his position at first base for the last time at U.S. Cellular Field, and he wrote the names of his wife and kids in the dirt behind him, complete with a heart.

Unfortunately for Konerko, that was the most memorable thing he did during the game. In six at-bats in his last two starts at home, he came away without a hit. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts Sunday.

"You gotta be good, you gotta have your act together, and it was a gentle reminder that you don't always get what you want," Konerko said.

"He wanted to do something great for all the fans," Konerko's wife, Jennifer, told the Chicago Sun-Times. "But that's not easy."

But it did not matter. The six-time all-star will not be remembered for that final game but for his "439 home runs, 1,412 RBI, 2,349 games, a World Series ring, an American League Championship Series MVP Award, six All-Star Game appearances, a statue in his likeness and a jersey number that never will be worn again," as the Sun-Times put it.

Just two days prior, team owner Jerry Reinsdorf revealed to the Associated Press that Konerko's No. 14 jersey would be retired by the White Sox and that he was "worthy of a statue." On Saturday, that statue was unveiled, and the team paid tribute to their beloved star with a video tribute and a slew of lavish gifts.

By the time Konerko exited the game in the fifth inning Sunday, he was ready to go.

"It was my time," he said. "I walk away with no what-ifs."

Konerko took the field prior to the sixth inning, but rookie Andy Wilkins came in the game to replace him. He walked off the field to a standing ovation and tipped his cap to the fans in appreciation.

"He went out in a classy way, and the fans did a good job of [making it that way] also," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said.

"I don't think I would've understood this a year ago — there's a lot of people out there I've impacted over the years here," Konerko told the Associated Press. "I saw people crying out there. That's crazy, just because I play a game. But I get it. It's something you do for closure for them as well."