(670 The Score) When White Sox outfielder Brian Goodwin launched a walk-off home run to beat the Indians on Sunday at Guaranteed Rate Field, he threw his bat high into the air before rounding the bases.
Goodwin's bat flip resembled those before it from White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson and other teammates -- and it was another example of the swagger this group has. For his part, Goodwin is simply happy to fit in with this culture, he told the Parkins & Spiegel Show.
"When on the South Side, you got to act like South Siders," Goodwin said. "That's just the energy they were giving me. It's only right that I return it."
Goodwin was released by the Pirates in early May, after which he joined the White Sox on a minor league deal. Chicago then promoted the 30-year-old Goodwin to the big leagues on June 10, and he quickly became a key contributor for a first-place team. Goodwin is hitting .248 with six home runs and 19 RBIs in 40 games this season while providing much-needed depth for a team decimated by injuries.
Goodwin previously played for the Nationals, Angels, Royals and Reds before joining the White Sox this season. The culture he sees in Chicago is unlike any he has experienced in MLB before.
"I haven't witnessed anything like this probably since high school, honestly," Goodwin said. "Just the energy, the atmosphere, even the fans, how diehard they are, how much they ride for their city and their team, it's really one of a kind."
Goodwin and the AL Central-leading White Sox (63-44) host the Royals on Wednesday evening in the second game in a three-game series at Guaranteed Rate Field.