Tim Anderson was back in his role as an igniter, singling sharply to center field on the first pitch of his first-inning at-bat in Game 1 of Tuesday’s doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals.
The hit jump-started a five-run rally for the Chicago White Sox in a 6-2 win at Guaranteed Rate Field.
It was typical Anderson in a season that has been anything but for the eight-year veteran.
While the year hasn’t gone anywhere close to plan for the shortstop and the White Sox, he did recently reach a milestone by collecting his 1,000th career hit with a double in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers on Sept. 3 at Guaranteed Rate Field.
In doing so, Anderson became the 19th player to record his first 1,000 hits with the franchise.
“It’s an unbelievable accomplishment because a lot of things go into that,” manager Pedro Grifol said last week. “Health, talent, you’re competing against the best in the world every day.
“A thousand hits in the major leagues in such a short period of time is something you have to congratulate and really be proud of if you’re him.”
Anderson has 154 career hits against the Tigers, the most against any opponent. The Royals are next on the list with 122, including the first of his career.
After splitting the doubleheader Tuesday, the Sox wrapped up their three-game series with a 7-1 loss Wednesday. Michael Massey, who went to Brother Rice, hit a two-run homer off Mike Clevinger in the second inning.
Anderson went 1-for-4 with a single in the third inning. The Royals, who have the most losses in the majors with 101, won the season series against the Sox 7-6.
Last week, Anderson reflected on the road to 1,000 with the Tribune.
No. 1: June 10, 2016 vs. Kansas City
The date stands out to Anderson for a variety of reasons.
“That’s when I made my debut,” Anderson said. “It was a good day. I was super nervous. Didn’t know what to expect. But at the end of the day, overall it turned out to be a good day.”
Facing Ian Kennedy in his first at-bat, Anderson doubled down the left-field line.
“I remember getting to second and (first-base coach Daryl Boston) smacked my helmet, smacked me on the back (after the hit),” Anderson said.
Anderson went 2-for-3 with a run in the 7-5 victory at U.S. Cellular Field.
“Definitely a moment that kicked all this off,” Anderson said.
No. 500: Aug. 7, 2019 at Detroit
To win a batting title, a hitter needs days like Anderson had on this date against the Tigers at Comerica Park.
He went 4-for-4 with three runs in an 8-1 victory. Anderson entered the game needing one hit to reach No. 500.
He quickly took care of it, correctly remembering that his first-inning single bounced away from Tigers starter Tyler Alexander for an infield hit.
For good measure, Anderson singled in the third, fifth and sixth innings.
“Just another milestone to reach and just keep climbing and keep getting better,” Anderson said.
He added that he wasn’t really paying attention to the round numbers.
“But it’s cool that they’re coming,” Anderson said. “Because you’ve got to think about how many people want to be able to do cool things in the game and how many people are fighting just to get a shot in the game. To be able to reach 500 was definitely cool, for sure.”
Anderson would keep on hitting on the way to capturing a batting title in 2019 with a .335 average. It was the first of four consecutive seasons with an average above .300.
No. 1,000: Sept. 3, 2023 vs. Detroit
Anderson likely would have reached 1,000 hits much earlier this season, but he landed on the injured list on April 11 with a sprained left knee and didn’t return until May 2. He also served a five-game suspension last month for the much-publicized brawl with the Cleveland Guardians.
The injury affected his mechanics when he returned, playing a role in an uncharacteristic .240 average entering Wednesday. He’s kept churning and made it to 1,000 with the double to left-center against Tarik Skubal. Anderson had two hits in the 3-2 loss.
“It’s tough to do and a pretty cool moment,” Anderson said of No. 1,000. “Just keep grinding and hopefully I can get 500 more and keep working and getting better.
“Cool moments in my career and moments I will always remember.”
