Wrigleyville Sports959 W. Addison St., WrigleyvilleImmersed in Cubbie blue and classic rock, this shop corners the market for branded hats, jerseys, and tees. |
Grandstand600 W. 35th St., BridgeportBridgeport’s HQ for White Sox regalia loads the bases by also selling Bears and Hawks merch. |
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The legacy | |
So close to the ballpark you could hit it with a baseball, Wrigleyville Sports opened in 1990 — eight years before the birth of current manager Devin Carlstrom, grandson of the OG owners. | Rosemary and Peter Powers opened up shop in 1989. Now located a five-minute walk from Sox Park (nobody here calls it Guaranteed Rate Field), Grandstand is owned by daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Josh Ganal. |
The vibe | |
Anyone yearning for the old days will love the nostalgic feel rippling through the 3,000 square feet. Chalk it up to the classic rock on rotation and the T-shirts still proclaiming love for Ryne Sandberg. | A true family affair, you’re bound to see the Ganal kids, ages 8 and 14, pitching in to help at this 4,000-square-foot emporium. Despite the Sox’s rough start, the attitude and energy remain Go Go White Sox. |
Strike zone | |
You’ll find New Era’s 59Fifty fitted caps ($50), like the ones worn by the pros, including the powder-blue versions from spring training. Into adjustable hats? Try the Friendly Confines trucker cap with an Old Style logo ($30). | One whole wall is dedicated to hats, often with classic Sox or “Southside” logos. The Ganals also create their own 59Fifty looks, like Zodiac Pack Sox glow-in-the-dark caps in 12 styles ($50). |
Pinch hitters | |
Anyone still riding high on the 2016 World Series win can grab a commemorative ornament ($17). Otherwise, pick a plush blue dinosaur for kids ($25) or a beer-bottle squeak toy for pups ($15). | The store carries an outfield’s worth of Sox-branded items beyond standard apparel, from golf club covers ($60 for three) to baby onesies ($30 for three). The “#1 Fan” oven mitt ($30) should be back in stock for Father’s Day. |
Photography: courtesy of the vendors