Tim Anderson returned to Rate Field on Sept. 17, when the Chicago White Sox honored their former shortstop with a retirement ceremony.
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Before Chicago’s game against the Detroit Tigers, Anderson delivered the ceremonial first pitch and received a portrait commemorating his years with the White Sox.
The moment was especially meaningful because his wife, Bria, and their four children—ages 10, 7, 3 and 2—were in attendance alongside his parents, mother-in-law, brother and other relatives.
“A lot of people weren’t there to see this journey for real, because I had a lot of life things going on behind baseball with life and family,” Anderson told MLB.com before the ceremony. “At least they get to be there to close the chapter with me.”
The White Sox selected Anderson in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft, and he spent eight seasons with the organization. He captured the American League batting title in 2019, made two All-Star teams and helped Chicago reach the postseason in 2020 and 2021. His signature highlight came in 2021, when he launched a walk-off home run against the New York Yankees during MLB’s Field of Dreams game.
Life away from baseball now has a very different rhythm. Anderson officially retired from Major League Baseball in August after 10 seasons, replacing the demands of a playing career with school runs, family time and several business ventures. When MLB.com recently arranged an interview, he had to fit it around his children’s schedules.
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“Yeah, I like this life,” he said. “It’s more chill, more quiet, more peaceful.”
Anderson owns a food truck and is working on a clothing line inspired by his No. 7. He has also explored opportunities to mentor and work with young baseball players in the future.
His family was central to the decision to leave the game. In announcing his retirement, Anderson reflected on the sacrifices his wife and children made throughout his career.
“Nobody knows what I’ve sacrificed, what I was leaving at home, from my kids to my wife,” he said at the time.
Back in Chicago, Anderson said he has found peace with the direction his life has taken.
“The ultimate goal is for me to be happy,” he said during his return to the White Sox. “And I’m happy. I’m happy with where I’m at in life, in baseball, with whatever. I’m just happy. I’m at peace.”