Who is Grady Sizemore? Meet the former 3x All-Star and new interim manager of the White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have made a significant change in the dugout, bringing in Grady Sizemore to replace Pedro Grifol as the club's manager. Although Sizemore has only been named as the club's interim manager, it was clear that something needed to change as the White Sox's performance has been disappointing this season (28-89).

"The White Sox have named Grady Sizemore as the Interim Manager for the remainder of the 2024 season" - @MLBONFOX

The jump to interim manager is a massive one for Grady Sizemore, who is in his first year as a coach at the major level. He gained a variety of experience in the minor leagues before joining the Chicago White Sox this season as part of the team's coaching staff.

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Who is Grady Sizemore?

For those who do not know, Sizemore was once viewed as a true superstar outfielder before injuries derailed his impressive career. Born in Seattle, Washington, Sizemore went on to have a successful MLB career, earning three All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards before retiring as a player at 32.

With his playing days behind, Grady joined the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) in 2017 as a special advisor, returning to the club where he enjoyed his best seasons. In 2023, Sizemore landed an internship role with the Arizona Diamondbacks before eventually joining the Chicago White Sox this year.

Timeline of Grady Sizemore's playing career

Sizemore was a multi-sport star during his school years, however, baseball was his true calling. Eventually, the once-great Montreal Expos selected Sizemore in the third round of the 2000 MLB Draft before trading him to Cleveland in a six-player deal. It was in Cleveland that the Sizemore legend began.

In his first four seasons with Cleveland, Sizemore quickly became one of the top outfielders in the MLB, leading many to question the Expos for moving him in the first place. From 2005 to 2009, Sizemore emerged as one of the most talented players in the outfield. Unfortunately for the outfielder, injuries plagued him throughout his athletic prime.

"This seems a lot longer than a decade ago. Amazing to think what Grady Sizemore could have been if he stayed healthy" - @JorshP

Various injuries and surgeries to his knee and back sapped Sizemore of his prime years. Eventually, it became too much and the promising, potential Hall of Famer was out of the MLB by the age of 32.