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Chi-Town Takeover: Tim Elko’s blast echoes across Wrigley

Ben Garrettby:Ben Garrett•05/17/25•

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Chicago White Sox 1B/DH Tim Elko (Photo credit: USA Today Images)

The Captain has taken over Chi-Town.

All-time Ole Miss great Tim Elko hit a decisive, three-run home run on Mother’s Day for his first MLB hit with the Chicago White Sox. Saturday the Southsiders crossed town to take on the Cubs at Wrigley. 

Elko has played four games at first base and two as designated hitter since his promotion from Triple-A Charlotte a little over a week ago. In typical Elko fashion, he hit a 425-foot blast to right-center off Cubs starter Matthew Boyd — a highlight in an otherwise-forgettable 7-3 loss.

Elko’s second MLB home run left his bat with an exit velocity of 111.1 mph, tied for the 88th hardest-hit ball in the majors this season and second among White Sox, according to Jack Ankony of SI. 

“Got to a 3-1 count and was looking for something in the middle of the zone and got a pretty good pitch to hit and put a good swing on it,” Elko told local reporters afterwards.

Elko is 3 for 17 (.176) with four RBI and two runs scored so far. He has a 1.101 OPS.

Power has been the name of Elko’s game dating back to his Ole Miss days. 

Elko was the primary first baseman for Ole Miss’ title-winning team in 2022. The three-time team captain topped the Rebels in slugging percentage (.642), RBI (75), home runs (24) and total bases (154). Elko has a statue in his honor at Swayze Field, the home of the Rebels. 

The White Sox drafted Elko in the 10th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. He was a spring-training invitee with former Ole Miss teammate Jacob Gonzalez earlier this year. Gonzalez is currently in Double-A Birmingham. 

Elko was one of the best power hitters in the minors the last three years. He hit .293 with an .348 on-base percentage and 61 homers in 325 games. Elko was slashing .348/.431/.670 in 31 minor-league games prior to his call-up. He had 10 home runs. 

“He’s always hit the ball hard,” White Sox general Manager Chris Getz said of Elko before Chicago took on the Milwaukee Brewers on May 1. “He’s actually increased how hard he’s hitting it. Most importantly, how often he’s doing it. He’s certainly leading the organization in home runs, and I think he’s at the top in minor league baseball. 

“Tim’s a special guy, has got tremendous leadership qualities.”

“He impacts others beyond just himself. He was a pretty good defender at first base. He’s putting together all-around quality at-bats. So, we’re really happy with the development of Tim, and know at some point he could join us here in Chicago.”

Ole Miss in this month alone has sent four Rebels to MLB, a record for a single year. The others are Doug Nikhazy (Cleveland Guardians), Gunnar Hoglund (Las Vegas A’s) and Ryan Rolison (Colorado Rockies).

The program’s had three in a year twice, the last being 2011 with Lance Lynn, Zack Cozart and Drew Pomeranz.

“Feel pretty good, feel comfortable,” Elko said. “Having a lot of fun playing with these guys. Trying to go out and win games. It’s been fun so far.”

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