White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf Officiates Wedding During Game as Ron Kittle Marries Wife

Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf officiated the wedding of Ron Kittle and his wife Barbara during a game at Rate Field on Friday. The ceremony took place in the bottom of the third inning of the team’s 22-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals, with the couple who have known each other for 18 years tying the knot.

How Did the Ceremony Unfold?

The wedding occurred in Reinsdorf’s suite during the bottom of the third inning, a time chosen by the couple to coincide with a reunion weekend for the 1983 American League West champions, the White Sox team Kittle played on. Kittle, 68, who was the 1983 AL Rookie of the Year with 35 home runs and 100 RBIs, had previously been ordained to perform wedding ceremonies, having officiated 60-second weddings at Rate Field last year on Bill Veeck Night.

Reinsdorf, humorously referenced the couple’s dynamic during the ceremony. “Barbara is a successful and sophisticated lawyer. Kitty is a woodworker from Gary, Indiana, who could hit a baseball but couldn’t catch one,” Reinsdorf said. He added, “So something was wrong,” before jokingly suggesting Barbara’s marriage was “Pro Bono.”

What Was the Significance of the Event?

The wedding marked a rare occurrence, with Kittle becoming the first person to marry people and get married at the ballpark. Reinsdorf, who had previously married people at the ballpark, had earlier told Kittle to start doing it at the park. Kittle confirmed the timing was deliberate, noting the reunion weekend for the 1983 team and the “right time” to celebrate with close friends and family, including Harold Baines and Greg Walker.

“I have so much respect for him,” Kittle said of Reinsdorf. “He’s a very giving person out there. My better half doesn’t want any notoriety, recognition. She wants to keep it to herself.”

Why Does This Story Matter?

The event highlights the unique culture of baseball stadiums as venues for personal milestones, blending sports and everyday life. Reinsdorf’s role as both a team executive and a ceremonial officiant underscores his long-standing connection to the White Sox and their community. Kittle, who remains a popular ambassador for the organization, illustrates the lasting impact of the 1983 team, which finished with 99 wins.

The marriage also reflects the personal lives of athletes beyond the field, offering a rare glimpse into the human side of professional sports.