BREAKING: Former Rebel Captain Tim Elko Called Up to Chicago White Sox
OXFORD, Miss. — Early Friday evening, X began buzzing with the news of the call-up of former Rebel captain Tim Elko to the Chicago White Sox, realizing a dream that likely began when a young Tim was a tee ball or coach-pitch player.
That dream will come true on Saturday, May 10th, on the south side of Chicago. The White Sox are promoting Elko from Triple-A to the major league team for Saturday’s game against the Miami Marlins at 6:10 p.m. CT at Rate Field.
BREAKING: #WhiteSox calling up Tim Elko from AAA, per @VinnieDuber. Confirmed by @ChuckGarfien. pic.twitter.com/xGIddSw8gz
— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) May 9, 2025
Tim’s former Ole Miss teammate John Gaddis commented to The Rebel Walk on Elko’s rise to the majors.
“I couldn’t be happier or more excited for Tim, there truly isn’t anyone more deserving. He is exactly the kind of person you want in your clubhouse: humble, authentic, and kind, with a relentless work ethic, dedication, and competitiveness that lifts everyone around him. We all knew it was only a matter of time until he got the call up, and it’s going to be so fun watching one of my friends achieve his lifelong dream and succeed at the highest level.”
John Gaddis on Tim Elko
Spending the 2023 season in A-Ball, High-A, and ending in AA, Elko was a Big League Spring Training invitee in Spring 2024 and 2025.
Beginning the 2024 season with the AA White Sox affiliate Birmingham Barons, the former Ole Miss standout has been a mainstay in the upper middle of the line-up for the Barons. In the Southern League, featuring two Mississippi teams, Elko was frequently treated to fans of his (usually clad in red and blue) with smiling faces on the road at stops like Pearl and Biloxi.
The Barons finished the first half of the season as Division Champions.
In 91 games with Birmingham, Elko recorded a .758 OPS with a .420 slugging percentage, averaging over a hit per game with 99. He tallied 40 RBIs on 9 home runs and 16 doubles as the everyday first baseman.
In AAA Charlotte, Elko again enjoyed much success. His 2025 stat line included 10 home runs and 23 RBI in 112 at bats with a 1.101 OPS and .348 batting average.
Earlier this week, AAA Manager Sergio Santos remarked of Elko: “If he got called up to the big leagues, he’s a guy I wouldn’t worry about…He’s more of a complete hitter now and he’s an amazing clubhouse guy. I have no control over the ‘when’ but if they do ask me, I think he’s ready.”
BANG!!!! https://t.co/jewbDgYowH
— Peyton Chatagnier (@peytonchat5) May 9, 2025
The Rebel Walk could not be more excited for and happy for Tim and the entire Elko family. Four years ago yesterday, the Captain turned to the camera and uttered his famous battle cry, “Don’t Let the Rebs Get Hot!” Tim, we tip our cap to you and respond, “Don’t Let Tim Elko Get Hot.” We wish you a long and prosperous Major League career.
(Feature image credit: Chris Muller, The Rebel Walk)
Chris Muller
Chris is our Director of Baseball Content and Senior Baseball Writer. Muller is a 1995 Graduate of Ole Miss. He is a collegiate recreational sports professional currently residing in Arlington Texas with his wife of 25 years, Amber, and German Shorthaired Pointer, Sophie. Chris is an avid Ole Miss Baseball and Football fan. His hobbies include watching college football and baseball and playing poker with his friends.
