Ole Miss legend Tim Elko makes first MLB hit count; The Captain pounds go-ahead three-run homer
Former Ole Miss first baseman Tim Elko made his first major league hit a memorable one as he drilled a go-ahead, three-run home run in the sixth inning for his first career MLB hit. His Chicago White Sox defeated the visiting Miami Marlins, 4-2, Sunday.
Oh Captain, My Captain!!!
TIM ELKO’S FIRST MLB HIT IS A HOME RUN!!!!!!
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) May 11, 2025
Elko, forever known to Rebel fans as ‘The Captain,’ was recalled from Triple-A before Saturday’s game.
Sunday, he connected on a 1-0 hanging curve from Marlins right-hander and 2022 Cy Young award winner Sandy Alcantara for the three-run bomb in the sixth that ended up being the game-winner. Matt Thaiss and Joshua Palacios, who both singled, scored ahead of Elko.
After coming across home plate, Elko pointed to his family behind home plate, as they made the trip to Chicago after hearing he was called up to the majors. Elko’s first game with the White Sox was yesterday.
Per Statcast, Elko’s homer covered a projected 381 feet and had an exit velocity of 101.4 mph. Elko is just the second White Sox player with a home run for his first career hit. (Braden Shewmake was the first White Sox player with a homer for his first career hit, with Shewmake connecting on March 30, 2024 off the first pitch he saw from Detroit’s Kenta Maeda.)
White Sox team manager Will Venable didn’t get to see Elko’s hit as he participated in some fireworks of his own. Venable was ejected in the fifth inning, along with the Sox’ hitting coach, after a 1-1 pitch to Chase Meidroth was ruled a strike.
Nevertheless, he certainly appreciated what Elko did. After the game, Venable was asked about the home run.
“That was a good one. Happy that he was able to come through there.That was awesome. Great moment for him. Happy for him…huge hit.”
The victory also gave the White Sox the series, 2-1.
“In that moment, you’re happy that we get the runs there and are able to get the lead and happy for him and what that means for him. Special moment for everybody.”
White Sox manager Will Venable on Tim Elko’s home run
Next Up
The White Sox travel to play the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series that begins Tuesday. To see the White Sox schedule, click HERE.
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com
