Lifelong Chicago White Sox fans Mark and Kristine Igyarto married in a 60-second ceremony during Saturday’s game against the Guardians.
The nuptials were officiated by 1983 American League Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle and took place on the field in between the third and fourth innings at Rate Field.
The “Married in a Minute” moment was part of the festivities on Bill Veeck Night, a celebration of the former two-time White Sox owner, who was known for his affinity for an over-the-top game-day experience and enhanced entertainment.
After the “I dos,” the groom held the couple’s infant baby above his head while the crowd cheered.
Kristine called the experience a “whirlwind.”
“It was so quick but it was amazing just hearing everyone in the stands,” the bride said in an interview with Chicago Sports Network. “The best feeling ever.”
Mark praised the White Sox for the special experience.
“It’s a lifetime — ultimate White Sox giveaway, and we won it,” he said. “We’re so grateful for the Chicago White Sox and everything they’ve done for us has been incredible.”
Mark added that the timing was right for the couple to tie the knot.
“We’ve loved each other for a long time and it was just one of those things, the timing was perfect, our daughter was here, the promotion came up and we can’t even believe we were considered, let alone win,” he said.
As for what’s next? Kristine said the couple is getting their daughter, Heidi, baptized.
“Now we have the White Sox connection, maybe Pope Leo will come and give Heidi a baptism,” Mark quipped of Chicago’s famous fan.
The White Sox put on a show on Bill Veeck Night.
His son, Mike Veeck, threw out the ceremonial first pitch Saturday before the 3-1 loss to Cleveland.
Other events included a pregame petting zoo, skydiving ballpark entrance ahead of first pitch, live ice sculpture carving, free haircuts and postgame fireworks.
Veeck — who first owned the team from 1959-61 and again from 1975-81 — died in 1986 at 71.
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Veeck, who invented the exploding scoreboard in 1960, catered to a fan experience that pushed boundaries and made history along the way.
On August 8, 1976, he became the first MLB owner to have his players wear shorts in a professional game when Chicago took the field in navy blue shorts and their white collared jerseys.
White Sox players wore shorts before Saturday’s game to honor the late owner.
<
