The first pitch of any at-bat is crucial. The pitcher wants to get ahead with strike one. The hitter wants to get something to hit. In many cases, it can set the tone for the whole plate appearance.

Pete Crow-Armstrong walks up to the plate ready to hit from the start. Same goes for Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos. Ceddanne Rafaela, too. They are the kings of swinging at the first pitch — and ...

The Chicago White Sox have not given their fans many reasons to be excited in recent seasons. That all changed with a spectacular decision on who—or in this case, what— would throw the ceremonial ...