It was just five words. Posted against a quiet graphic, white letters on black: “Mental health is bigger than baseball.” No stats, no sponsorships, and no flashy graphics. Just a rare, raw moment of stillness from a team that can’t catch a break. But what followed wasn’t an acknowledgment but the frustration of a fandom. And just like that, a message meant to lift was met with backlash.

Like every human being, no athlete is immune to emotional and psychological issues, and that’s why, as May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the Chicago White Sox made such a post to promote discussions surrounding mental health. A good gesture. However, it backfired as fans started trolling the Sox. But why? 

It seems like fans and the White Sox are on opposite sides of the table every time. Just a couple of days ago, they revealed a Chicago Bulls-inspired City Connect uniform. A flashy, beautiful one that pays homage to Chicago’s rich sports legacy. But fans were NOT having it, trolling them by asking, “Oh, are y’all Red Sox now?” This time, the White Sox tried to bring to light the prevalence of mental health problems among the elite athletes, which is often exacerbated by the sports culture, and how they can recover. And according to fans, they are themselves going through mental health struggles watching their team perform so poorly.

It’s not looking good for the AL Central franchise. Last year, the White Sox finished with the worst season record in baseball history as they lost 121 games. This season, they have already lost 23 games, and they stand at 8-23 with a .258 pct, 11 GB. In their home games, they went 5-10, and in the away games, they went 3-13. 

They got talents like Andre Benintendi, the left fielder they brought for $75 million. A five-tool player in the center field, a promising bullpen. Still, the mistakes they make add up to fans’ misery.

White Sox’s post on mental health draws flak from the fans

There are two things special about the Chicago White Sox fans: One, they are loyal. Two, nobody can beat them in sarcasm. So, even a positive mental health post turns into the team getting roasted. 

One sarcastic comment read, “Why Is My Tormentor Gaslighting Me?” Oh, that’s a burn, indeed. 

“Are you joking? You’re the instigator of mental health issues for half of Chicago.” And that’s completely true. They went 41-121 in 2024 and 61-101 in 2023, which in itself shows why fans are disappointed with whatever they do.

Then comes more criticism: “How about you be more aware of my mental health and win some freaking baseball games, dude?” As if the fans are going through emotional and mental health problems watching the White Sox lose so many games. The Chicago White Sox have lost 23 games this season, and fans will hope that they win some more games, just as they did when they won against the Milwaukee Brewers by 8-0.

“I don’t think you guys are aware of the mental health struggle you guys put your fans through.” A comment came from an X user, who seems clearly unimpressed and frustrated with the way things are going. The fan’s disappointment is evident, and as fans, we expect the outcome only, no matter what. Last time they were seen putting some finishing touches to their record 121-loss in the 2024 season, and now, they even let go of their ace, Garrett Crochet. Not to forget, they even parted ways with Michael Kopech, Eloy Jimenez, and Yoan Moncada.

Another fan wrote, “The jokes sometimes write themselves,” reminding us of the emotional honesty and self-discovery that teams go through after facing struggles. But for the White Sox, will that be possible? They are going through struggles, not just this season but in the previous season as well.

While mental health is never a joke, and the post made by the White Sox is intended to deliver a good social message, the frustration of fans is purely based on the poor performance of the team that they have rooted for so long. Finally, a sensible comment came from another X user: ”Agree to disagree—you can have sympathy for something and still joke about it, but thanks for your advice.” While the post might have led to receiving flak, it cannot be denied that it sympathizes with every person who goes through a similar mental struggle.

However, as long as the laughs & jokes keep coming, a person cannot ever get hurt or become emotionally distraught, no matter what. We all expect the White Sox, just as they support mental health, to find their winning ways back and leave a lasting impression on the minds of fans, too. What’s your say on this matter?