The late Chicago White Sox owner and Hall of Famer Bill Veeck had turned ballgames into his own La La Land. He is still league-wide remembered and celebrated for his unconventional ideas to give fans a gameday experience they would never forget. The southsiders had Bill Veeck at the helm, not once but twice. First, between 1959 and 1961, and again from 1975 to 1981. Veeck, 71, passed away in 1986 but, to date, is hailed as the sport’s greatest showman. He’d be super proud of his former club as they matched his energy on Saturday night at Rate Field.

It was a kind of spectacle that truly defined Veeck’s tenure. Back in the day, his stunts, tricks, and exhibitions made him a legendary showman. And this weekend, in his honor, the club held a Bill Veeck Night. They brought in some of the stunts and tricks that added to his lore.

The night’s top spectacle is being talked about even days later. It is what the team had described as a “married in a minute” event. Here’s how the story goes… Two longtime White Sox fans, Mark and Kristine Igyarto got married in exactly 60 seconds.

Their marriage was officiated by former player Ron Kittle in front of thousands of spectators during the White Sox’s home game against the Cleveland Guardians. Kristine had worn a gorgeous white wedding dress, holding her infant daughter, Heidi, with Mark right beside her in a black tuxedo in front of two floral arches.

Mark was asked by Kittle if he’d always stand by his wife through life’s “wins and losses.” To that, Kristine said she’d always stand by her husband, too, “with the loyalty of the south side fans and the heart of a Hall of Famer.” Both of them then responded with “I do” and shared a kiss on the field.

Bill Veeck was and is still highly regarded as the greatest showman for a reason. And this time, the fun was not just for fans. It was extended to the players just as much. At the time of warmups and batting practices before the game, the White Sox wore pinstriped shorts and collared shirts. It all felt like 1976 all over again, giving the nostalgia of the Veeck era’s quirky jerseys.

Mark said that this wedding was the “ultimate White Sox giveaway.” Later, while speaking with CHSN about their experience, the newlyweds said, “It was the best feeling ever.”

And that’s about the highlight of the night. There’s a lot more that Saturday offered at Rate Field.

The White Sox bring their former owner’s wild ideas back to life

Let’s just say the southsiders went all out this time. In the name of celebrating Bill Veeck, there were some wild and memorable stunts that took place. Just when attendees entered, they were welcomed by a pregame petting zoo and roving circus featuring a clown.

In fact, even an ice sculptor worked his magic on the concourse while fans also took pictures with a 50-foot-long hot dog. For the first 15,000 attendees, a Veeck bobblehead was offered as a gift. All the fans could also get a free haircut in the arena.

As special as it gets, the ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Mike Veeck, the son of Bill Veeck.

Veeck’s creativity had known no limits. Back in 1951, he owned the St. Louis Browns. That’s when he signed a 3’7″ heighted Eddie Gaedel as a pinch hitter. And there’s certainly no end to what his era offered. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 1991, and to date, he’s celebrated for his ways!

What’s your favorite Bill Veeck moment? Let’s make the comment section a lane filled with memories…