2008 American League Central tie-breaker game

The Sox advanced to the 2008 AL Division Series, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Rays, 3 games to 1; the Twins failed to qualify for the postseason.

The White Sox won a coin flip late in the season which, by rule, awarded them home field in the game.

[6] The White Sox led for most of the season starting with a tie for first on May 17, held at least a share of the lead for 154 days, and never dropped more than a game behind the leader.

[9] The Twins maintained that lead through their final game,[8] forcing Chicago to play a make-up on September 29 against the Tigers which had been rained out earlier that month.

[14] Brendan Harris hit a deep flyball to center field which was caught for an out by Ken Griffey Jr. Cuddyer tried to score on the ball as a sacrifice fly, but Griffey delivered an accurate throw to home plate and White Sox catcher A. J. Pierzynski blocked the plate and tagged out Cuddyer to end the inning.

[14] Blackburn got Paul Konerko to ground out, but allowed a double to Griffey and, following an intentional walk to Alexei Ramírez, José Mijares relieved him.

[23][24] Mauer, Morneau, and White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin won Silver Slugger Awards for their offensive performances in the 2008 regular season.

Following the 2008 season MLB amended its rules, leaving future tie-breaker sites to be determined on a series of performance-based criteria beginning with the head-to-head record between the teams.

The game was played at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. Fans were encouraged to wear black clothing in support of the home team.
A man in a grey baseball uniform with "Chicago" on his chest in black with a black cap, black batting gloves, and a baseball bat under his arm.
Jim Thome, seen here in the regular season, was responsible for the only run of the game with a solo home run in the 7th inning.