Author: staff

Sports

Mundelein father of 3 college tennis stars was no ‘King Richard,’ but supported young local tennis players

Mundelein resident Kevin Minor was more than just a suburban dad with a sharp, analytical mind and a deep devotion to his wife and three daughters, who were NCAA Division 1 college tennis players. He was also a respected mentor in the local tennis community who tried to expand access to tennis for underprivileged youth interested in playing competitively.When the Indianapolis native died suddenly last month at age 54, his wife, Michelle, and daughters Kristina, Jasmine and Brienne said they instantly knew how to honor his legacy while carrying on the work he did as a member of the Chicago District Tennis Association. A GoFundMe raised $10,000 in half a day, rising to $25,000 after two days.AdvertisementA funeral service program for Kevin Minor included a family portrait, including his wife, Michelle, from left, and their daughters, Kristina, Brienne and Jasmine. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)The family’s plan is to pay the expenses of young players who cannot afford the mounting cost of having a tennis coach or traveling to tournaments across the country. The family hopes to create an endowment or scholarship fund to aid young tennis players.Tennis had been a staple in Black middle-class households going back to the late 19th century, but rising costs have made it tenable.AdvertisementA 2015 article in Bloomberg estimated the annual cost of attending tournaments and equipment at about $40,000. This was before the pandemic made open space more valuable and the rising costs of travel.“It’s a very expensive sport, even if you’re from an affluent background,” said Minor’s wife, Michelle, an auditor in the automotive industry. Her husband, having earned a degree in computer and electrical engineering, worked at Motorola for 30 years, according to his family.The scholarship idea has been a labor of love for Michelle Minor and her daughters, who used tennis to reach their goals academically and professionally. The eldest daughter, Kristina, is an associate athletic director at Northwestern University, while Jasmine is an Emmy Award-winning television reporter in Indianapolis. Brienne won the NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Championships in 2017, becoming the first Black woman to win the singles title.Michigan’s Brienne Minor returns to Florida’s Belinda Woolcock in the final match of the NCAA women’s tennis championship May 29, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. (Richard Hamm / AP)Although Kevin Minor was an avid fan of the sport, his family said he wasn’t an overbearing sports parent who stressed winning over all else. He mostly supported his daughters, only acting as a coach in a few instances.“I never really saw him as a ‘King Richard’ type,” said Kristina Minor, referring to the Academy Award-winning film starring Will Smith as the father and coach of Venus and Serena Williams. Minor left the coaching to his daughter’s coach while showing support from the stands.“For the most part, I think he tried to strike a healthy balance between ‘I’m here to support and coach when needed,’ but also not to be a helicopter (parent),” Kristina Minor added. “He was whatever I needed, whenever I needed it. It was never a fear of, ‘if I lose, he’s going to be mad.’ He was just so proud that I wanted to keep making him proud.”Friends and colleagues of Kevin Minor said he was a role model in Chicago’s tennis community; a shining example of how to raise competitive, well-adjusted children; and an indispensable tennis dad who could usher new parents into the fold of travel league sports and tutor them in the ways of affordably transporting their children to tournaments.“One of the things that Kevin was really involved with was the other parents,” his wife recalled. “When everybody started out, everybody’s trying to figure out what tournaments do you need to go to and what kind of hotels do you get? Do you drive? Do you fly? Everybody was trying to (figure out) what’s the best way to get our kids to the tournament so that the coaches could see them.”AdvertisementMichelle Minor displays a trophy given to her family for their involvement in tennis at their home on June 3, 2022. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)Midwestern players are at a disadvantage, as they only have spring through fall to play outdoors and must bear the costs of playing indoors. Travel is also an essential part of competitive tennis, as players are building up their ranks to receive invitations to important contests.“That was kind of his focus. How can we make it easier for kids to have access to be able to get to those tournaments where the college coaches will see them,” Michelle Minor said.Veteran tennis coach Mark Bey called Kevin Minor an uncommon man who somehow found a way to lend a hand despite the demands of his busy life. “He took care of his own business at work, as a family man, at church and all of the tennis committees he was on and still had time to help others,” said Bey, whose clients over his 32-year career included all of Minor’s daughters. “The guy had a capacity for helping and serving others that is … more than abnormal — it’s kind of a unicorn type of behavior of giving.”Tennis had been a passion for both Michelle Minor and Kevin Minor, who each played tennis in high school. Coincidentally, both Kevin and Michelle’s father played tennis while attending Purdue University. “Me and my sisters played in high school. We didn’t have the money to play a lot of tournaments, to get training and that type of thing.”But the couple had a plan about carefully ushering their daughters into extracurricular activities and left the choice to them. “One of the things that we wanted our kids to do was to have a passion for something other than academics because we knew that academics would always be important but we wanted something that, when they woke up in the morning that it was important to them to work at it and not something where we had to push them,” Michelle said.In a statement, the CDTA called Kevin Minor “an invaluable member of the CDTA board” who was president for a year, in 2015. “He was a strong advocate for junior players in the Chicago district, wanting to help give them opportunities to enrich their own lives through the camaraderie and community that came from competition on the junior tennis circuit. His family’s creation of the scholarship fund is a powerful continuation of his spirit in the Chicago tennis community.”Advertisement“I cannot begin to estimate the number of hours Kevin spent contributing work not only to our organization but to other families who were navigating junior tennis themselves. His untimely death leaves a huge void,” CDTA Executive Director Jill Siegel told the Tribune in an email.Kristina Minor said her family was overcome by the generosity of people who donated $10,000 in less than 12 hours. She learned of all the people her father had strongly affected during the funeral. She said she spoke to people who said her dad tutored them, helped them with computer tech issues, or received advice or guidance.“I always knew what he did for me and my family, and I guess I never really was tracking on the fact that he was the same way with everybody. The pace at which the GoFundMe is going and just the incredible outpouring of support and love and condolences … is a testament to that.”wlee@chicagotribune.comTwitter @Midnoircowboy

Lifestyle

Ask Amy: A family ponders inviting racist cousins to a wedding

Dear Amy: I’m from a small family (I have one brother), and while growing up, my two cousins (my aunt’s sons) were like brothers to me – we always spent vacations, holidays, and family celebrations together.Fast-forward 30 years and we aren’t as close as we used to be – for various reasons.AdvertisementI relocated to the West Coast and my family is in the Midwest.I see my parents and my brother often, but I haven’t seen my cousins since the pandemic began because we have differing opinions on vaccinations and social-distancing (I believe in both; they don’t).AdvertisementOur daughter is engaged, deeply in love, and very happy in an interracial relationship.My spouse and I are quite fond of our future son-in-law and his family.My dilemma is this: Both of my cousins have expressed racist views and used racial slurs in the past.I do not trust that they will be supportive of our daughter’s marriage. I’m not comfortable with them attending her wedding.Should I call them directly and address the issues outright? Should I quietly not invite them? Honestly, I love my cousins, but I don’t like them or their world views, and I don’t know what to do.– Stressed in the WestDear Stressed: If you aren’t comfortable being in proximity to these men for health or cultural reasons, then – follow your instincts.But I’m leaning in favor of considering an invite for these two bozos, or at least opening it up for discussion – because if your daughter and her fiancé are hosting a family wedding, well, families are made up of all sorts of people, and sometimes these people are jerks, losers, and racists.AdvertisementThere are many variables to ponder here, however, including how awful your cousins really are, and how tolerant the bride, groom, and his family are willing or able to be.Fortunately for you, this decision should be made by the marrying couple, so you can kick this in their direction.I suggest that you be completely honest with them: “Bert and Ernie are … the worst. They are racist fools. But they are my cousins. There – you have it.”Your daughter and her fiancé may not have any interest in or feel any obligation toward these family members, and if so – the decision is an easy one.If the cousins don’t make the list and you are asked why, you can tell them the truth: “Your racist views knocked you off of the invite list.”Dear Amy: I have been best friends with “Penny” for over 60 years. Last year we had an argument over the phone regarding COVID vaccines.AdvertisementIn addition to the risk factor of her age, she has health issues, but is an adamant anti-vaxxer.I was concerned for her health and told her that she was wrong not to get vaccinated.Since that moment, we haven’t texted or spoken.I feel sad about not contacting her, but notice that she hasn’t reached out to me, either.I think she has written me off. Her birthday is approaching.Do I send a card?Advertisement– Ex-bestieDear Ex: Your argument with “Penny” seemed focused on how receiving a vaccine would be in her best interest.Even though you framed your point of view as concern about her, people don’t like being told that their own health decisions are “wrong.”Putting aside the idea that vaccines can have a communal impact; when it comes to her own health, Penny’s choice is her own to make.You seem to be against the idea of reconciling – and on the fence about being in touch at all – but I don’t really see a downside to reaching out.If you’re truly done with this relationship, then you should let this milestone day pass without reaching out. But surely, even though you two had an argument, aren’t you on some level happy to see that this fellow human being (who according to you has health problems) has reached another birthday?AdvertisementDear Amy: “Torn” described a long-ago sexual relationship with his sister-in-law, which started when he was 15.Ask AmyDailyNo-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning. For a limited time, sign up for the Ask Amy newsletter and get the book “Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from America’s Favorite Advice Columnist” for $5.I almost never agree with you because you obviously hate men, and so I have to admit that I was shocked and surprised at your compassionate response to Torn.Yes, he was sexually exploited by an older woman. This was wrong, he is suffering, and you were right to recognize it.– One of the Men You HateDear One: I’ll take the backhanded compliment, and thank you for it.Got a question for Amy? Enter it here and we’ll send it to her.AdvertisementSign up here to receive the Ask Amy newsletter to get advice e-mailed to your inbox every morning, and for a limited time — get the book “Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from America’s Favorite Advice Columnist” for $5.©2021 Amy Dickinson.

Sports

‘He rises to the occasion’: Michael Kopech shuts down the Los Angeles Dodgers for 6 innings in a 4-0 Chicago White Sox win

Michael Kopech wasn’t sure how he would feel in the first inning of Tuesday’s start against the Los Angeles Dodgers after a less-than-stellar bullpen session before the game.Turns out, Kopech said, “there was really no correlation there.”AdvertisementThe Chicago White Sox right-hander was sharp from the start, shutting down one of the most dangerous offenses in the majors.Kopech allowed one hit while striking out eight and walking one in six innings, leading the Sox to a 4-0 victory in front of 25,625 at Guaranteed Rate Field.Advertisement“I felt good in the first and I was able to carry that throughout the start,” Kopech said.The offensive support came in the sixth, when the Sox scored four runs against the Dodgers bullpen.[ [Don’t miss] Rick Hahn admits the 1st 2 months have tested his patience, but the White Sox GM also sees ‘reasons for optimism’ ]AJ Pollock knocked in two with a pinch-hit double. He scored on Jake Burger’s double, and Burger scored on a single by Reese McGuire. All four runs came with two outs as the Sox won their third straight.The big inning put Kopech (2-2) in line for the win. He had at least one strikeout in each of the first five innings and lowered his ERA to 1.94.“He rises to the occasion,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “Today, he’s pitching like he’s pitched most of his starts. Everything direct to the plate, good stuff, good location, good command.”Kopech bounced back after allowing a season-high five runs in his last start June 1 in Toronto.“Kind of got away from what I do preparing for Toronto’s game, and it showed,” Kopech said. “Then I got back to that and I got back on track. That’s a big step in the right direction.”He executed Tuesday like the pitcher who allowed one hit in seven shutout innings against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of a May 22 doubleheader at Yankee Stadium.AdvertisementIn that game, Kopech retired the first 17 batters before Rob Brantly broke up the perfect game with a two-out double in the sixth.He retired the first eight batters Tuesday before walking Gavin Lux with two outs in the third. The Dodgers collected their first hit when Will Smith singled with two outs in the fourth.[ [Don’t miss] 40 years in the booth: White Sox broadcaster Steve Stone celebrates his anniversary with an unplugged conversation ]“There were a few times that I lost a little bit of focus,” Kopech said. “That hit that I gave up, I just wasn’t there for that third pitch. I don’t know what the velocity was or anything like that, but in my mind that’s a lazy pitch.“That four-pitch, two-out walk, I just lost the focus there. But for the most part there were just small moments like that. Throughout the rest of the game I was able to stay focused. I think that helps me.”Both starters kept putting up zeroes. The Dodgers’ Mitch White retired the first 12 batters before José Abreu singled to center leading off the fifth.“I was present for almost every pitch today and I account for the times it bit me in the butt to not be present,” Kopech said. “But there’s definitely an extra factor, a little extra blood going knowing that the other guy is putting up zeroes every inning with you. Ultimately we’re here to win a game.”AdvertisementThe Sox loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, but White struck out McGuire looking and Josh Harrison swinging. The Sox are 4-for-39 with the bases loaded this season.White exited after allowing two hits and striking out five in five scoreless innings.Pollock, acquired in a trade with the Dodgers for Craig Kimbrel during spring training, hit for Gavin Sheets with two outs and two on in the sixth. He hit David Price’s first pitch to right for the two-run double. Burger drove him in on the next pitch with a double.The Dodgers intentionally walked Yoán Moncada to pitch to McGuire. He made them pay with his RBI single.“Nothing was going on for a while,” Pollock said. “The pitching was great. Both offenses are explosive. Either offense could open the gate and put up a bunch of runs. We did a good job of staying patient, staying calm and got some guys on and we were able to get some hits.”[ [Don’t miss] Jake Burger — ‘a hungry hitter’ — has been clutch recently for the White Sox: ‘I’ve been smiling a ton’ ]Sox relievers induced double plays in the seventh and eighth. And closer Liam Hendriks worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth as the Dodgers were blanked for just the second time this season.Advertisement“These are teams that are very capable of being playoff teams, more than likely going to be playoff teams,” Kopech said. “So for us to compete well against them, it goes a long way.”

Sports

Rick Hahn admits the 1st 2 months have tested his patience, but the Chicago White Sox GM also sees ‘reasons for optimism’

The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers were popular preseason picks to contend for the World Series.As the teams began a three-game series Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field, the Dodgers have indeed started strong and lead the National League West in early June.AdvertisementThe Sox, however, began the day in third place in the American League Central and two games under .500.General manager Rick Hahn said the first couple of months have tested his patience.Advertisement“But I think that makes me no different from any White Sox fan or ardent follower of this club,” Hahn said before Tuesday’s game. “We’ve all been tested over the last few months here. I get the benefit of being inside those meetings and those conversations, being able to see the progress on some of the injured players, being able to see some of the things we’re working on to get some of the guys who have struggled out of their ruts.“So I’m able to have not only the ability to address some of these things personally, but also feel like the reasons for optimism are legitimate and make me feel better and make me give it a little longer, perhaps, before my patience runs out.”[ 40 years in the booth: White Sox broadcaster Steve Stone celebrates his anniversary with an unplugged conversation ]Hahn added: “All of us — whether it’s (Chairman) Jerry (Reinsdorf), (executive vice president) Kenny (Williams), myself, the coaches, any White Sox fan — we’ve all had our patience tested. But the fundamentals of who this team is remain. We’re fortunate that baseball is a long season, and over the course of a long season, things tend to play out the way the talent permits. And we feel good about this talent.”The offense has been inconsistent. And for the second straight season, injuries have hit the Sox hard.Left fielder Eloy Jiménez (torn right hamstring tendon) and starting pitcher Lance Lynn (right knee surgery) are rehabbing at Triple-A Charlotte.“(Jiménez is) progressing well physically,” Hahn said. “It’s really, frankly, a matter of getting his legs completely under him and getting his timing at the plate and rhythm back. I don’t have an exact time to project his return, but it’s getting closer, knock on wood.”Lynn is scheduled to make his third rehab start Wednesday. The plan is for five innings and between 70 and 80 pitches.“If that goes smoothly, we’ll then have a conversation about next steps for him, which could well include being activated in Chicago,” Hahn said.AdvertisementWhite Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (7) sits on the turf after being injured against the Cubs on May 29, 2022, at Guaranteed Rate Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Shortstop Tim Anderson has been doing drills with the Sox to help with his recovery from a right groin strain.“Tim had a good weekend in Tampa in terms of his healing and progression toward rehabilitation,” Hahn said. “I don’t have a timeline just yet on a potential rehab assignment for Tim. If things continue on this path, hopefully sometime when we’re on the next road trip we’re able to get Tim on a rehabilitation assignment and then go from there for his return.”Anderson went on the injured list retroactive to May 30.“I believe the original projection on him was three weeks,” Hahn said, “and we remain on that path.”Hahn said pitchers Joe Kelly (left hamstring strain) and Vince Velasquez (left groin strain) might be in position to throw off a mound during the homestand with the possibility of both being activated by the end of the month.“I feel like we’ve endured what will hopefully be our toughest part of the schedule, certainly from an opponent standpoint,” Hahn said, “but more importantly from a manpower standpoint where we have been from, ‘Who’s been available?’ We expect that to improve here over the coming weeks.Advertisement[ [Don’t miss] Jake Burger — ‘a hungry hitter’ — has been clutch recently for the White Sox: ‘I’ve been smiling a ton’ ]“Certainly there are segments of the past two months that we can be proud of. Going 11-8 against the (New York) Yankees, (Boston) Red Sox and Tampa (Bay Rays) is pretty good and something that certainly answers some of the concerns about our ability to match up with good teams.“Obviously there have been some stretches that have been pretty disappointing, ruts that — on the positive side we’ve been able to pull ourselves out of — but on the negative you don’t ever want to endure. I think right now in that clubhouse and that coaches room, there’s a lot of optimism and excitement to get some of these guys back and build on some of the momentum from this past weekend.”The Sox won two of three against the Rays at Tropicana Field. The Dodgers provide another test. Sox manager Tony La Russa said “yes and no” when asked whether he looks at the series as a measuring stick.“(The) yes is (the Dodgers are) really good,” La Russa said. “When we’re at our best offensively, we do what they do. Very aggressive, go a lot at the strike zone, just put the ball in play, don’t strike out much. And that’s when we’re at our best, so hopefully that’s what we show.“The no is whatever we do to get ready, we better do the same against Texas (in the next series). Because you’ve got to get wins in this league. Whoever you play, you’ve got to get wins. We want to have a real consistent will for it every day. And they’re capable of doing that.”