News Summary
Tim Elko, a standout player from Ole Miss, has been called up to the Chicago White Sox major league team following an impressive season with the AAA Charlotte Knights, where he achieved a batting average of .348 and hit 10 home runs. His journey from college baseball to the pros is marked by resilience, including overcoming a torn ACL injury. Elko’s achievements at Ole Miss, including a pivotal role in winning the NCAA College World Series, have set a strong foundation for his professional career.
Chicago – Tim Elko, a standout baseball player known for his successful career at Ole Miss, has been called up to the major leagues by the Chicago White Sox following an impressive season in the minor leagues. This call-up marks a significant milestone in Elko’s journey, showcasing his development from college star to professional athlete.
The Chicago White Sox made the announcement of Elko’s promotion on Saturday after he excelled with the AAA Charlotte Knights. In his time with the Knights, Elko boasted an impressive batting average of .348, hitting 10 home runs and driving in 23 runs (RBIs). His performance during the 2023 season has been noteworthy as he accumulated a total of 28 home runs across three minor-league levels.
During his collegiate career at the University of Mississippi, Elko established himself as a formidable force on the field. He played a pivotal role in leading the Ole Miss Rebels to their first NCAA College World Series title in 2022. In his senior year, he became the program’s second-leading home run hitter, finishing the season with a record-breaking 24 home runs, a .642 slugging percentage, 75 RBIs, and 154 total bases. His achievements during his college tenure solidified his reputation, allowing him to finish with a career batting average of .294 and an OPS of .985.
Elko was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 10th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, and since then, he has continued to build on his success. In the previous season, he recorded 18 home runs while playing at both Double-A and Triple-A levels. His performance in the minors improved significantly when his former Ole Miss teammate Jacob Gonzalez joined the Knights, resulting in Elko’s batting average increasing from .270 to .291, along with a rise in OPS from .724 to .814.
Elko’s steady ascent in the minor leagues also led to a successful stint with the Birmingham Barons earlier in 2024, where he hit six home runs. The perseverance and talent he exhibited during this time have earned him a spot in the major leagues, where he hopes to continue his success.
Notably, Elko is celebrated at Ole Miss with a statue that was unveiled during a Bullpen Club meeting, commemorating his contributions to the baseball program. This statue is situated on the third base side of Swayze Field, alongside other championship memorabilia, honoring his legacy at the university.
Elko’s journey is particularly remarkable considering he returned from a torn ACL injury. His resilience was evident in the 2021 Oxford Regional, where he made significant impacts in games, including hitting grand slams. Elko’s ability to overcome adversity and excel in high-pressure situations showcases his competitive spirit and dedication to the game.
Despite his recent success, the Ole Miss baseball team will not compete in the upcoming regionals after being eliminated in the SEC Tournament. Elko’s achievements, however, provide hope and inspiration for current and future players in the Rebel program as they strive to follow in his footsteps.
As Tim Elko transitions into the major leagues, fans and supporters look forward to witnessing his career unfold and hope that his hard work and determination will continue to pay off on the bigger stage.
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: Tim Elko’s Power
- Clarion Ledger: Tim Elko Grand Slam
- Ole Miss Sports: Tim Elko Roster
- Hattiesburg American: Tim Elko MLB Debut
- The Rebel Walk: Tim Elko Statue Unveiled
- Wikipedia: Tim Elko
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
