Dear Colson Montgomery,

After 22 games of fair hitting, it’s time that White Sox fans issue you an apology.

We’ve been your harshest critics during spring training and time in the minors.  Sox fans cast serious doubt on your ability to be an effective shortstop last year when you slashed .214/.329/.381 in Triple-A, but our uncertainty grew this year during Spring Training.

When things didn’t improve in Charlotte, our response got worse. Your .160/.227/.247 slash line through 94 at-bats in April didn’t resemble the strong, power-hitting player we got to know from 2021-23. Instead of being patient and recognizing that expectations were prematurely set, we threw our hands up in defeat. And instead of being supportive of your mental and mechanical reset in Arizona with Ryan Fuller, we rolled our eyes at the idea that a first-round draft pick may need extra coaching. After your hitting stabilized in Arizona, Sox fans laughed off your improvements, belittling your progress instead of applauding your resilience.

Let’s fast-forward to your debut. On the biggest day for any MLB player, Sox fans were more skeptical than excited. We chalked your .281/.338/.672 slash line, six home runs, and 16 RBIs in June to a bounce-back month, not sustainable production, especially in the most hitter-friendly ballpark to ever exist. With plenty of cynicism surrounding your ability to stay in Chicago beyond the trade deadline, Sox fans were more unconvinced of your hitting than excited to watch it.

Sox fans held you to a high standard to an unfair extent, expecting at least modest results at every level of minor league play.

It wasn’t until your multi-hit game against the Pirates that Sox fans finally started to get behind you. You went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in the first game from the All-Star break. A few games later, you posted a three-game home run streak to help the Sox win their series against the Rays and beat the Cubs in the South Side’s only win in the Crosstown Classic. That win alone is more than enough to warrant an apology.

Although most of the fan base’s critiques came from fear of having another first-rounder trip steps before the finish line (yes, I’m referring to Andrew Vaughn), it doesn’t make the noise harder to tune out. Please accept this apology.

You are well on your way to being a staple in Chicago’s lineup for the next few years. Even when you face rough patches, know that Sox fans still believe in you and are excited to watch you and the rest of the young core evolve your games.

Sincerely,

A remorseful Sox fan