White Sox’s Korey Lee Achieves Feat Unseen in Over a Century

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Korey Lee pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Rate Field on August 27, 2025.

Korey Lee etched his name into Chicago White Sox lore in a unique fashion, and not in the way players typically do. In the lopsided 12‑1 loss to the Kansas City Royals, Lee became just the third player in White Sox history to both catch and pitch in the same game, a feat not seen since the early 1900s.

On that fateful Wednesday night at Rate Field, Lee entered the game in the seventh inning as a defensive replacement behind the plate, substituting for Kyle Teel. His appearance at the plate was brief; he flew out to Kyle Isbel to end the frame. But what happened next was far more surprising (and rare).

From Behind the Plate to the Mound

With the bullpen stretched thin and the game slipping away, the White Sox turned to Lee to pitch. He took the mound for two innings (eighth and ninth) delivering 31 pitches (17 strikes) and allowing one run on four hits and two walks. Despite the rough circumstances, Lee’s words showed humility and team-first resolve:

“Unfortunately when I’m pitching, bad things are happening. I don’t want that to happen,” Lee said. “Just trying to help the team, save the bullpen and so be it. We get to go on to the next day.”

This move wasn’t just a quick fix; it marked a momentous milestone. The only other two White Sox players to accomplish this dual role were Frank Isbell and Sam Mertes, both of whom did it on September 28, 1902, in the second game of a doubleheader.

Baseball is a game known for its rich and quirky traditions; Lee’s simultaneous appearance as both catcher and pitcher adds a new chapter to that legacy. The feat harkens back over a century; a blink in the modern era of specialization where pitcher and catcher roles are strictly divided. It’s an example of both necessity and the unexpected opportunities that arise during a long, grueling Major League season.

Even in defeat, Lee’s adaptability shines through, embodying the spirit of flexibility in challenging moments.

“I grew up as a kid just playing baseball. That’s what it felt like. At the end of the day, it’s still really, really hard,” Lee said. “Kudos to all the pitchers. Like I said, it’s just unfortunate I had to go in there because of the situation.”

Korey Lee: More Than a Catcher

The narrative of Lee extends beyond this extraordinary moment. In 2024, he logged 125 games (93 starts) behind the plate, ranking second among MLB catchers in pop time and arm strength–garnering 18.7% caught-stealing rate–while batting 12 home runs and 37 RBI.

Although his 2025 campaign has included stints in Triple-A and time on the injured list, he’s delivered key contributions, including a multi-hit game with a home run upon his recent return. His mindset remains grounded, with brother Kellen–a mental skills coach for the Mariners; playing an instrumental role in keeping him mentally sharp during challenging stretches.

“I kind of think of myself as a Swiss Army knife,” Lee said. “I can run, I can hit, I can catch, maybe go in the outfield, I don’t know. I come prepared every single day to win, and that’s my job right now.”

Alyssa Polczynski Alyssa Polczynski is a multimedia journalist covering Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. She has experience as an editorial producer for MLB.com and contributed to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). More about Alyssa Polczynski