The Roman philosopher Seneca is attributed as saying "luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."
Sometimes, though, it's simply what happens when a player meets a general manager in an elevator.
On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox opted for a bold lineup call ahead of a crucial divisional series finale against the Cleveland Guardians: veteran outfielder Tommy Pham, who was just activated off the injured list, would start in the cleanup spot. The reason for the quick turnaround? Pham shared an elevator with White Sox general manager Chris Getz Tuesday night.
"I told him I could play today. I said I'm ready," Pham said during the fifth inning Wednesday. "I went right to the source, man. Our trainers were trying to wait a couple more days, but I can't sit back right now in the middle of this [division title] race and not do nothing when I feel like I can."
The 38-year-old made his elevator pitch well worth Getz's time. Pham's first hit of the 2026 season? A three-run homer to center in the top of the fifth inning to give Chicago a 3-2 lead.
Tommy Pham turns the tide with a HUGE 3-run homer 💪 pic.twitter.com/5MRpw9vt4b
— MLB (@MLB) September 16, 2026
The White Sox and Guardians had split the first two games of their three-game series in Cleveland heading into Wednesday's matinee finale. A Guardians win would move the club into first place in the AL Central, while a victory for Chicago would bolster their slim current lead atop the division.
Wednesday marks the last time the two division title rivals will play this season.