VOL 26 ISSUE 29, July 21, 2025
Main caption: Betty Starr (second from left), a stand leader at the Chicago White Sox’s Rate Field for over 33 years, on June 28 received Major League Baseball’s inaugural “Home Run Service” award for her commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at the ballpark Pictured with Starr (left to right) are Michael Padilla, senior coordinator of guest services and training for the White Sox; Jenny Kribs, operations manager for Delaware North; Joey Nigro, general manager for Delaware North; and Michelle Young, manager of guest services and training for the White Sox.
Elizabeth “Betty” Starr, stand leader for Delaware North at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, was recently recognized by Major League Baseball (MLB) as the inaugural recipient of the “Home Run Service” award, celebrating exceptional guest service. Starr is one of only two award recipients this season, with employees considered across all MLB venues.
Starr, who has been with the company for over 33 years, was surprised during a shift on June 28 with the inaugural award. When the White Sox played the San Francisco Giants the next day, Starr, who manages the Smoke House in Section 100, was invited to formally accept her award on the field.
“Betty embodies GuestPath®,” said Operations Manager Jenny Kribs. “No guest request is too big or small. She makes everyone, including her fellow team members and me, feel valued, appreciated and special. We are so proud, yet not surprised, that Betty received this great honor from MLB.”
Julie Taylor, vice president of guest services for the White Sox, and Joey Nigro, general manager for Delaware North, joined Delaware North’s 15 salaried managers at Rate Field, all front-of-house supervisors, many of Starr’s fellow team members and members of her family during the award presentation featured on the large scoreboard for fans to join in the celebration.
The Home Run Service award “recognizes an employee who makes all fans feel welcome, upholds an inclusive environment and understands guests’ needs while creating memorable experiences.”
Watch a video of Starr accepting the award: