Michael Clarke Duncan, the larger-than-life actor who died Monday at 54, was an avid Chicago White Sox fan who was so into his team that he forged a close relationship with team general manager Kenny Williams.
Duncan, who reached fame and success late in life with a role in the Tom Hanks movie, “The Green Mile,” was such a fan that he would even call Williams to give him advice on player personnel decisions, Williams said.
“Michael was a close friend. He was the nicest, kindest guy anyone could ever know. He was a great fan of the Chicago White Sox and often called me to offer advice. His friendship will be missed.”
Duncan was a huge sports fan, as his appearance as a fixture at Los Angeles Lakers games attests.
The South Side Chicago native, according to Yahoo! Sports, holds the distinction of being the only Chicagoan to ever narrate a World Series film for a Windy City champion. His baritone laid the soundtrack for the White Sox’s 2005 highlight reel.
He also served as the narrator for 2010’s “The Club,” MLB Network’s forerunner to “The Franchise” series.
Duncan was also said to be one among the thousands that rushed Comiskey Park’s field during Disco Demolition Night in 1979. He even told Chicago reporter Sarah Spain a few years ago that he had made away with Bill Melton’s bat during the commotion, though the slugger had been retired for two years at that point and hadn’t played for the Sox since 1975.
When he became a public figure, Duncan used his fame – after years of holding regular jobs – to meet and greet with many in the sports world and athletes and teams he admired from afar before he earned a level of fame.
Duncan suffered a stroke several weeks ago and passed away Monday night.
