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Die-Hard Chicago White Sox Fans Marry on Stadium Field During Game in ‘Whirlwind’ 60-Second Ceremony: ‘Best Feeling Ever’

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  • Two Chicago White Sox fans tied the knot on Rate Field during the team’s home game against the Cleveland Guardians on Aug. 9
  • Mark and Kristine Igyarto brought their infant daughter along as they wed during a 60-second ceremony officiated by former player Ron Kittle
  • “We’ve known each other for so long and we’re best friends, the love of each other’s lives, and we just wanted to do this amazing thing,” the bride said

Some weddings are just home runs!

Two die-hard Chicago White Sox fans tied the knot on Saturday, Aug. 9, in front of thousands of spectators during the MLB team’s home game against the Cleveland Guardians. The whirlwind ceremony, which was officiated by a former White Sox star, wrapped up in just 60 seconds.

While the White Sox ultimately lost to the Guardians with a final score of 3-1, newlywed fans Mark and Kristine Igyarto left Chicago’s Rate Field with a new pair of rings and a major win of their own following the team’s Bill Veeck Night.

“We’ve known each other for so long and we’re best friends, the love of each other’s lives, and we just wanted to do this amazing thing,” Kristine later told CHSN of the on-field nuptials, as Mark added that the wedding was the “ultimate White Sox giveaway.”

Bill Veeck Night honored the team’s quirky former owner with an eclectic mix of festivities, including a petting zoo, a circus clown, ice sculpting, post-game fireworks — and Mark and Kristine’s wedding.

The team later described the wedding, which took place ahead of the fourth inning, as a “married in a minute” event, where the Igyartos had their ceremony officiated by former left-fielder Ron Kittle. The 1983 American League Rookie of the Year fittingly wore a jersey featuring the title “Reverend Ron” stitched on the back.

In footage shared by the MLB, the couple can be seen standing on the field — with Kristine in a white gown and Mark in a black tux — by a pair of floral arches.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today we gather at Rate Field to witness the greatest team-up since the 2005 White Sox, the marriage of Mark and Kristine,” Kittle announced, nodding to the former World Series champions. “Your rings are like championship rings: earned, cherished and a symbol of your bond. Are you ready to be joined in marriage?”

After the couple confirmed they were indeed ready, Kittle asked Mark if he’d stand by his wife through “wins and losses,” before asking Kristine if she’d stand by her husband “with the loyalty of the South Side fans and the heart of a hall-of-famer.” They both responded with “I do.”

“By the power invested in me by the state of Illinois, the Chicago White Sox, the South Siders everywhere, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Kittle then said. “You may kiss the bride!”

The Igyartos, who have known each other their whole lives, then shared a smooch on the field, as Mark gave Kristine a little dip and then held their daughter, Heidi, in the air for the whole stadium to see.

The newlyweds later spoke to CHSN about the “whirlwind” experience of getting married on their team’s home turf. Kristine called it “the best feeling ever.”

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“It’s a lifetime, ultimate White Sox giveaway, and we’re so grateful for the Chicago White Sox and everything they’ve done for us,” Mark added. “It’s just been incredible.”

As for what’s next for the Igyartos, Mark joked that — now with the White Sox “connection” — they’re hoping for a baptism for their daughter, covered by the organization. “Maybe hopefully it’ll come and give Heidi a baptism.”

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