Meet the Players: Hannah Filippo
Our newest writer dives into analytics — but don’t challenge her arm in right field!
Hey, I’m Hannah! I’ve been a Chicago sports fan (excluding the Cubs, of course) for my entire life. I’ve played nearly every sport besides tennis and volleyball, but baseball has always been my favorite sport to watch and play.
While I dream of working in sports journalism or perhaps a front office someday, I currently work a regular 9-5 in tech. Before joining SB Nation I wrote for FanSided, covering the White Sox and Red Sox.
Hometown: Libertyville
How and when did you join SSS? March 2025
What is your favorite type of coverage at SSS? Team and player analysis. I love assessing how player performance improves or worsens when several factors like injuries, coaching staff, rotation/lineup placement, ballpark, etc. come into play.
Favorite current White Sox player Kyle Teel. He’s got the South Side work ethic and mentality of keeping his head down and going to work to get his team a win every time he steps up to the plate.
If you could have any job in baseball, what would it be and why? I’d love to work in the front office, for or with the general manager. I enjoy the intricacies of trade evaluation and free agent signings, and building a roster that maximizes talent while minimizing budget. I’m an analytical person who likes to use the full picture to understand player value and how that impacts a team.
White Sox fan since age 9
First White Sox memory Going to Chicago was a rare occasion for my family, but watching Jeff Samardzija pitch a complete game during my first visit at (at the time) the Cell is one of my favorite memories.
Favorite White Sox memory Tim Anderson’s walk-off homer run in the 2021 Field of Dreams game
Favorite White Sox player ever Chris Sale. I’m a sucker for pitchers, and Sale was the first pitcher that compelled me to dive deep into the strategy and art of pitching and pitching sequences. It also helps that I tried to mimic his sidearm throwing angle.
Next White Sox statue Robin Ventura. Even though he only had one winning season as a manager, Ventura as a player is a two-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glover Award winner. He was a stellar third baseman, averaged 3.9 WAR per year with the Sox, and hit two grand slams in one game. How much more evidence is needed?
Next White Sox retired number No. 23
Go-to concession food at Sox Park: Polish with grilled onions and mustard
Favorite Baseball Movie: Moneyball. I’d like to think I take a similar approach to player and team analysis, only I don’t do all the calculations myself. I like to look at unorthodox ways players augment a team and how their strengths can be leveraged in all types of games and situations.
South Side Sox on the Field Pitcher or right field. I’ve always had a strong throwing arm and love to defy the “throw like a girl” stereotypes.
True or false: Every jumbled pile of person has a thinking part that wonders what the part that isn’t thinking isn’t thinking of. True