Anybody who caught White Sox highlights from last night noticed something different.

Instead of their traditional look, the White Sox wore NIU hats to honor the victims of the Feb. 14 shootings.

“NIU is struggling, and our sympathies go out to them,” White Sox general manager Ken Williams said. “If a simple, small gesture can aid in the healing process, then we’re here to do our part.”

Each player autographed his hat after the first spring training game of the season. The caps will be shipped to DeKalb, where they will be auctioned off to benefit NIU’s Feb. 14 Student Scholarship Fund.

“To be certain, the support that the Chicago White Sox organization has shown for Northern Illinois University during this incredibly difficult time has truly touched our hearts,” said NIU athletics director Jim Phillips. “Efforts such as this by the White Sox go a long way toward helping the NIU community begin the healing process.”

White Sox players will also autograph an NIU baseball jersey, as well as a White Sox baseball bat. The items will be auctioned off on Whitesox.com, with all proceeds going to the scholarship fund.

Williams and White Sox manger Ozzie Guillen also wore NIU hats when the Sox began spring training Feb. 16.

“Anything that goes on in the Chicagoland area, that’s our home,” Williams said. “We just felt that we wanted to do something tasteful.”

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