Anderson: I feel like 'today's Jackie Robinson' trying to change game

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson has become somewhat of a household name over the last several weeks, both for his quality of play and his home run celebrations.

Anderson says he's trying to showcase his style for the fans in an attempt to deliver a jolt of fun to the game he's been playing for years. And now, he's comparing himself to an iconic figure in the sport.

"I kind of feel like today's Jackie Robinson," Anderson told Stephanie Apstein of SI. "That's huge to say. But it's cool, man, because he changed the game, and I feel like I'm getting to a point to where I need to change the game."

He recognizes his path is different from the one Robinson was forced to take and added that the only barrier he's trying to break is the "have-fun barrier."

In April, Anderson uncorked an epic bat toss after clubbing a home run off Kansas City Royals pitcher Brad Keller. The right-hander plunked Anderson with the first pitch the next time he came to the dish, the benches cleared, and both players wound up getting suspended.

Anderson was both cheered on and chastised for his exuberant celebrations but said he isn't going to shy away from displaying his emotions on the field.

"I'm bringing something to baseball that's never been brought, as far as the swag," he said. "I love fashion, and just being different, and bringing black culture to baseball and doing it in a different way, because today's game is boring. ... (After the bat flip,) a lot of people who don't watch baseball, they actually gave me feedback, like, 'Man, if this is going on in baseball, I better watch it.'"