Chicago ? The Chicago White Sox triumphantly rode into the heart of the city Friday to celebrate the team’s first World Series title since 1917 with hundreds of thousands of fans who turned downtown into a giant block party.

“Chicago, Second City no more,” first baseman Paul Konerko told the crowd after players, coaches and others rode from U.S. Cellular Field on double-decker buses to the Loop, cheered all the way by fans lining the route.

Konerko brought Jerry Reinsdorf to tears when he presented the team owner with the ball he caught for the last out of the Series, completing a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros.

“Getting this ball from Paul Konerko is the most emotional moment of my life,” Reinsdorf told the crowd.

General manager Kenny Williams made a special point of introducing Frank Thomas, for years the team’s best player who missed much of the season and all the playoffs because of an injury.

“Chicago should really appreciate this and understand what this is all about,” said Thomas, who was handed the World Series trophy by Williams. “This is the pinnacle.”

Mayor Richard Daley, a lifelong White Sox fan who grew up just blocks from the team’s stadium, clearly agreed.

“I am pleased to say 2005 world champs, the Chicago White Sox,” he shouted to the crowd.

Throughout the ceremony, the players made special mention of the fans.

Chicago players, from left, A.J. Pierzynski, Cliff Politte, Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko watch a White Sox highlight video. The world champions were honored with a parade and rally Friday in downtown Chicago.

“We couldn’t have done it without you guys,” third baseman Joe Crede said.

Manager Ozzie Guillen, a flag from his native Venezuela draped over his shoulders, called Chicago’s fans the best he had ever seen. Guillen also prompted one of the biggest cheers when he announced he would return next season to manage.

Many fans had waited hours, and they streamed into downtown even as the players were appearing on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” earlier in the day.

Wearing black, white and silver White Sox hats, jerseys and jackets, they packed the downtown area. Many waved team flags, black and white balloons, white roses or white socks; several carried brooms to signal the team’s sweep of the Astros.

Some clamored onto light poles and utility boxes for a better view while dozens stood perched on the oversized windowsills of City Hall along the parade route.

Children with faces painted black and white – many skipping school – stood shoulder to shoulder with officer workers in suits and ties taking long lunches, straining for a glimpse of the players.

“We all decided to use a sick day today for Sox fever,” said Rodolfo Durand, who brought his three daughters, wife, mother and brother to cheer the players.

White Sox players and their families travel in buses through a ticker-tape parade Friday in Chicago.

“Chicago has never celebrated a baseball victory like this,” fan Marco Velasquez said. “Baseball-wise, the city has been starved for a while.”

Across the Chicago River, hundreds of fans lined the top level of a parking garage for a view. Above the crowd, office workers looked on from high-rises, some pressing White Sox signs to their windows. And above them, F-16s flew in tribute.

“We all woke up at 6 a.m., and we painted our faces, and we came down here,” said 16-year-old Jimmy Aguayo of Streamwood, who skipped school with four friends to attend the rally. “We got a spot against the rail, we saw our favorite players, we took pictures, and it was just fantastic.”

Andy Wilson was playing hooky from work. Exhausted from staying up late to watch the games on TV, Wilson said it may take until winter before he realized what happened.

“When I’m at a bar enjoying a beer, saying ‘our world champion Chicago White Sox,’ that’s when it’s really going to hit me.”

Steve Perry, who co-wrote the song the White Sox took as their theme, “Don’t Stop Believin,” also was on hand and led the team in a rendition of the song.

“They’ve always believed,” Perry said.

Konerko talked about how many didn’t believe the team could do what it did. And then he wondered what might be ahead.

“Maybe we’ll have to do this one more time next year,” he said.