José Abreu wears jersey No. 79 — a number more common to football than baseball—for a reason.

His mother, Daysi Correa, suggested he pick those unusual digits when he was growing up in Cuba so he “would be noticed more” by the pro scouts.

The well-intended idea probably wasn’t necessary. As it turns out, the current Chicago White Sox first baseman would likely stand out in a crowd no matter what number, big or small, he wears.

The 34-year-old Cuban defector is just the third major league ballplayer dating to the 1800s to ever wear No. 79 and is by far the most impressive physically and statistically.

Known as “Bueno Beefcake” for his thickly muscled 6-foot-3, 250-pound frame, Abreu is a can’t-miss reason why the White Sox are run- ning away with the American League Central Division title.

As of Aug. 21, Chicago was 72-51 and 11.5 games ahead of second place Cleveland.

Abreu’s multiple gold chains he wears get bop- ping when he swings the bat and sprints the bases, and the shiny jewelry has been dancing overtime this summer on Chicago’s South Side.

Abreu is at the heart of an attack that has spurred the Sox, aka “Pale Hose,” “South Siders,” “Me- dias Blancas,” etc., to a commanding position in the standings.

Thrilling fans at Guaranteed Rate Field (formerly U.S. Cellular), manager Tony La Russa’s squad started the week with a 72-53 record. As of Aug. 23, Abreu has 21 doubles, 25 homers and a major league leading 92 runs batted in, or RBIs.

It’s a continuation of the shortened 2020 season in which Abreu won MVP and the Hank Aaron Award.

After fleeing Cuba, Abreu signed a six-year contract with Chicago in 2013 for $68 million, the richest contract in franchise history. The team quickly collected on its investment. He was Rookie of the Year in 2014 and has been a four-time Silver Slugger recipient and three-time All-Star. He has 223 homers and 253 career homers and was RBI kingpin in 2019 and 2020.

The White Sox have deep roots in Cuba. Abreu is joined on the current roster by three native Cubans—catcher Yasmani Grandal, centerfielder Luis Robert and third baseman Yoán Moncada.

In all, 17 Cubans have played for the White Sox, starting with Minnie Miñoso in 1951. Miñoso was also the club’s first Black player.

The squad may be among the major league leaders in players of color as well as victories. Tim Anderson, the 2019 batting champion, ranks with the elite shortstops. Anderson is from Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Also, outfielder Billy Hamilton (313 career stolen bases) ranks with the fastest players in major league history. Hamilton had 366 steals in the minor leagues, including an all-time record of 155 in 2012.

Abreu is known for blasting home runs into bleachers and grandstands around the league. And now cornfields can be added to his long-ball destinations.

On Aug. 12 in Dyersville, Iowa, Abreu launched a rocket that landed deep in the corn stalks behind the left field fence in a 9-8 win over the New York Yankees. Anderson swatted the walk-off game winner in the ninth.

The occasion was the inaugural Field of Dreams Game that drew the largest TV audience for a regular season game since 2005.

On that night, like many others, an onlooker might suggest powerful No. 79 in black, silver and white togs had the pitcher’s number.