C H I C A G O
W H I T E S O X
Team Founded: 1901-Present
Home Ballpark: U.S. Cellular Field
Opened: April 18, 1991
Stadium Capacity: 47,098
Surface: Natural Grass
Dimmensions:
* Home to Left Field - 330 Feet
* Home to Center Field - 400 Feet
* Home to Right Field - 335 Feet
* Height of Outfield Walls - 8 Feet
Uniform Colors: Black, Silver (Home), White and Grey (Road)
Behind the Name When the White Sox earned their nickname they were actually wearing black sox, but their sanitary hose underneath were white. Later, after the team was tainted by the 1919 World Series scandal in which eight of its' players were banned from baseball for life, the name "Black Sox" was pinned to the franchise. Newspapers often refer to the team as the "Pale Hose" or "ChiSox."
Titles Three World Championships (1906, 1917, 2005) Five Pennants (1901, 1906, 1917, 1919, 1959, 2005) Four division titles (1983, 1993-1994, 2000, 2005) Seven Post-Season Appearances (1906, 1917, 1919, 1959, 1983, 1993, 2000, 2005)
White Sox StuffBest Season: 2005, (99-63, .611 - World Champions) Worst Season: 1932, (49-102, .325 - 56 games back) Most Consecutive Winning Seasons: 17, (1951-1967) Most Cons. Losing Seasons: Nine (1927-1935) Near Misses: 1908, (one-game back of Detroit) and 1964, (finished a single-game back of the Yankees)Rivals: Indians, Tigers, Brewers, CubsUltimate Games (0-1) 1908 Regular Season Just that one Ultimate Game, so long ago in the regular season. The Sox and Tigers battled in a season-long fight for the AL flag, with the Tigers earning the pennant on the final day behind Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford.
Ballparks Comiskey Park II (1991-present) Comiskey Park I (1910-1990) South Side Park (1901-1910)All-Star Game Hosts 1933, 1950, 1983The Ultimate White Sock Luis AparicioBest Trades Nellie Fox from the A's for Joe Tipton, October 19, 1949 Scott Podsednik from the Brewers for Carlos Lee; December 18, 2005Billy Pierce and $10,000 from the Tigers for Aaron Robinson, November 10, 1948Joe Jackson from the Indians for Braggo Roth, Larry Chappell, Ed Klepfer and $31,500, August 21, 1915
Team History One of the original American League franchises, the White Sox were the circuit's most successful team in the early going, upsetting the heavily favored Cubs in the 1906 World Series. Tainted by the 1919-1920 Black Sox scandal, the club hasn't enjoyed much success over the past 50 years. The last White Sox championship was in 1917. The franchise seems to be paying penance for their 1919 Series flop.Baseball has been played on the south side of Chicago for nearly 125 years, and some of the game's best have performed there. The White Sox were originally the White Stockings, Charlie Comiskey's team that won league titles in 1900 and again the following season. In 1906 the Sox rode a 19-game winning streak to the pennant title and shocked the heavily favored crosstown Cubs in the Series, four games to two.Unfortunately the franchise enjoyed little success again until a core group of players delivered a title in 1917. The main contributors included Shoeless Joe Jackson, Eddie Collins, Eddie Cicotte, Buck Weaver, and Happy Felsch. Just three years later, Jackson, Weaver, Felsch, Cicotte, and four others were banned from the game by the commissioner for their part in throwing the 1919 Series, an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Cincinnati.For the next forty years the Sox struggled or came up short in the AL, all the while competing with the north side Cubs for fans. In 1959 they snatched the flag from the Yankees but lost in the Series. Since, the Southsiders have been waiting for another trip to the Fall Classic, failing to advance in 1983 and 1993.The first White Sox star was pitching ace Ed Walsh. A Hall of Famer, Walsh was the main man on the Chicago staff at the turn of the century. Four times he won 20 games, with a low in those seasons of 24. In 1908 he went 40-15, with a 1.42 ERA. He led the circuit that year with 269 strikeouts, a category he later would top again in 1911. A big 6' 1, 190 lb. right-hander, he pitched 13 seasons with the Sox, winning 195 games.The next marquee performer was Hall of Fame second baseman Eddie Collins, one of the greatest players of the early twentieth century. Collins began with Connie Mack's A's, helping them to four pennants. But when the Philadelphia owner/manager was forced to sell his stars in the mid-teens, Eddie was shipped to the Windy City. The lefty-hitting second sacker hit below .300 just once in his 12 years with the Sox. Collins teamed with left fielder Joe Jackson, pitcher Eddie Cicotte, and receiver Ray Schalk to form the best team in the AL from 1917-1919.After a disappointing stretch from 1921 to 1931, another future Hall of Famer, Luke Appling, came along in the 1930s. A line-drive hitter, Appling won batting titles in 1936 (.388) and 1943 (.328). Appling was unable to rally the Sox to the post-season however.It's safe to say that the White Sox were the third best team in the AL in the 1950s. While the Yankees and Indians were finishing first and second, the Pale Hose usually followed. In 1959 the "Go-Go Sox" finished ahead of the Yankees - and everyone else in the AL. Sparked by an offense that could score 11 runs on one hit, Chicago faced the Dodgers in the World Series, but lost. It is the last time they have appeared in the Fall Classic.Surprisingly, for a franchise as old as the White Sox, they have had few sluggers in their ranks. Some, like Harry Hooper, Al Simmons, Norm Cash, Larry Doby, and Dick Allen, were either lost to other teams or played briefly in Chicago.Hoping to avoid those mistakes, the Sox are holding on to Frank Thomas. The hulking first baseman has already established himself as the best right-handed hitter in franchise history. Entering the 2004 season he had a .310 career average, with a .568 slugging mark, and an OBP of .428. Eight times in his career, "The Big Hurt" has topped .300, scored 100 runs, drove in 100 runs, and walked 100 times in a season. Those numbers put him in the class of immortals like Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.The 2000 season saw the Southsiders return to the post-season, in fact they had the AL's best record. But the Mariners pushed them aside in the Divisional Playoffs. As the 2004 campaign began, the Sox were vying with the Twins as favorites in the AL Central, relying around pitchers Mark Buehrle and Esteban Loaiza, and sluggers Thomas, Carlos Lee, Magglio Ordonez, and Paul Konerko. Former shortstop Ozzie Guillen, a popular player with Sox fans, was hired as manager for the 2004 season.
Managers Clark Griffith, Nixey Callahan, Fielder Jones, Billy Sullivan, Hugh Duffy, Nixey Callahan, Clarence Rowland, Kid Gleason, Ed Walsh, Johnny Evers, Eddie Collins, Ray Schalk, Russ Blackburne, Donie Bush, Lew Fonseca, Jimmie Dykes, Ted Lyons, Jack Onslow, Red Corriden, Paul Richards, Marty Marion, Al Lopez, Eddie Stanky, Les Moss, Al Lopez (again), Don Gutteridge, Bill Adair, Chuck Tanner, Paul Richards, Bob Lemon, Larry Doby, Don Kessinger, Tony LaRussa, Doug Rader, Jim Fregosi, Jeff Torborg, Gene Lamont, Terry Bevington, Jerry Manuel, Ozzie Guillen.
The 2005 Chicago White Sox: Men of Steal
In the decade that Major League Baseball has used its three-tier playoff format, the team leading the American League in steals has won its division four times. The Anaheim Angels did it a year ago, as did the 116-win Seattle Mariners of 2001 and Cleveland in 1999 and 1995.
Speed isn't the first thing one thinks of with the Indians of Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome and Albert Belle. But they complemented their power hitting with aggressive baserunning. That's the formula the White Sox and manager Ozzie Guillen are hoping to copy. While they added speed over the off-season, getting stolen-base leader Scott Podsednik from Milwaukee and signing former Japanese stolen-base leader Tadahito Iguchi, they haven't forsaken the home run.
The presence of Paul Konerko, Frank Thomas, Jermaine Dye, Joe Crede, Aaron Rowand, Carl Everett, Juan Uribe, A.J. Pierzynski and Iguchi gives them a shot at a sixth straight season with 200-plus homers. The ideal scenario for the Sox is to keep that streak while ending another--38 years since they last led the AL in stolen bases.
ADDITIONS: RF Jermaine Dye; C A.J. Pierzynski; CF Scott Podsednik; 2B Tadahito Iguchi; RHP Orlando Hernandez; RHP Dustin Hermanson; RHP Luis Vizcaino; LHP Kevin Walker; RHP Bobby Jenks.LOSSES: RF Magglio Ordonez; LF Carlos Lee; SS Jose Valentin; C Sandy Alomar Jr.; 2B Roberto Alomar; LHP Scott Schoeneweis; RHP Danny Wright.FOR STARTERS: Frank Thomas, who was on crutches for two months after surgery on his left ankle, will be closely monitored as he heads into his 16th season with the White Sox. He may have to open the season on the disabled list--not a big problem with Carl Everett available as insurance--but will need to come out hitting once he returns. Without Ordonez and Lee, Paul Konerko and Thomas carry more responsibility than in recent years. This may be Thomas' last year with the Sox, who can terminate his contract for $3.5 million after the season.
FRESH FACE: Iguchi, an All-Star in Japan, is well positioned to hit the ground running as the White Sox's second baseman. He's a good hitter with some power and speed who has won Gold Gloves for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, Japan's best team in recent years. Shingo Takatsu should help him make the cultural transition. Ditto the friendly hitting conditions at U.S. Cellular Field.OUTLOOK: Wright is the only significant pitcher the White Sox have lost since the start of the 2004 season. They've built a deep staff by adding Freddy Garcia, Jose Contreras, Hernandez, Hermanson and Vizcaino, and hope the improved pitching staff allows them to end Minnesota's three-year reign in the AL Central.With Takatsu, Hermanson, Vizcaino and Damaso Marte, the Sox should have their deepest bullpen in years, allowing Guillen to keep his starters fresh. It's a good plan, but the Twins remain the team to beat.
The 2005 Magical Season in Review Record: 99-63, first in the American League Central; beat Boston in the Division Series, 3-0; beat the Angels in the American League Championship Series, 4-1; beat Houston in the World Series, 4-0.Defining moment: It could be argued that the offseason was the time that truly shaped the White Sox, when general manager Ken Williams put the championship team together. But the three-game sweep of Cleveland at Jacobs Field to end the regular season seemed to change the team back from a solid group to a team that could take on all challengers. Not only were the White Sox playing the style of ball that put them in first place, but they also exorcised the final-month demons brought on by the Indians' late charge.What went right: Anything and everything. The White Sox had the best starting pitching in the American League, and their bullpen came close to matching that success. The team also had the ability to manufacture runs and play airtight defense, making for an unbeatable combination. Players such as Dustin Hermanson and Neal Cotts had the years of their careers, while Bobby Jenks, a mid-season callup, closed out the AL Central title, the Division Series and the World Series victories. Simply put, it was an historic 2005 season.What went wrong: Hmmm ... Basically, nothing. It's hard to find fault when a team wins 110 games, in total, and captures its first World Series title since 1917. There were some lean times in August and early September, when the White Sox watched their 15-game lead in the American League Central slip to 1 1/2 games over the Indians. But that stretch simply made the White Sox stronger and more focused down the stretch. Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez struggled on the mound and with his health during the second half of the season, but he certainly had no problems pitching out of the bullpen during the playoffs. Simply put, it's hard to find fault with a team that wins a championship while leading from wire to wire.Biggest surprise: Williams added nine or 10 new faces to the existing lineup, and somehow this group immediately meshed into a championship team. But if there was one area that clearly achieved above expectations, it would be the bullpen. Hermanson set a career high with 34 saves, after saving 22 combined previously in his career. When Hermanson's back became an issue, the hard-throwing Jenks stepped in and became the first rookie since Todd Worrell to close in the World Series. Cotts emerged as a closer of the future, while Cliff Politte was steady, and at times spectacular, as a setup man.STATISTICAL LEADERS Batting Average: Scott Podsednik, .290 Doubles: Aaron Rowand, 30 Triples: Tadahito Iguchi, 6 Home runs: Paul Konerko, 40 Runs: Paul Konerko, 98 RBIs: Paul Konerko, 100 Stolen bases: Scott Podsednik, 59Pitching Wins: Jon Garland, 18 Losses: Jon Garland, 10 ERA (starter): Mark Buehrle, 3.12 ERA (reliever): Neal Cotts, 1.94 (min. 10 appearances) Saves: Dustin Hermanson, 34FORECAST FOR 2006 Lineup: One of the best things in regard to the 2005 White Sox is that most of the team is signed and ready for 2006. Of course, the pieces that may need to be replaced are extremely significant. Paul Konerko is the galvanizing force of this team, both on and off the field, but is certain to explore the open market during the offseason. Frank Thomas has been the face of the franchise for the past 15 years, but will only be brought back if the latest fracture of his left navicular heals and if he agrees to a lower-salaried deal. Carl Everett, who stepped in for Thomas at designated hitter, had his contract bought out for $500,000. The White Sox also could be looking to add another speed guy at the top of the lineup.Rotation: Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras and Freddy Garcia return to anchor one of the best starting five in all of baseball. Jon Garland is arbitration eligible but is expected to return. The main question on the table is how the fifth starter's spot will play out. Will it be Hernandez, or will he go to the bullpen? Brandon McCarthy seems to be an option that will be tough to leave out, after the rookie posted a 3-1 record and 1.69 ERA over his last seven games.Bullpen: The relievers come back completely intact, with another year of valuable experience for young hurlers such as Jenks and Cotts. Williams knew prior to 2005 that championships are won with pitching and defense, so the White Sox general manger certainly will be looking to upgrade his staff in any way possible.Biggest need: As manager Ozzie Guillen said repeatedly during the postseason, if it's not broke, then don't fix it. There's no doubt the White Sox will be greatly challenged in 2006, especially with a young Indians squad taking another step toward the postseason. But Guillen stressed again Tuesday at a press conference to honor the White Sox at City Hall in Chicago that he doesn't want superstars. So, while the White Sox would look to add more speed and pitching, they start with the character and determination of the possible addition.Prospect to watch: Young standouts such as McCarthy and outfielder Brian Anderson made their presence felt during the 2005 campaign, with both figuring prominently in the team's plans for 2006. But keep an eye on Chris Young, a five-tool outfielder who excelled at Double-A Birmingham this past season. Young has the potential to be a 30-home run, 30-stolen base player at the Major League level and was labeled by Guillen as the most improved offensive player at Spring Training last March.MANAGER: Ozzie "Oz" Guillen
COACHES: Don "Coop" Cooper -P, Greg Walker- H, Harold Baines -B, Tim "Rock" Raines -1B, Joey Cora -3B, Man So Lee -BC
LINEUP: Scott "Pods" Podsednik -LF, Aaron "Arow" Rowand -CF, Jermaine Dye -RF, Joe Crede -3B, Juan Uribe -SS, Tadahito Iguchi -2B, Paul Konerko -1B, A.J. Pierzynski -C, Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas -DH
BENCH: Timo Perez -OF, Pablo Ozuna -SS, "Crazy Carl" Everett -DH, Ross Gload -1B, Chris Widger -C, Willie "Peapod" Harris -2B, Geoff Blum -UI
STARTERS: Mark Buehrle -SP, Freddy "The Chef (El Jefe)" Garcia -SP, Jose Contreras -SP, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez -SP, "Big Jon" Garland -SP
BULLPEN: Luis Vizcaino -RHP, Neal Cotts -LHP, Cliff Politte -LHP, Damaso Marte -LHF, Bobby Jenks -RHP, Dustin "Hermie" Hermanson -CL
CALLUPS: Brain Anderson -OF, Ross Gload -1B, Pedro Lopez -2B, Ben Davis -C, Brandon "B-Mac" McCarthy -SP, Jon Adkins -RHP, Kevin Walker -LHP
Click on thumbnails to enlarge photos.
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* * * * * * Palehose Memo: Regular season record 99-63 wire to wire best in the American League. Post Season 3-0 sweep over Boston Red Sox: 4-1 over Anheim Angels: 4-0 sweep over Houston Astros: White Sox win the World Series in 2005, To the loyal fans all over the world, the city of Chicago and White Sox organization- Thank you. * * * * *
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