#39 - Roberto Hernandez

At number 39 is Roberto Hernandez. He pitched on the White Sox from 1991 until 1997. Before he even stepped into a major league game, his career was almost over. While with the Triple A White Sox affiliate, Roberto felt numbness in his pitching hand. Roberto had blood clots and required emergency surgery to implant veins from his inner thigh to his forearm.

He stepped in for the White Sox when Bobby Thigpen started to fail. After Thigpen was shipped off to the Phillies, Roberto took over. He became one of the most dominant pitchers of the early to mid nineties. He hit 38 saves for the Sox in 1993 and 1996. In 1992 and 1996, his ERA was under 2.00 for the season.

Roberto left the White Sox in the White Flag trade of 1997 to the Giants. Roberto left a lasting impact on the White Sox and is a prime example of what a pitcher can do after surgery. He didn't make his debut until the age of 26, but as of the 2007 season, he is still pitching.