1984 Donruss #379 - Julio CruzOn this day in 1984, the White Sox re-signed free agent Julio Cruz.
After being the spark plug for the 1983 "Winning Ugly" team, the Sox signed Julio to a new contract in 1984. Unfortunately, Cruz did not return to form and slowly trailed off of his hot '83 finish. This was one of the reasons why the 1984 team underperformed and the beginning of a slow decline that would last for the rest of the decade.
The Sox finally cut ties with Julio before the 1987 season, but the damage was done and the Sox would find themselves near the cellar of the American League West until strong drafts led to a Pale Hose resurgence in 1990.
White Sox January 8th birthdays:
1921 - Marv Rickert
1927 - Jim Busby
1934 - Gene Freese
1973 - Mike Cameron
2 comments:
I always thought the trade (him for Tony B.) was about equal. Cruz had more steals, but was on the decline. I always wondered if the Sox would have done differently with Tony there in 83 (better or worse).
I think the fans in Seattle nearly revolted when Julio was sent to Chicago. He was one of the first fan favorites. Tony didn't last Lon and was nearly ran out of town on a rail.
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