Friday, November 30, 2012

November 30

1972 O-Pee-Chee #233 - Jay Johnstone

On this day in 1970, the Angels traded Jay Johnstone to the White Sox.

Jay spent two seasons with the White Sox. Mostly known for being a prankster who kept the clubhouse loose, Johnstone hit .231 with twenty home runs and fifty-seven RBO during his tenure on Chicago's south side. Jay was released by the White Sox on March 7, 1973.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

November 29

1963 Topps #424 - Charley Smith

On this day in 1994, Charley Smith died.

Charley was acquired by the White Sox on November 28, 1961 through a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. Smith made it into sixty-five games during the 1962 season, but spent the majority of 1963 in the minors. During his time with the parent club, Charley hit .257, with two homers and eighteen RBI. On April 23, 1964, Charley was traded to the Mets.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

November 28

1998 Lemon Chill Chicago White Sox #NNO - Bill Simas

On this day in 1971, Bill Simas was born.

Bill came to the Sox in a trade with the Angels on July 27, 1995. He made his debut about three weeks later on August 15th against those same California Angels. Simas spent six seasons with the Sox, finishing one hundred two games.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

November 27

1985 Fleer #528 Dan Spillner

On this day in 1951, Dan Spillner was born.

Dan came to the White Sox through a trade on June 21, 1984 with the Cleveland Indians. Over two seasons with the ChiSox, Dan compiled a 5-3 record with a 3.66 ERA. He started three games and finished twenty-four. Dan also saved two games. His stint with the White Sox was Spillner's last in the majors.

Monday, November 26, 2012

November 26

1976 Topps #560 - Jorge Orta

On this day in 1950, Jorge Orta was born.

Jorge's contract was purchased by the White Sox from the Mexican Northern League on November 30, 1971. He made his debut for the Sox on April 15, 1972 against the Kansas City Royals. Over eight seasons with Chicago, Orta played in 990 games, manning second base, left field and shortstop mostly. He hit .281 with seventy-nine home runs and four hundred fifty-six RBI. Jorge went into Free Agency after the 1979 season and signed with the Cleveland Indians.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

November 25

2004 Topps eTopps #91 - Shingo Takatsu

On this day in 1968, Shingo Takatsu was born.

Shingo signed as a free agent with the White Sox on January 22, 2004. Earning nineteen saves for the Sox in 2004, Shingo's entrance was a spectacle. At his insistence, a gong was played as he entered towards the pitching mound. Eventually the league figured his pitching style out and Shingo didn't make enough adjustments. He was released on August 1, 2005. He still received a World Series ring for his contributions to the 2005 team.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

November 24

1954 Topps #198 Carl Sawatski

On this day in 1991, Carl Sawatski died.

Carl was selected off of waivers by the White Sox from the Chicago Cubs on November 30, 1953. Sawatski played forty-three games for the Sox in 1954. He batted .183, with a home run and twelve RBI. On April 16, 1956, the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League purchased Carl's contract from the White Sox.

Friday, November 23, 2012

November 23

2010 Upper Deck #135 - Scott Linebrink

On this day in 2007, the White Sox sign Scott Linebrink.

Scott was doomed from the start as a member of the White Sox. Scott did his job and did it very well, but the deal he made with the Sox made the fans scrutinize every little detail and escalate every moment that wasn't perfect. The deal was reportedly for $19 million over four years. At the time, that was a very big paycheck for a non-starter and a non-closer.

Scott was professional and came in and did the job that the White Sox asked him to do. Three years into his four year contract, Linebrink was traded to Atlanta. Scott finished out the rest of his contract in Atlanta and didn't pitch in the majors after that ended.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

November 22

1971 Topps #37 - Rich McKinney

On this day in 1946, Rich McKinney was born.

Rich was drafted in the first round (14th overall pick) of the 1968 amateur draft by the White Sox. He made his MLB debut on June 26, 1970 against the Minnesota Twins. McKinney spent two seasons with the Sox before being traded to the Yankees. Rich batted .246, with twelve homers and sixty-three RBI during his time with Chicago.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

November 21

2008 Stadium Club #35 - Ken Griffey Jr.

On this day in 1969, Ken Griffey Jr. was born.

Ken Griffey Jr. came to the White Sox through a trade with the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, 2008. Even though Griffey was thirty-eight years old, he still had some gas left in the tank. He threw a runner out from center field in Game 163, the Blackout Game, which would propel the Sox into the playoffs.

Once in the playoffs, Ken would make a diving catch against the Rays in Game 4 of the 2008 ALDS, during the fourth inning for the third out, but that was not enough to overcome the Tampa Bay Rays. Griffey ended his White Sox career in the bottom of the ninth of Game 4 of the 2008 ALDS, by striking out to end the season.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

November 20

1961 Nu-Card Scoops #471 - Early Wynn

On this day in 1962, the White Sox released Early Wynn.

Early came to the White Sox on December 4, 1957 through a trade with the Cleveland Indians. Early quickly made the team better and won twenty-two games in 1959, on his way to the World Series against the Dodgers. By 1962, Early was fading. Expressing a desire to win 300 games, Wynn went 2-8 during August and September, failing to reach 300 by one game.

After the White Sox released Early, he signed with Cleveland again, in June 1963, in search of win number 300. Between his last win with the Sox in September 8, 1962 and his eventual 300th win on July 13, 1963, there were seven failed attempts. This would be the longest stretch between win number 299 and win number 300 in MLB history. Although, Early pitched the rest of the 1963 season with the Indians, he never got win number 301.

Monday, November 19, 2012

November 19

2008 Upper Deck Documentary #65 - Orlando Cabrera

On this day in 2007, the White Sox received Orlando Cabrera from the Anaheim Angels for Jon Garland.

Orlando played in one hundred sixty-one games for the Sox in 2008. He hit .281, stole nineteen bases and scored ninety-three runs, helping the Sox reach the playoffs.

Cabrera signed with the Oakland Athletics for the 2009 season.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

November 18

1998 Collector's Choice #64 - Jorge Fabregas

On this day in 1997, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Jorge Fabregas from the Chicago White Sox in the expansion draft.

Jorge came to the Sox via trade on May 18, 1997 from the Anaheim Angels. In one hundred games with Chicago, Fabregas hit .280 with seven home runs and forty-eight RBI.

Jorge hung on in the majors through the 2002 season.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

November 17

1991 Ultra #75 - Greg Hibbard

On this day in 1992, the Florida Marlins selected Greg Hibbard from the White Sox in the expansion draft.

Greg came to the White Sox through a trade from the Kansas City Royals in December 1987. Greg made his MLB debut on May 31, 1989 against the Detroit Tigers. Hibbard was one of the players that made the 1990 team so special. Everyone turned the page that year and made a surprising run towards contention. Greg spent four years with the Sox, going 41-34 with a 3.78 ERA.

The Little Bulldog didn't even have time to wear the Marlins hat, let alone the uniform. Greg was flipped to the Cubs later that day.

Friday, November 16, 2012

November 16

1986 Donruss #546 - Joe DeSa

On this day in 1983, the White Sox signed Joe DeSa as a free agent.

Joe played twenty-eight games with the White Sox in 1985, his last being on October 3rd against Seattle, where he had a pinch-hit single which scored Ozzie Guillen in the bottom of the ninth inning. This would turn out to be his last MLB game. Joe would be killed in an automobile accident on the morning of December 20, 1985 in Cayey, Puerto Rico, where he was playing winter ball with the Ponce Lions.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

November 15

1962 Topps #426 - Bob Farley

On this day in 1937, Bob Farley was born.

Bob started his MLB career with the San Francisco Giants in 1961. He was traded to the White Sox on November 30, 1961. Farley appeared in thirty-five games for the 1962 White Sox. He played first base in fourteen games and batted .189 with one home run and four RBI. Bob didn't have too much of a chance to get comfortable, since he was traded to the Detroit Tigers on June 25, 1962. He played his last MLB game on September 26, 1962.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

November 14

2005 Upper Deck Origins #276 - Sean Tracey

On this day in 1980, Sean Tracey was born.

Sean was drafted in the eighth round of the 2002 amateur draft by the White Sox. He made his MLB debut on June 8, 2006 against the Detroit Tigers. His last MLB game was on September 26, 2006 against the Cleveland Indians. Tracey appeared in seven games and had a 3.38 ERA. His most famous moment was one Sean would most likely want to forget. He was berated by manager Ozzie Guillen and was reported to cry. It's nothing to be ashamed of and I find refreshing and admirable in contrast to Ozzie's harsh and sometimes sophomoric machismo.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

November 13

1989 Score Rookie & Traded #80T - Richard Dotson

On this day in 1989, Richard Dotson was granted Free Agency by the White Sox.

Richard came over to the Sox in a trade with the Angels in 1977. He was a constant presence on the pitching staff after making his MLB and Sox debut in 1979. Dotson's tenure with the White Sox looked to be closed when he was traded to the Yankees after the 1987 season, but when the Yankees released him in June 1989, the White Sox had signed him by July. Richard finished out the season with the Sox.

After ten seasons with the Sox, Dotson had a 97-95 record, with a 4.02 ERA and 873 strikeouts.

Monday, November 12, 2012

November 12

1990 Score #558 - Sammy Sosa

On this day in 1968, Sammy Sosa was born.

Sosa came to the White Sox through a trade with the Texas Rangers in 1989. While with the Sox, he was known more for his speed and defensive lapses than his power stroke. It was only after he was traded away before the 1992 season, that Sammy discovered what it took to hit monster home runs.

Sosa only hit twenty-eight home runs for the White Sox in two and a half seasons. Sammy would ultimately hit six hundred nine home runs in his eighteen season career.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

November 11

2000 Fleer Impact #95 - Paul Konerko

On this day in 1999, the White Sox received Paul Konerko in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds for Mike Cameron.

The White Sox got the best end of this deal. Konerko went on to be a six time All-Star, first in team total bases with 4,010, 2005 ALCS MVP, team captain for nine seasons, Roberto Clemente Award winner in 2014, second in team home runs with 432, second in team RBI with 1,383, second in teams games with 2,268, third in team doubles with 406, third in hits with 2,292, and fourth in runs scored with 1,141. Not too shabby for his third MLB team.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

November 10

1982 Fleer #335 - Bill Almon

On this day in 1982, Bill Almon was released by the White Sox.

Bill signed with the White Sox as a free agent on February 4, 1981. Almon hit .280 over two seasons with the Sox, playing shortstop. During his tenure with Chicago, Bill hit eight home runs and had sixty-seven RBI in 214 games.

Friday, November 9, 2012

November 9

2013 Topps Heritage #484b - Adam Dunn

On this day in 1979, Adam Dunn was born.

The White Sox expected big things from Adam Dunn when they signed him. His first season was horrible. He put too much pressure on himself and dug a hole he could never climb out of. Fortunately, that was the only horrible season for Adam. He rebounded nicely the next season and had Adam Dunn-like production.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

November 8

1966 James T. Elder Postcards #1385 - John Stoneham

On this day in 1908, John Stoneham was born.

John played with the White Sox in the 1933 season. He batted .120 with one home run, three RBI and four runs scored in ten games. He mostly played right field, but saw time in center and left. Stoneham played in the minor leagues from 1928 until 1941. His brief stint with the White Sox was his only MLB experience.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

November 7

2002 Upper Deck 40 Man #413 - Todd Ritchie

On this day in 1971, Todd Ritchie was born.

The White Sox were expecting big things from Todd Ritchie, but instead, he became a symbol of what went wrong in the 2002 season. It wasn't entirely Ritchie's fault, but a 5-15 record with 6.06 ERA certainly didn't help matters. He would have small stints with the Brewers and the Devil Rays after the White Sox, but he would never reach again near his peak, when he was pitching for the Pirates.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

November 6

1933 Goudey #81 - Sad Sam Jones

On this day in 1935, the White Sox released Sad Sam Jones.

Sam came to the White Sox through a trade with the Senators on December 4, 1931. He spent his final four seasons with the Sox, posting a 36-46 record with 222 strikeouts in 105 games. Thirty-nine of those games were complete games.

Monday, November 5, 2012

November 5

2001 Fleer Platinum #386 - Jose Canseco

On this day in 2001, Jose Canseco was granted Free Agancy by the Chicago White Sox.

When Harold Baines didn't work out in the 2001 season, the Sox turned to another veteran in Jose Canseco. In seventy-six games, Jose hit .258 with sixteen homers and forty-nine RBI. He struck out, on average, about once a game. Far removed from his glory days. Canseco still had some life left in him, but it was only good enough for a third place finish, behind the Indians and Twins.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

November 4

1958 Topps #316 - Tito Francona

On this day in 1933, Tito Francona was born.

Tito came to the White Sox through a trade with the Baltimore Orioles on December 3, 1957. Francona played forty-two games with the Sox before he traded to the Detroit Tigers on June 15, 1958. During his tenure with the White Sox, Tito batted .258 with one home run and ten RBI.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

November 3

1953 Topps #270 - Vern Stephens

On this day in 1968, Vern Stephens died.

Vern started his career off in St. Louis, playing for the Browns in 1941. He was traded after the 1947 season to the Boston Red Sox. Before the 1953 season, he was traded to the White Sox. Stephens played in forty-four games for the ChiSox, batting .186 and then was selected off waivers by the St. Louis Browns on July 30, 1953. Vern moved with the Browns to Baltimore, becoming an Oriole.

The Orioles released Stephens on April 18, 1955. After a couple of weeks, he signed with the White Sox on May 2, 1955. During this stint, he played in twenty-two games and hit a more robust .250, before being released on July 1st.

Friday, November 2, 2012

November 2

1983 Fleer Stamps - Tom Paciorek

On this day in 1946, Tom Paciorek was born.

Traded by the Seattle Mariners on December 11, 1981, Tom was one of the building blocks for the "Winning Ugly" team of 1983.During three and a half seasons with the White Sox, Paciorek batted .288 with twenty-four home runs and one hundred fifty-six RBI. Wimpy later became a beloved broadcaster with the White Sox from 1988 until 1999.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

November 1

1962 Topps #576 - Russ Kemmerer

On this day in 1931, Russ Kemmerer was born.

Russ was purchased by the White Sox on May 18, 1960 from the Washington Senators. Over parts of three seasons, Russ appeared in 103 games, mostly in relief, but with some spot starts. His record with the White Sox was 11-7, with a 3.63 ERA, with 128 strikeouts. On June 25, 1962, Kemmerer was traded to the Houston Colt .45s for Dean Stone.
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