April 3

1993 Diamond Marks #54 - Bo Jackson

On this day in 1991, the Chicago White Sox signed Bo Jackson.

Bo was a two-sport phenom and a media juggernaut, but the White Sox signed him after a career threatening injury. The medical staff of the White Sox became one of the motivating factors for Jackson. The first high profile case for the Sox, Bo became a test case for what could be done after devastating injuries.

From the moment Jackson signed, he was a Chicago sensation. Bo amazed fans and teammates alike, when he ran onto the field during the 1991 White Sox home opener when introduced to the crowd. The fans went crazy and Jackson claimed that his "legs took control".

Bo would give the Sox fans a few thrills in 1991 and again in 1993, when he played in his only postseason games as a major league player. This began the tradition of reclamation projects, which included such players as Cal Eldred, Jake Peavy, Ozzie Guilen and Robin Ventura. Jackson's power remained, but his legendary speed all but vanished. With his first appearance in a White Sox uniform, Bo became the first player in the MLB to play with an artificial hip.



White Sox April 3rd birthdays:

1943 - Barry Moore