On this day in 2000, Jon Garland made his MLB debut for the Chicago White Sox, but only lasted three innings.
Making his debut in Kauffman Stadium against those pesky Kansas City Royals, Jon gave up seven runs, all earned. Garland was able to get out of the first inning with only one run, but the second inning did not go as well. Even though the White Sox put on a solo home run parade in the early innings, courtesy of Ray Durham, Jose Valentin and Frank Thomas, Jon gave up three more in the second, when Johnny Damon cleared the bases with a double. The third inning started well with a groundout by Mike Sweeney, but future teammate Jermaine Dye changed the Royals fortunes by hitting a home run. By the time the third inning was finished, Dave McCarty and Jorge Fabregas became heroes for the day by driving in runs. The White Sox tried valiantly to give Garland a no decision by attacking the Kansas City pitchers, but the White Sox relief pitching betrayed their efforts. Jesus Pena and Bill Simas both gave up additional runs, including two homers. The Sox got close but could only reach seven runs at the plate, while the pitching gave up ten.
Originally a first round draft pick of the Chicago Cubs in 1997, Garland came to the White Sox via a trade for relief pitcher Matt Karchner. Jon continued to improve after his rude awakening in his debut. Eventually, Garland made the All-Star team and pitched in the 2005 World Series. The Sox sold high on Jon when they traded him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Orlando Cabrera, prior to the 2008 season. Garland won eighteen games for the Sox in 2005 and again in 2006, but has never again reached those heights in the majors.
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