Today in White Sox History: January 11
1881: A Winter Revolution
Chicago witnessed a unique sporting event in 1881 - a series of Tuesday baseball games played on ice. This innovative approach to the sport brought together professionals and amateurs alike, establishing a winter tradition that would endure for years. It was a bold move, challenging the norms of the time and offering a fresh perspective on baseball.
1949: The Tresh Era Comes to an End
After a remarkable 11-year tenure as a catcher for the South Siders, Mike Tresh was sold to the Cleveland team. His career with the White Sox was marked by a unique distinction: despite his impressive 2.1 career WAR, which ranked him 6th on the all-time list, Tresh's WAR was significantly lower than that of Billy Sullivan, who held the top spot. This disparity sparked intriguing discussions about the varying levels of recognition among players.
1962: The Pope's White Sox Connection
On this day in 1962, Donn Pall, a future White Sox player, was born in Chicago. Pall's connection to the team went beyond his birthplace. In 1979, as a 17-year-old, he attended Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park, living out his childhood dream. The intriguing twist? The original White Sox pope, Leo, was just seven years older than Pall, creating a fascinating possibility of a papal encounter at a White Sox game.
1973: The Designated Hitter Revolution
Baseball owners made a significant rule change in 1973, introducing the designated hitter (DH) rule. However, this rule was initially limited to American League (AL) teams and implemented on a three-year experimental basis. The 'experiment' lasted nearly 50 years before the National League (NL) finally adopted the rule in 2022. Mike Andrews became the first White Sox DH, popping out in the second inning of the Opening Day, but he managed to finish the day with a double and a walk, making a successful debut.
2000: Hall of Fame Induction and Farewell
Carlton Fisk, a Hall of Famer, was elected to the Hall of Fame on his second try. Despite playing 343 more games with the Boston Red Sox, Fisk's Hall plaque featured a Red Sox cap, symbolizing his impact on both teams. Tragically, former White Sox manager and pitching Hall-of-Fame Bob Lemon passed away on the same day at the age of 79 in Long Beach, California. Lemon's remarkable 61-year career in baseball, including managing the 1977 South Side Hit Men to an impressive 90 wins, showcased his versatility as a player, manager, coach, and scout.
