Lip Man 1

July 16, 1980 - Bill Veeck’s ownership syndicate accepted offers to buy the White Sox. Sox broadcaster Harry Caray was one of those expressing interest along with millionaire Edward DeBartolo Sr. DeBartolo would eventually be turned away from getting the club after he had a deal with Veeck by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and the other owners and Veeck eventually sold the club to Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn in January 1981. July 16, 1990 – It was one of the funniest moments in Sox history, as Sox utility player Steve “Psycho” Lyons made a mistake that wound up on every highlight show in the nation. In the fifth inning at Detroit, Lyons bunted his way on, sliding head first the final few feet to beat the throw. He then called time and completely blanked out as he started to drop his pants to get the dirt out of them. Fortunately, he was wearing sliding shorts. When he realized what he was doing he quickly yanked his pants back up while turning beet red in the process. After he was forced at second base later in the inning and ran back to the dugout, female fans in the first few rows behind the Sox bench began waving dollar bills at him. July 16, 2013 – The White Sox Chris Sale got the win as the A.L. beat the N.L. 3-0 at the All-Star Game from Citi Field in New York. Sale pitched two innings facing the minimum six batters and recording two strikeouts which came during the second and third innings. His strikeouts victims were Carlos Gonzales and Troy Tulowitzki. He got credit for the win when the A.L. scored the lead and eventual winning run in the top of the fourth inning when he was still the pitcher of record.

To DVS of the Sun-Times: https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2023/7/15/23796140/focus-attention-to-detail-lacking-for-white-sox-manager-pedro-grifol-says

July 15, 1963 - Sox pitcher Gary Peters, on his way towards being named Co-Rookie of the Year, threw a one-hitter at Comiskey Park in beating the Orioles 4-0. Future Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts got the start for Baltimore and got that team’s only hit… in fact he would be the only O’s base runner on the night. That hit came in the third inning a single to center field. J.C. Martin and Tommy McCraw blasted two-run home runs for the Sox. Peters would strike out 13 that night and would finish the year with 19 wins despite not getting his first start until May 6 in Kansas City. July 15, 1994 – “Batgate” came to Comiskey Park. Indians’ slugger and future Sox outfielder Albert Belle was caught using a corked bat by Sox manager Gene Lamont in the first inning. In order to keep Belle from being suspended further, teammate Jason Grimsley crawled through the air ducts and dropped into the umpire’s room where the bat was being held for examination. Grimsley replaced Belle’s bat with a Paul Sorrento model which tipped off everyone to the switch. Umpire Dave Phillips then realized the bats had been switched and the police investigated; the league demanded that the Indians return Belle's bat; four days later, Belle's bat was sent to New York; it was x-rayed and cut open in the presence of Belle and G.M. John Hart and discovered to have cork in it; Belle was suspended for 10 games. The Sox lost the game 3-2. July 15, 2003 - Sox pitcher Esteban Loaiza started the All-Star Game being hosted by the White Sox for the fourth time in franchise history the others being the inaugural game in 1933, 1950 and the 50th anniversary contest in 1983. He went two scoreless innings and got no decision in the A.L.’s 7-6 come from behind win. He was joined in the game by teammates Carl Everett (OF) and Magglio Ordonez (OF).

Ed Herrmann told me one time Chuck was so pissed at him in his office that you could hear the yelling all through the clubhouse. You'll appreciate this story from my interview with him: “The other thing that turned it around took place pretty early in the 1971 season. We weren’t doing well; we were having a hard time catching the ball in the outfield. Mike Hershberger was back in Triple-A because he pulled a hamstring and I said I wanted him called back up to the Sox. I got a call from Roland the next day saying that there was a meeting going on at Comiskey Park and that a number of Sox people didn’t want him to return. I said “I’ll be right over.” So I got to the park and went to the meeting. A number of Sox people were there, the Farm Director, the Assistant Farm Director, scouts. Basically they said Hershberger had a bad attitude, he didn’t want to play, a lot of stuff.” “So I said, and this was the greatest thing I ever did with the Sox, that “you know there’s a reason Don Gutteridge isn’t here as manager anymore. It’s because he listened to all of you!’ I said “if Hershberger isn’t brought back up, you’ll be looking for a new manager tonight.” I threatened to resign. Mike helped turn it around. He hit a home run to win a game; he threw out a guy at the plate to win a game. He settled down the outfield and we started to win. (Author’s Note: In 74 games that season Hershberger hit .260, with two home runs, nine doubles, 15 RBI’s and 30 walks in 177 at bats.) The point was I was going to win or lose the way I wanted to, not the way someone else wanted me to.”

The next owner likely will not be an individual but a corporation.

This is an excellent look at the situation and its ramifications. Brad is my radio broadcast partner for Idaho State. He went to Northwestern, was the sports editor of the student newspaper. Both Michael Wilbon and Christine Brennen worked under him: https://www.idahostatejournal.com/freeaccess/opinion-lessons-from-northwesterns-hazing-scandal/article_cd07ad90-21a9-11ee-ac26-3797ea3bc63a.html?fbclid=IwAR1U4uZiijL7cLUjDWoARGU48cX5HlbGLnqD5XKvCAvGr-zUyUlg5jrYqWU

For a few years he was dating a reality TV stars daughter which generated publicity then he married an actress, who if I remember right got pregnant with someone else, they separated, got back together, had a child and he admitted having some emotional and mental strain (can't blame him for that of course). The point being between his injuries his sitting out the COVID year (one of the few players who did that) and all the "Hollywood gossip stuff" it seems the very last thing on his mind is becoming a solid pitcher.

First off he's not getting fired unless Hahn does. Ozzie threw shade at him tonight on the postgame as well.

If he can't throw strikes he's not even good as a relief pitcher. He's simply missed to much time, had to many injuries, had to much off the field drama and the Sox haven't done him a lot of favors with his development. Another failed "core" player.

Ozzie on the postgame show: "I don't want to talk about Pedro because every time Pedro talks I get aggravated" ? "He says Kopech throw the ball good - he's throwing 98-99 miles an hour, but he can't throw strikes. He says Kopech feels good. How does he know? He doesn't know...Kopech feels good, Anderson feels good...everybody feels good. I'm just going to flush this because I don't want to talk about him."

DVS of the Sun-Times with the post game autopsy: https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2023/7/14/23795622/michael-kopech-kod-in-first-inning-white-sox-trounced-in-first-game-back-from-break

Between injuries, sitting out the COVID year and his off the field dramas... this guy is a lost cause.

??????????

More like glass.

Let the bottoming out commence!

I hope Brian instills a better work ethic in his players then he had with the Sox (as he himself has admitted and from what I was told about him from some mainstream media members who watched him during his time with the Sox)

July 14, 1915 - In a 6-4 win over the Athletics at Comiskey Park, pitcher Urban “Red” Faber stole second, third and home in the contest. He’s one of only three Sox players to ever do this and the only pitcher to pull it off. The circumstances surrounding Faber’s steals was strange in itself. Heavy rain was interrupting the game and in the fourth inning the A’s were stalling trying to force the game to be rained out already losing 4-2. Faber stole his bases uncontested as the Athletics didn’t even try to throw him out! Even stranger, the next Sox hitter Harry “Nemo” Leibold struck out even though Philadelphia pitcher “Bullet” Joe Bush kept trying to hit him! July 14, 1953 - Sox pitcher Billy Pierce, perhaps the greatest lefty in franchise history, started the All-Star Game in Cincinnati’s Crosley Field. Billy threw three innings allowing only one hit. He got no decision in the N.L.’s 5-1 win. Joining Billy in Cincinnati were teammates “Chico” Carrasquel (SS), Nellie Fox (2B), Ferris “Burrhead” Fain (1B) and “Minnie” Minoso (OF). Carrasquel also started the contest. July 14, 1979 - It’s hard to believe given his reputation for sleepwalking and indifference, but Sox outfielder Claudell Washington actually had a good game from time to time. Washington hit three home runs against the Tigers in the Sox 12-4 win. He went 3 for 5 with five RBI’s. His home runs came in the third, seventh and eighth innings, part of the Sox six home runs in the game. July 14, 1991- It was almost a no-hitter with an unusual twist. Sox starter Jack McDowell opened the game at Milwaukee by allowing a leadoff home run by Paul Molitor. It would be the only safety on the day for the Brewers, as Jack recorded the next 27 outs without allowing a hit. McDowell allowed only one walk and a base runner via error the rest of the afternoon in the Sox 15-1 laugher. Warren “the Deacon” Newson had four RBI’s with Robin Ventura adding three. July 14, 2000 - Frank Thomas broke Luke Appling’s team record for most RBI’s when he drove in his 1,117th. It came at home in a 9-4 loss to the Cardinals. This was also the same game where Cal Eldred left in the fifth inning with soreness in his forearm/elbow which would require surgery. In the midst of a tremendous first half of the season with seemingly all the pieces in place for a run to a championship, Eldred’s injury, coupled with the loss for a long period of time, of starter James Baldwin, forced the Sox remaining pitchers into a heavier work load which caused a rash of bad arms. Two other starting pitchers, Mike Sirotka and Jim Parque basically saw their careers ended by arm injuries suffered later in the same season and had the Sox somehow got past Seattle in the opening round of the playoffs it would have been interesting to see who manager Jerry Manuel would turn to for the next series.

The “highlights” from Garfein’s latest podcast which dropped on You Tube Thursday (Sox fan questions part II) *Grifol isn’t putting players in the best position to succeed. Continues batting Anderson second for example. *Grifol recently saying “foundation is in place.” (i.e. clubhouse attitude). It isn’t… he’s saying the same things he said in April…it’s now July. *Wants Grifol to do what Rocco Baldelli did after the Twins rolled over and died to the Braves a few weeks ago. Baldelli called them out (they then played the clip with his comments). Grifol needs to hold players accountable. *Think players are “walking on” Grifol. He’s too passive. *Guys played hard for Renteria, can’t say the same for Grifol. *Offense is broken because they swing at anything out of the zone. No plate discipline. *What is the identity of this team? Establish that first THEN get the players who fit it. Sox seem to do the opposite. *Jake Diekman was brought up. Garfein said he was told by a source that Diekman talked to and that the reason for his turn around in Tampa is because (according to Diekman) "he now has a catcher that he trusts.” *Thinks Eloy will get traded this off season. Expect at least four guys to go at the deadline. Maybe as many as six. *McGuffy said he categorically knows the “plan” was to have MULTIPLE nine figure players in the clubhouse. High level guys. Front office never finished that part of the plan. *Draft issues plaguing this franchise. Read off the first-round picks. Garfein said he could probably do as good of a job as the Sox have over the last 10 years in this area. *Andrew Vaughn is NOT the problem, neither is Benetendi. Vaughn on pace for over 40 doubles and 90+ RBI’s. *Second half key is to see what you have, who wants to play and they have GOT to get Anderson’s head on straight. Batting him second will not accomplish that. Said Grifol now is just being stubborn.

There are two regularly scheduled DH's next season in baseball as well. Nice to see it. A blast from the past.

You'd think the schedule makers would show better sense. Stupid is as stupid does.

DVS of the Sun-Times gives an honest answer: https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2023/7/13/23793443/whats-next-for-white-sox-well-theres-trade-deadline-not-much-else-as-2nd-half-begins

With respect the Torborg situation wasn't what you described. This is from my extensive interview with him in 2010 and we still stay in touch talking every few months about the state of White Sox baseball: ML: The Sox still won 87 games and looked ready to take the next step when word came that you resigned to take the Mets job. I remember reading that you wanted to be closer to your family in New Jersey, Jeff…but I’ve also heard rumors through the years that some in the front office didn’t care for the way you handled pitchers, specifically Bobby Thigpen who went downhill after 1991. When I’ve asked the guys you managed about that, like Donn Pall, he strongly defended the way you used the bullpen. Can you clear this up for me, why did you leave the White Sox? And were you forced out? JT: “My mother was in her 80’s at the time but the reason that I left to be closer to my family was just for public relations, we didn’t want to hurt any feelings. I didn’t want to leave the White Sox. I had no desire to leave…why would I? This was a good young team ready to win; my wife and I loved Chicago and our son Dale was just starting out at Northwestern. (Author’s Note: Dale Torborg now works for the White Sox after a career in professional wrestling as a strength coach) ML: Then obviously by your answer there’s more to the story than was told to fans at the time. What else was going on? JT: “Later in the season we were in Minnesota for a two game series, it was a must win series for us because we were running out of time and I heard Peter Gammons report on ESPN that my job was in jeopardy. I was thinking, ‘where is this coming from?’ Then the last home stand of the year when we played the Twins again, Ron Schueler came into my office before it started and he closed the door. I was wondering what was going on. Ron said to me, “The Mets called me today and they want to talk with you about the managing job.” I told him, “Ron, I appreciate it but I have no interest.” Ron said, “well think about it and I’ll come back in a few days. We’ll talk again.” I’m sitting there wondering what is going on, because I said I had no interest.” “So right before the last games, we had a makeup double header; Ron comes back and asks if I thought about the Mets offer. I told him again that I had no interest but then I said “Ron, I’ve got to ask you because this has come up, where I fit in with you and the organization?” He looked at me and said, “I think both of us would feel bad if you turned it down and then something happened.” “When he said that I had to think twice about what was happening. Ron and I never had a cross word between us that season but he wanted to hire his own guy, so when the Mets called I took the offer. It was the best thing for me financially but it was the worst move professionally I could have made. Ironically about a half hour after I verbally told the Mets I’d take the job the Yankees called and said they were firing “Stump” Merrill and offered me the position. I told them I had already given my word to the Mets and couldn’t go back on it but I didn’t want to leave the Sox in the first place.” (Author’s Note: Schueler and the organization first contacted former Sox coach Jimmy Leyland, then the manager of the Pirates about the position, but he turned them down instead suggesting his longtime base coach Gene Lamont, who got the job.) ML: Was there any truth to the rumor that part of the reason the organization was upset with you was because of the way you handled your bullpen and how Bobby Thigpen just fell apart. JT: “I had heard that I was being criticized by some of the guys upstairs on that. I mean Larry Monroe (Author’s Note: Advisor to the Baseball Department and former Sox pitcher), Ed Farmer, and Ron (Schueler.) They all wanted Scott Radinsky to be the closer. Now Scott was a good pitcher and he could be a closer but at that time he wasn’t ready. The criticism was laughable; remember this was the bullpen that was the best in baseball in 1990.” (Author’s Note: The Sox won the Rolaids Relief Team Bullpen of the Year Award based on their record of 29-21 with 68 saves and an ERA of 3.16. The bullpen was primarily made up of right handers Bobby Thigpen, Barry Jones and Donn Pall and left handers Scott Radinsky, Kenny Patterson and Wayne Edwards.) “As far as Bobby was concerned we played a game against the A’s in 1991. We had a lead and Bobby came in to pitch the 8th inning for Alex Fernandez and a pitch got away from him and hit Terry Steinbach in the head. Tony (LaRussa) went crazy, I still remember him throwing a bat and my first thought was ‘what if that hit a fan? What kind of a lawsuit would he be looking at?’ “Anyway it was an ugly, ugly game, we lost the lead, wound up losing the game but there was a big fight after Steinbach got hit. Bobby was down on the bottom of the pile and he hurt his back. I think that’s why he lost his effectiveness not because of anything that I or the coaching staff did.” (Author’s Note: The game was played on June 1, 1991. The A’s came from behind to win 7-4.)

I think his issues go beyond just having a "bad back" in my opinion.

Can't wait to see how many of those early April games are snowed out. LOL ?

July 13, 1919 - You don’t see this every day. In a 14-9 win over Boston, three Sox players scored on a routine single off the bat of George “Buck” Weaver. July 13, 1951 - The White Sox had just played a double header the day before with the second game going 17 innings in a 5-4 loss to the Red Sox at Comiskey Park. So what did they do for an encore? They came back and played a 19-inning game against the same Red Sox team only this time they won it 5-4 scoring three runs in the last inning to pull it out after Boston scored a pair in the top half of the frame. 45 innings played in a span of roughly 36 hours! Pinch hitter Ed “Bud” Stewart’s two run single tied the game then Don Lenhardt’s sacrifice fly scored Nellie Fox to win it. July 13, 1954 - The White Sox had a total of nine representatives for the American League in the annual All-Star Game. It was played in Cleveland and the A.L. won a slugfest 11-9 thanks to Nellie Fox who drove in the winning runs on a single in the eighth inning off the Dodgers Carl Erskine. The nine players are the franchise record. In addition to Fox (2B) the Sox had “Minnie” Minoso (OF), “Chico” Carrasquel (SS), Sandy Consuegra (P), Bob Keegan (P), Sherm Lollar (C), Virgil “Fire” Trucks (P), George Kell (3B) and Ferris “Burrhead” Fain (1B) on the team. Kell and Fain weren’t able to play because of injuries. In addition to Fox’s performance Minoso had two hits and Trucks got the save pitching the ninth inning. That year the White Sox would go 94-60-1 and finish in third place. July 13, 1961 - The Sox catcher/pitcher duo of Sherm Lollar and Frank Baumann became only the third set of battery mates to hit back-to-back home runs in a game. They connected off the Yankees Bill Stafford in the fifth inning of a 6-2 loss at Comiskey Park. July 13, 1964 - In an effort to stay in the pennant race, Sox G.M. Ed Short acquired Chicago native Bill “Moose” Skowron from the Senators for Joe Cunningham and Frank Kreutzer. “Moose” would play well for the Sox in the next few seasons and make the All-Star Team in 1965. In 73 games in 1964 he’d hit .293 July 13, 1993 - Sox ace “Black” Jack McDowell was the winning pitcher as the American League beat the National League 9-3 in the All-Star Game at Camden Yards, Baltimore. McDowell pitched a scoreless fifth inning. He’d go on to become the league’s Cy Young Award winner later that year with 22 wins and over 256 innings pitched. Frank Thomas (1B) joined him on the A.L. team. July 13, 2017 – The rebuilding of the White Sox continued as they shipped left hander Jose Quintana to the cross-town Cubs in return for four prospects, one of whom, Eloy Jimenez, was considered one of the top minor league players in the game. Quintana was a solid, stable pitcher for the Sox, one of the most reliable in baseball who made the All-Star team in 2016. He never had a lot of luck however as he garnered over 60 non-decisions in his five plus seasons on the team. In addition to Jimenez the Sox received one of the Cubs top pitching prospects, Dylan Cease who turned into one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball. July 13, 2021 – At the All-Star Game in Denver won by the A.L. 5-2, the White Sox Liam Hendriks came in to pitch the ninth inning and collect the save. It marked the second time a Sox pitcher saved the All-Star Game, the first time coming by Virgil “Fire” Trucks at the 1954 game in Cleveland. Hendriks didn’t allow a run and was wired for sound by Fox Sports. His ‘commentary’ proved to be very entertaining! He was joined on the team by pitchers Lance Lynn and Carlos Rodon and shortstop Tim Anderson. Lynn pitched a scoreless second inning and Anderson played the final few innings but did not get an at-bat.