This Day In Sox History...December 5

December 5, 1977 - Chalk this one up to Bill Veeck.

Knowing he needed a drawing card and a big bat to replace Richie Zisk and Oscar Gamble, Veeck dealt future All-Star Brian Downing and pitchers Chris Knapp and Dave Frost to California. He got back Bobby Bonds and two youngsters, Thad Bosley and Rich Dotson.

Bonds would only play in 26 games with two home runs and eight RBI’s for the Sox before he was dealt to Texas in May. The Sox record was a dismal 9-20 at the time and Veeck understood there was no way he was going to be able to re-sign him since he also was in his free agent season.

At least Dotson turned out to be of value in the 80's winning in double figures six times headed up by his 22-7 year in 1983. He also made the All-Star team in 1984.

December 5, 1986 - The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation allowing funds to be given to the White Sox in connection with the construction of a new stadium across the street from the original Comiskey Park.

December 5, 2021 – It took a while but he finally got his due as Orestes “Minnie” Minoso was voted into the Hall of Fame courtesy of the Golden Days Era Committee. Minoso, who had been turned away numerous times before, received 14 votes from the 16-person board.

“Minnie” was a six-time All-Star representing the White Sox as well as being a two-time Gold Glove winner in left field. He became the first White Sox player of color when he suited up for the team on May 1, 1951 and homered in his first at bat against the Yankees Vic Raschi.

He led the American League in triples and stolen bases three times apiece, was named the A.L. Rookie of the Year for 1951 by The Sporting News and finished hitting over .300 seven times for the White Sox.

His impact was felt for generations since he was the first Latin to make it big in Major League Baseball, “Minnie” was called the “Latin Jackie Robinson” by players who followed in his footsteps including such greats as Roberto Clemente, Tony Perez and future White Sox coach Orlando Cepeda all members of the Baseball Hall of Fame.