June 19, 200421 yr New owner Bill Vecck brought in Paul Richards for a second tour as manager, ripped out the artificial turf (Installed in 1968) in the infield and replaced it with grass then tore down the fence in centerfield, increasing the home run distance from 415 feet to 440. Amid all these changes the White Sox had a terrible season on the field, posting the worst record both home and away in the league, finishing sixth, 64-97 25.5 games out . On may 9th, Wilbur Wood, who had a 4-3 record, was hit by a line drive and suffered a fractured kneecap. He was lost for the season and things went down hill rapidly from there. Ken Brett (10-12) was the top winner among the remaining pitchers as Bart Johnson finished 9-16 and Rich Gossage 9-17, Ralph Garr topped the hitters, batting .300 in 136 games; Jim Spencer (.253) and Jorge Orta (.274) hit 14 home runs each and Orta had 72 RBI's
June 19, 200421 yr I remember watching that game when Wood got drilled on the kneecap. If my ever-fading memory serves correctly, it was in Tiger Stadium and Ron Leflore did the damage. Ouch. I can still see Wood rolling around, screaming in pain. By the way, I've heard/read that Wilbur Wood is still getting paid by the Sox, per the terms of his last contract (that deferred money thing, y'know.). If what I heard is correct, he gets $50,000 per year, through 2010. Wilbur Wood is either 62 or 63 years of age.
June 19, 200421 yr Author By the way, I've heard/read that Wilbur Wood is still getting paid by the Sox, per the terms of his last contract (that deferred money thing, y'know.). If what I heard is correct, he gets $50,000 per year, through 2010. Wilbur Wood is either 62 or 63 years of age. Reallly?
June 19, 200421 yr New owner Bill Vecck brought in Paul Richards for a second tour as manager, ripped out the artificial turf (Installed in 1968) in the infield and replaced it with grass then tore down the fence in centerfield, increasing the home run distance from 415 feet to 440. Amid all these changes the White Sox had a terrible season on the field, posting the worst record both home and away in the league, finishing sixth, 64-97 25.5 games out . On may 9th, Wilbur Wood, who had a 4-3 record, was hit by a line drive and suffered a fractured kneecap. He was lost for the season and things went down hill rapidly from there. Ken Brett (10-12) was the top winner among the remaining pitchers as Bart Johnson finished 9-16 and Rich Gossage 9-17, Ralph Garr topped the hitters, batting .300 in 136 games; Jim Spencer (.253) and Jorge Orta (.274) hit 14 home runs each and Orta had 72 RBI's Ouch. What a lousy year that was. But the '77 Southside Hitmen are next on the agenda.
June 19, 200421 yr New owner Bill Vecck brought in Paul Richards for a second tour as manager sometimes Paul Richards even stayed awake til the 6th inning!
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.