March 12, 200719 yr HOOSIER SPRING HOME 1945: The White Sox opened their final wartime spring training camp in Terre Haute, Ind. Wartime travel restrictions forced the White Sox into some unconventional spring training homes. In 1943 and 1944, the Sox trained in French Lick, Ind., better known as the hometown of NBA legend Larry Bird. After working out in Terre Haute -- where Bird played for Indiana State – for one year, the Sox went West after the war, returning to Pasadena, Calif., where they had trained from 1933 to 1942. BEATING UP THE BIRD 1981: The White Sox put a dent in Mark “The Bird” Fidrych’s comeback when they pounded the Detroit right-hander in a 13-5 Grapefruit League victory in Lakeland. The Sox ripped Fidrych, who had struggled with injuries since winning the 1976 A.L. Rookie of the Year Award, for six runs. The big blow was Rusty Kuntz’s two-run home run in the first inning. For the rest of the day in White Sox history, see whitesoxalmanac.com
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