http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/press...sp&c_id=cws

 

Bill Pierce to join White Sox legends in bronze at U.S. Cellular Field

 

CHICAGO -- A life-sized sculpture of franchise pitching legend Bill Pierce will be unveiled by the Chicago White Sox prior to the team's game on Monday, July 23, 2007.

 

The Pierce sculpture will be located on the main concourse near left-center field. Pierce's will be the sixth in a series of sculptures unveiled honoring White Sox greats. Sculptures of club founder Charles A. Comiskey and Cuban great Orestes "Minnie" Minoso were unveiled in 2004. Carlton Fisk's sculpture was unveiled in 2005, while the famous double play duo of Luis Aparicio and Nellie Fox was honored with sculptures last summer.

 

Pierce will participate in the sculpture's unveiling before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game vs. the Detroit Tigers. Tickets are still available for the game by calling 1-866-SOX-GAME or visiting whitesox.com

 

"Bill Pierce is one of the truly great pitchers in Chicago White Sox history," said White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "And as great a pitcher as Bill was for those 1950s Sox teams, he is an even greater human being, working for decades as the heart and soul of Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities. While he won over 200 games in his career, Bill should be just as proud of the millions of dollars he has raised to help others. It is more than fitting that he is immortalized in bronze along with other legends of the organization and will forever be a part of White Sox tradition and history."

 

Pierce was acquired from the Detroit Tigers on November 10, 1948. In the next 13 years with the White Sox, the left-hander won 186 games, struck out 1,796 batters and was selected to the All-Star Game seven times, starting the game on three different occasions. Pierce's strikeouts rank first in team history, while his win total ranks fourth. A member of the 1959 American League Champion White Sox, Pierce threw four scoreless innings out of the bullpen during the World Series.

 

Pierce made one more World Series appearance with the San Francisco Giants in 1962. He retired following the 1964 season, finishing his career with 211 wins, 193 complete games and 38 shutouts. But it was his congenial personality and upbeat demeanor, not his numbers, which made him a favorite among fans throughout the city.

 

After his playing career, Pierce served as and continues to be an ambassador for the White Sox, appearing at community events on behalf of the organization. Pierce also is a driving force on behalf of Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities, which since its inception in 1971, has raised over $11 million for cancer patient care, education and research programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Children's Memorial Hospital.

Awesome! I'm still waiting for the Tim Hulett statue.

Sweet. Iguchi cannot be too far behind.

Coolness, at this rate, Ron Karkavice will be the 345th statue made.

Shoeless Joe Jackson needs a statue.

Shoeless Joe Jackson needs a statue.

Shoeless Joe Jackson needs a statue.

...and Frank Thomas (obviously), but not until he retires.

Edited April 20, 200719 yr by Felix

Shoeless Joe Jackson needs a statue.

 

You are very right on this one.

Nobody giving any bronze statue love to Fordyce?

Nobody giving any bronze statue love to Fordyce?

Not before Chris Snopek!

...and Frank Thomas (obviously), but not until he retires.

 

We retired Baines number while he was still playing.

The funny thing is that he has similar stats as Whitey Ford and Ford is in the HOF. He should turn into Ron Santo and demanded to be put in.

 

Thomas and Shoeless Joe should have their statue together. Blend the ages together. Ironic that they both have stories about the World Series. Joe has the Black Sox issue and Thomas was injured and couldn't play. Was Joe on the 1917 team?

I'm trying to remember the statues, Minoso, Cominsky, Aparicio, and Fisk come to mind. Is there one of Veeck? Anyone else?

I think the Carlos May statue is the next to be done. They'll save money by only needing to cast one thumb.

I think the Carlos May statue is the next to be done. They'll save money by only needing to cast one thumb.

 

They orta do that one because the Oscar Gamble statue will cost double because the hair will need a second statue.

They orta do that one because the Oscar Gamble statue will cost double because the hair will need a second statue.

 

Pound for pound, that Wilbur Wood statue is gonna set them back some too.

I'm trying to remember the statues, Minoso, Cominsky, Aparicio, and Fisk come to mind. Is there one of Veeck? Anyone else?

Nellie Fox. There is no Veeck.