January 1, 200818 yr THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: JANUARY 1ST SOX SIGN DENNY McLAIN 1962: The White Sox signed 17-year old high school phenom Denny McLain setting in motion one of the most colorful careers in recent big league history. The Sox gave McLain a $17,000 bonus after a sensational career at Chicago’s Mount Carmel High School. At age 18, McLain went 1-0 for Harlan of the Appalachian (Rookie) League and 4-7 for Clinton of the Class-A Midwest League in 1962. Under the rules of the day, the Sox were allowed to keep only one first-year bonus player. The Sox had to decide between pitcher Bruce Howard and McLain. The Sox pitted the two against each other in an exhibition game. Howard was the winner and was assigned to Double-A Knoxville. McLain was placed on waivers April 8, 1962 and ultimately claimed by the Detroit Tigers where he embarked on a memorable journey which would include a31-win season, two Cy Young Awards, a World Series title and plenty of controversy. Edited January 2, 200818 yr by StatManDu
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