THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: MARCH 7TH/Black Jack's bat

THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: MARCH 7TH

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

1975: The White Sox lost to the Chunichi Dragons 1-0 in an exhibition game in Sarasota, Florida. The Dragons were touring the States as the defending champions of the Japanese Central League.

JOHNSTONE, SPIEZIO CUT

1973: The White Sox abruptly released outfielder Jay Johnstone and utlityman Ed Spiezio. Johnstone was probably deemed expendable because of the arrival of Ken Henderson, who was slated to join Pat Kelly and Carlos May in the 1973 outfield. Spiezio was most likely cleared out because of the return of Bill Melton at third. Spiezio was acquired during the 1972 season to fill in for the injured Bill Melton at third base.

WHO NEEDS THE DH?

1994: White Sox ace Jack McDowell gave up one hit in four innings and delivered a run-scoring double in a 3-2 split squad loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a Grapefruit League game in Bradenton, Fla. The reigning Cy Young Award winner drove in Mike LaValliere with a gapper in the fourth-inning for his first hit in seven spring training at bats. The next day’s Chicago Tribune pointed out that McDowell notched his first spring hit before Michael Jordan did.

IT COULDN’T LAST FOREVER

2004: The White Sox suffered their first loss in the Ozzie Guillen Era. After opening the Cactus League season with three straight victories, the Sox lost to the Diamondbacks 8-7 at Tucson Electric Park.

HAVE A DAY WIDGE

2006: Chris Widger launched two home runs and Paul Konerko homered and drove in four as the White Sox whipped Oakland 8-5 in a Cactus League game. The victory was the defending champs’ second straight after starting the exhibition season with six straight Ls.