VENTURA INJURED

1997: White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura suffered an ankle injury so grotesque that a fan reportedly fainted. The injury occurred when Ventura slid into home in the fourth inning of the White Sox 4-1 Grapefruit League victory over the Boston Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. Ventura suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. He would undergo surgery the next day. During the operation, a screw was inserted to stabilize the ankle. The injury was expected to cost Ventura three to four months. Ventura began his minor league rehab assignment on July 14. By July 24, he was back in the Sox lineup and he delivered game-winning hit that night at Comiskey Park in what was one of the most emotional moments at the park in some time.

 

That game was the Joe Crede homer game, before Joe Crede came along.

That injury was one of the nastiest I've ever seen in sports. Remember his reaction when he slid into home and his foot was pointing the wrong way? Made my stomach lurch. Couldn't believe he got back so fast.