March 29, 201115 yr BREAKING IN BANK ONE BALLPARK … SIMAS DEMOTED 1998: The White Sox closed out their inaugural spring training in Arizona by defeating the Diamondbacks 3-0 before 48,198 in the first game at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix. For the record, the White Sox Frank Thomas had the stadium's first hit and RBI and teammate Mike Cameron logged the first walk, steal and run. Mike Sirotka had a big day. The left-hander combined with James Baldwin for six shutout innings and delivered a run-scoring single to right field as the Sox ended the practice games 18-12. ... … After the game, the Sox optioned pitcher Bill Simas to Triple-A Calgary because they were convinced the right-hander’s velocity had not returned after shoulder surgery. Simas, a staple in the Sox pen the previous three years, returned to Chicago after making five minor league appearances and wound up leading the team with 18 saves. Simas’ season also included 13 consecutive successful save chances.
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