50 FAVORITE WHITE SOX PLAYERS

[knightni]

14. Ray Durham

 

 

(15 of 27 lists - 202 points - highest ranking #1 SoxFan1)

 

bio by knightni & wikipedia

 

Ray Durham was a member of the Chicago White Sox from 1995 to 2002. Durham was a leadoff hitter during these years of his career. He established himself as one of baseballs better leadoff hitters with above league average on base percentages and averaging well over 20 stolen bases and 10 home runs per season. His performance from 2000 to 2002 was exceptional.

 

By posting at least 15 home runs with 100 runs, 20 steals, a .450 slugging percentage and 65 RBI in three consecutive seasons, Durham became just the 10th player in baseball history to accomplish such a feat. He is in great company, with the list including Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Joe Morgan, as well as current superstars Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez.

 

Durham left Chicago as the club's all-time leader in leadoff home runs (20), while ranking fifth in steals (219), 7th in doubles (249) and extra base hits (408) and 8th in runs (784).

 

When I think of Ray Durham, I think of promise and an unfulfilled career on the Southside.

 

Coming up from the minors, he was a true home-grown guy. A fifth round pick, he blazed through the minors from Rookie ball in 1992, to hitting .296 with 16 HRs, and stealing at a 76% clip in AAA by 1994.

 

He was a flash at 2B. No one could field flyballs like he could. He was almost a short rightfielder, his range was so extensive.

 

It was a sad day when Kenny Williams dumped him to Oakland for mediocre relief prospect Jon Adkins. Durham has had so many good years since leaving the Sox, that it's a shame that he never got to be with the team and win it all in 2005.

 

[greg775]

He was a great White Sox. Has had a darn good career.