Lip Man 1

I've had issues too.

January 15, 2003 – It was another bold stab by G.M. Kenny Williams as he acquired starter Bartolo Colon as part of a three-way deal with Montreal and the Yankees. Colon had a good season for the Sox… 15 wins, 242 innings pitched and 173 strikeouts before inking a large deal with Anaheim where he’d win the Cy Young Award. Williams brought him back in 2009 hoping for the same but got little for his troubles. In fact, Colon got hurt, was overweight and when assigned to a minor league rehab stint never reported! It was rumored that Colon was distraught over the death of entertainer Michael Jackson, and when manager Ozzie Guillen heard such, he emptied out Colon’s locker and dumped the possessions in the hallway outside of the White Sox clubhouse! January 15, 2021 – The White Sox continued to make strong moves to get back into serious contention for a championship. On this date they announced the signing to a free agent contract of Liam Hendriks, one of the top relief pitchers in baseball to a multi-year deal. The contract would net the Australian right hander 54 million dollars over three, possibly four years. Since taking over as the A’s closer on June 21, 2019, Hendriks had recorded a 1.99 ERA over 68 innings pitched, with 39 saves, 111 strikeouts and a 0.79 WHIP in 65 appearances. His contract had an unusual twist, perhaps the first of its kind in baseball. The fourth year of the deal had an option year, worth 15 million but included a 15-million-dollar buyout. If the White Sox declined the option, the buyout would be paid in 10 equal installments between 2024 and 2033. The paying of money down the road, something NFL teams often do, could help with the ‘luxury tax’ threshold should the Sox be in that position where it becomes an issue. Hendriks wouldn’t disappoint posting 38 saves, a 2.54 ERA and 113 strikeouts against only seven walks in his first year on the South Side winning A.L. Relief Pitcher of the Year honors. He followed it up in 2022 with 37 saves an ERA of 2.81 and 85 strikeouts vs. 18 walks.

January 14, 1963 - It was the move that re-energized the franchise and led directly to back-to-back-to- back 90 or more-win seasons in 1963, 1964 and 1965. Sox G. M. Ed Short traded shortstop Luis Aparicio and outfielder Al Smith to the Orioles for third baseman Pete Ward, outfielder Dave Nicholson, shortstop Ron Hansen and relief pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm. Trading Aparicio was a shock but contractual differences between him and the team and the bad feelings it produced made a deal necessary. Ward would be named Co-Rookie of the Year (with teammate Gary Peters) and would supply power for the next few seasons. In 1963 and 1964 Ward averaged 22 home runs, 89 RBI’s and hit .290 before an accident where he was a passenger in a car leaving Chicago Stadium after a hockey game severely impacted his career. He suffered whiplash and never felt comfortable at the plate ever again. Nicholson, who struck out far too much, still had 22 home runs and 70 RBI’s in 1963. Hansen would be one of the best defensive shortstops in the league and hit as many as 20 home runs in a season, at a time when shortstops simply didn’t do that. Wilhelm became the top relief pitcher of the 1960's. In his six years with the Sox, he’d win 41 games and save 99 others while producing some astonishingly low ERA’s considering he threw the knuckleball. His highest ERA between 1963 and 1968 was 2.64, every other season it was below two. He’d be elected to the Hall of Fame in 1985. January 14, 2001 - The Sox acquired pitcher David Wells from Toronto basically for pitcher Mike Sirotka. Over the coming weeks and months, Sirotka and the Blue Jays claimed the Sox knew that Sirotka had a bad arm and couldn’t pitch. Sox G.M. Ken Williams defended himself by saying that he told the Jays he thought Sirotka might be hurt and offered pitcher Jim Parque instead. Commissioner Allan “Bud” Selig ruled in late March that the trade would stand. The whole episode became known as “Shouldergate.” Wells meanwhile had few good moments with the Sox. He’d beat the Indians opening day in Cleveland after he said fans got him angry by talking about his mother and how he was raised but after that, because of a bad back he barely pitched, winning only five games in total with only 16 starts on the year. He then caused a major controversy when he went on the radio and said that he didn’t think first baseman Frank Thomas was as badly hurt as he claimed. Thomas would only wind up playing 20 games that year after he tore a triceps muscle diving for a ground ball along the first base line.

I was told in Jake Peavy's case for example when he missed 1/6th of the season after that lat tear the Sox got back money based on insurance coverage but I was also told that teams keep insurance deals very close to the vest and the actual terms/ conditions are really only known to the team and insurance company. I was also told coverage on athletes contracts is very expensive.

White Sox attendance issues started in the mid 1960's when social unrest created the myth that Comiskey Park was a "dangerous" place because of its location. Nothing the Sox could do about that but they have shot themselves in the foot over the years with decisions like leaving WGN-TV, creating SportsVision and saying "We are Chicago's American League team..." instead of taking on the Cubs full-on. From 1951-1967 the Sox outdrew the Cubs in 16 of those 17 years sometimes by a wide margin. Part of the issue is the Sox have not been able to consistently put a winning competitive streak like that together since then. Often they come out of the blue (like in 2005) and have an excellent season but they...can't...keep...it...going. I don't mean winning World Series after World series but how about making the playoffs say four times in six years or five times in seven? Sox have never done that. They'll have a nice stretch (1981-1983, 1990-1994, 2000-2006...) and then it's back to mediocrity. To say nothing even about all the controversies...Sox are moving...stadium controversy, JR and 1994 labor impasse, White Flag Trade, cancelling Sox fest, bizarre new ticket policy among others. That's no way to build a fan base in my opinion.

Anything is possible that's why they play the games on the field but with so many issues, holes, controversies (I was told last week that the Sox new bizarre ticket approach was created without the knowledge or input of a few of the high levels front office staff) it's a long shot. White Sox fans should heed the motto: "Hope for the best, expect the worst..."

Remember Hahn arrogantly talking about "multiple championships" and "talk to me after the parade". LOL

January 12, 1982 - In the January phase of the amateur draft that no longer exists today, the White Sox unearthed the unlikeliest of success stories. John Cangelosi was selected with the No. 433 overall pick, befitting a 5´8´´ fireplug of a player. He played at Miami Dade College. Three years later, Cangelosi made his Major League debut in Chicago, and in 1986 he leapfrogged the more highly-touted Daryl Boston to make the Opening Day roster as Chicago’s center fielder and leadoff hitter. He swiped 39 bases by the All-Star break, but then was benched rather curiously by midseason manager replacement Jim Fregosi. His best hitting game with the Sox came early in that same 1986 season when he banged out four hits in a 4-3 loss to Milwaukee at Comiskey Park on April 9. Traded to Pittsburgh after the 1986 season, Cangelosi would play 11 more years in the big leagues, winning a World Series with the 1997 Florida Marlins. January 12, 2000 - Sox G.M. Ron Schueler made amends for some of his worst moves by shipping disgruntled pitcher Jamie Navarro to Milwaukee as part of a four-player deal. In exchange he got long ball hitting shortstop Jose Valentin and pitcher Cal Eldred. Both would play a large part in the unexpected divisional championship in 2000. Eldred went 10-2 in 20 starts for the team that season before an elbow injury basically ended his White Sox career in July. Valentin played five years on the South Side averaging 120 hits, 27 home runs and 76 RBI's in those years and he was a Cub-killer. One of the highlights in Jose's White Sox stint was a very rare accomplishment, a ‘natural’ cycle which took place against the Orioles on April 27, 2000. He singled in the first, doubled in the second, tripled in the third and homered in the eighth inning in a 13-4 win. For the day he went 4 for 5 with five RBI’s and two runs scored.

They can, the issue is they don't have the will to do so thanks to ownership.

January 10, 1992 – It was one of the worst deals in Sox G.M. Ron Schueler's career as he traded pitcher Melido Perez and two minor leaguers to the Yankees for Steve Sax. Schueler envisioned a devastating one/two punch at the top of the order in Tim Raines and Sax followed by Frank Thomas and Robin Ventura. It never happened, as Sax suddenly forget how to hit and was gone from the team by late April 1994. Making matters worse is that one of the minor league pitchers dealt was Bob Wickman who’d go on to become a top relief pitcher and two-time All-Star winning 63 games with 267 saves. Sax did have one moment of glory as on May 5, 1993 in Milwaukee he made an incredible catch in left field on a ball hit by Billy Doran with the lead run on base. It happened in the eighth inning. Sax broke back and to his left on the drive and caught the ball with his left arm extended. The angle and momentum caused him to tumble over and he lost the ball out of his glove on the way down. Just before hitting the ground however, he snagged the ball with his bare right hand holding it up to the umpire after he hit the grass. That saved a run and the Sox won the game 3-1 on a Robin Ventura home run in the top of the ninth inning.

Heard back from my source on the insurance question: "I'm told the terms of the insurance policies vary, are extremely high and usually kept private between the team and insurance company. " So I guess if Hahn does something that's an indication the Sox are covered in some way although there is no way to know for sure one way or the other especially given the secrecy and dysfunction in this organization.

The question has been asked about insurance in this thread, how that may impact the Sox moving forward. So I asked about this with a long time friend of mine who is a member of the mainstream Chicago media. This is the reply just FYI: "I know when the training staff told Jake Peavy there was nothing wrong with him, until his arm nearly came off, there was the issue of insurance and whether the salary would be covered by insurance. Rick Hahn was testy when he was asked whether insurance would cover the salary if Peavy missed the first 1/6th of the season. I think this is the case with Liam, but I'll ask around. I feel terrible for Liam, since he's a straight shooter who can see who's full of crap and who's giving an honest effort. I hope he's consulting with experts outside of Rush Hospital before making a decision on the treatments. I'm a big Crochet fan, but you can't beat experience in the late innings."

It has been estimated that JR now owns about 18% of the team since some of the other investors have passed away and he now has their shares. But this is the key point. JR has ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY to run the franchise as he sees fit. It is in his contract. The minority owners can offer advice/suggestions but JR can do as he wishes. He also has control over if the franchise is to be sold. Minority owners have been asking him to sell since 2005 and he refuses to do so. Andrew Berlin twice offered to buy the club in 2008 and JR said no. The only way JR can in essence be removed from his position is if he does something illegal (malfeasance) or shows that he is losing his mental faculties. I have spoken with two individuals who know members of the board/minority owners and have been told the Sox "haven't lost money in a long time..."

A good franchise would do what you are suggesting. The White Sox with their self-imposed salary cap probably doesn't have the means or more importantly the will. They'll simply "hope" things work out and when they don't make excuses.

I don't see how trading a bullpen guy who has the potential to be good helps the bullpen situation which has probably just lost their closer for the entire season (using Scott Radinsky as a measuring stick from 1994)

He does have a few things going for him. As a pro athlete he is in good shape/health overall, he's young and he also has the money needed to get the very best care...see the very best doctors/hospitals.

I admire your optimism. The season hasn't even started yet and they are getting hit with news that obviously has a major impact on the team.

January 8, 2014 – White Sox legend Frank Thomas, was elected to the Hall of Fame on his first try, with 83.7 per cent support. Thomas played the first 16 years of his career on the South Side, and was a five-time All-Star and two-time M.V.P. He also was the largest person both in height and weight to win a batting championship when he hit .347 in 1997. He also was the only player in history to hit over .300 with at least 100 runs, 100 RBI’s, 20 home runs and 100 walks in each of his first seven seasons.

I think the Mariners are owned or were at one time by Nintendo of Japan. I remember JR was so vocal against the sale some were accusing him of racism.

Very unfortunate news for Liam, his family and the organization both on and off the field. Scott Radinsky of the White Sox had this and missed the entire 1994 season. He eventually did return although I don't remember if he was as effective as before the illness. I think Mario Lemieux of the Penguins also had this (don't remember for sure) and he returned. Moving forward we'll see what if anything Rick does since now this has a major impact of course

January 7, 1985 - Former White Sox reliever Hoyt Wilhelm was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, garnering 83.8 per cent of the vote in his eighth year on the ballot. In the previous election of 1984, Wilhelm had fallen just 13 votes shy of enshrinement, with 72 per cent of the vote. Wilhelm pitched six full seasons for the White Sox, the most time logged with any of the knuckleballer’s nine franchises. He had a career White Sox ERA of 1.97, 41 wins and 99 saves. The ERA, considering the unpredictability of the pitch he threw, was truly remarkable.

Just got an update this afternoon: "The contract has been signed! The two billboards are set to go up in Late March! Thank you all again for donating, this has been CRAZY!"

March 21, 1997 - The Sox suffered a major blow to their hopes for a championship when star third baseman Robin Ventura destroyed his ankle and lower leg on a slide at home plate in a spring game against the Red Sox. The injury was so horrific that a woman sitting in the stands passed out when she saw the result. It was caused because his spikes caught in the wet, muddy, ground. The result was that Ventura’s foot was pointed 180 degrees opposite of the way a foot is supposed to be. The injury took place only 10 days before the season opener and the Sox were left in a state of shock. G. M. Ron Schueler announced to the media the team would be looking for a replacement, and then did nothing to fill the void staying in-house with Greg Norton and Chris Snopek. They combined for five home runs and 36 RBI’s in 105 games. Thankfully after a rigorous rehabilitation process, Robin would be back to play in 54 games that season and continue to have an outstanding Major League career after he left the Sox as a free agent.

January 6, 2005 - Needing catching help, Sox G.M. Ken Williams took a gamble and inked catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a free agent contract. A.J., who had a reputation as a ‘clubhouse cancer’ turned out to be a model teammate and his contributions to the 2005 World Series champs, would be incalculable. Sox announcer Ken “Hawk” Harrelson pitched A.J. to the front office since he knew him for a number of years (both lived in Florida) and got the organization to take the chance. Two of the most memorable A.J. moments took place in 2005. The first came on June 18 when he hit an opposite field home run to cap a four run ninth inning as the Sox beat the Dodgers 5-3. The Sox were wearing 1959 replica uniforms for the game. The second and far more important moment, came on October 12, the second game of the A.L.C.S. With the Sox down a game to the Angels and tied in the ninth, Pierzynski struck out then started running to first base as former Sox player Josh Paul, the Angels catcher, rolled the ball back towards the mound thinking the inning was over. A.J. thought the ball hit the dirt and was trapped which required a put out at first base. Umpire Doug Eddings agreed and Pierzynski got the base. The play led to the eventual winning run, evening the best of seven series which the Sox went on to win in five games to get to their first World Series since 1959. Another 'classic' A.J. moment came on May 20, 2006 during a Cubs/Sox game at U.S. Cellular Field. Scoring the first run in an eventual 7-0 Sox win, A.J. got tangled up with catcher Michael Barrett and went back to touch home plate. As he was doing so, he bumped Barrett which resulted in the Cub player losing it and sucker punching him. Four players wound up being ejected in the fight.

I think Fisk and his wife still live in suburban Chicago.