This Day In Sox History...April 19

[Lip Man 1]

April 19, 1960 - Orestes “Minnie” Minoso made a triumphant return to the White Sox, blasting two home runs, including the game winner in the ninth inning for a wild 10-9 victory over the A’s on opening day. “Minnie”, re-acquired over the off season from the Indians, also had a grand slam and drove in six RBI’s.

More ominous however was the fact that the vaunted American League champion Sox pitching staff gave up nine runs in the first place and the team committed two errors in the field. Those shortcomings would eventually lead to a third-place finish with a record of 87-67.

In 1960 Minoso hit .311 with 20 home runs, 105 RBI’s and 17 stolen bases winning a Gold Glove and making the All-Star team in one of his finest individual seasons. 

 

April 19, 1961 - In the home opener against Washington Sox owner Bill Veeck hired a number of midgets to sell concessions throughout Comiskey Park.

Why? Because Veeck received a number of complaints that taller sellers were obstructing the fans view of the game itself! Given that the Sox lost the game 7-2 said fans may not have wanted to see the game much anyway.

 

April 19, 1965 – White Sox manager Al Lopez tied the record when he used five pinch hitters in the seventh inning of what turned out to be a 7-2 win over the Orioles at Comiskey Park. The Sox trailed 2-1 when Lopez began his maneuvering. By the time the inning was over he used Don Buford, Danny Cater, Johnny Romano, Dave Nicholson and Gary Peters as pinch hitters with Romano and Peters both hitting singles and driving in runs. Peters’ hit would give the Sox the lead for good. Lopez first used five pinch hitters in an inning on May 18, 1957 also against the Orioles in Baltimore.