This Day In Sox History...April 21

[Lip Man 1]

April 21, 1900 - The White Sox played their first regular season game as part of the American League. They’d drop a 5-4 decision in 10 innings to the Milwaukee Brewers managed by “Connie” Mack. The 1900 season though wasn’t officially recognized by baseball since in this season, the American League wasn’t considered a part of organized baseball but was designated a minor league. Even so they’d go on to win the pennant with a record of 82-53.

 

April 21, 1992 - In the ninth inning of a 4-3 loss to the Yankees at Comiskey Park, shortstop Ozzie Guillen tore up his knee in a collision with left fielder Tim Raines.

On a pop into short left by Mel Hall, Guillen’s knee slammed into the shoulder of Raines who was attempting to make a diving catch. Ozzie had surgery and was lost for the rest of the year, only playing 12 games but through intensive off-season rehab work, came back strong in 1993 to regain his starting spot at shortstop for the eventual Western Division champions. It was the only serious injury he suffered in his 13 seasons on the South Side.

 

April 21, 2012 – Phil Humber was a journeyman pitcher before this day. He was a journeyman pitcher after it. But on this particular day he was as good as any pitcher in history.

Humber became only the third White Sox pitcher and the 21^st in baseball history at that time, to throw a perfect game. Humber shut out Seattle 4-0 at Safeco Field. He fanned nine Mariners in the game and threw only 96 pitches.

The closest a Mariners batter came to a hit was when Dustin Ackley lined out to Alex Rios in right field. Rios had to jump to make the catch of the ball at the warning track.  

There was some drama at the finish as the last Mariner hitter, Brendan Ryan struck out but argued with the home plate umpire for a second instead of realizing the ball got past catcher A. J. Pierzynski who had to retrieve it and throw it to first. A.J.’s throw just beat Ryan who might have ruined the perfect game had he been more alert and immediately started running!

[4uckOffCommieScum]

My mind’s eye can still see that Guillen collision. Gruesome. He came back strong but never again had the insane range that he had previously