This Day In Sox History...April 23

[Lip Man 1]

April 23, 1919 - Perhaps the greatest White Sox team ever, in terms of talent, opened the season in St. Louis destroying the Browns 13-4. Claude ‘‘Lefty’’ Williams got the win throwing a complete game. This time however, six months later, after winning the American League pennant, the ‘‘Black Sox’’ reportedly threw the series and lost to the Cincinnati Reds.

Eight players would be banned the following year, including Williams, and the only franchise capable of stopping the emerging New York Yankees juggernaut was decimated.

 

April 23, 1949 - Sox left hander Billy Pierce won his first Major League game. Pierce came in to relieve starter Al Gettel, throwing almost four scoreless innings, and got the decision as the Sox won 12-5 against the Browns at Comiskey Park. Billy would win 186 games with the Sox, make the All-Star team seven times as their representative, throw four one-hitters and finish with 211 wins overall in his brilliant career.

 

April 23, 1955 - The White Sox hammered the Athletics 29-6 at Kansas City. The 29 runs were an American League record that stood for years. The Sox collected 29 hits that afternoon as well with seven home runs. Every starter had at least one hit including pitcher Jack Harshman. Bob Nieman had seven RBI’s with Sherm Lollar and “Minnie” Minoso adding five each. Nieman went 3 for 4 with a pair of home runs.

 

April 23, 1990 - It was an unusual event even though it happened in an exhibition game. Utility player Steve “Psycho” Lyons played all nine positions for the Sox during the annual “Crosstown Classic” game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Manager Jeff Torborg moved him all over the field during the contest won by the Sox 6-5. Outfielder Dave Gallagher threw out the potential tying run at home plate to end the game.