THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: McLAIN, SOSA

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APRIL 8TH

THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: APRIL 8

SOX WAIVE BYE TO McLAIN

1963: The White Sox placed minor league pitcher Denny McLain on waivers. The Sox signed the future two-time Cy Young winner out of Chicago’s Mt. Carmel High School on Jan. 1, 1962. At age 18, the right-hander went 1-0 for Harlan of the Appalachian (Rookie) League and 4-7 for Clinton of the Class-A Midwest League in 1962. Under the rules of the day, the Sox were allowed to keep only one first-year bonus player.The Sox had to decide between fellow right-handed pitcher Bruce Howard and McLain. The Sox pitted the two against each other in an exhibition game. Howard was the winner and was assigned to Double-A Knoxville. McLain was placed on waivers and ultimately claimed by the Detroit Tigers where he embarked on a memorable journey which would include a 31-win season and plenty of controversy.

SOX WRECK BALTIMORE BASH

1991:

The White Sox spoiled the final Opening Day at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium with a 9-1 trouncing of the Orioles before 50,213 disappointed onlookers. Sammy Sosa was the hitting star. He clubbed two roundtrippers in becoming the first Sox player to accomplish that feat in an Opening Day game since Minnie Minoso in 1960. Jack McDowell went the distance while striking out 10. It was the Sox first complete game in an Opener since 1976 when Wilbur Wood blanked the Royals on six hits. The Orioles were bound for Camden Yards next season.

 

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