THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: DEC 3 AND DEC 4

[StatManDu]

(2 days worth!!!)

 

THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: DECEMBER 3RD

 

For the complete rundown of both days, see www.whitesoxalmanac.com

 

1974: The White Sox finally cut ties with the enigmatic Dick Allen when they dealt him to the Atlanta Braves for a reported $5,000 and a player to be named later. The following May 15th, the Sox acquired catcher Jim Essian to complete the deal.

 

1990: The White Sox lost left-handed pitcher Buddy Groom in the minor league draft to the Detroit Tigers. A little-known performer at Double-A at the time, Groom would become an effective “one-batter” reliever for Detroit, Florida, Oakland, Baltimore, the Yankees and Diamondbacks between 1992 and 2005. Groom was the Sox 12th round pick in the June 1987 draft. Wedsel Gary “Buddy” Groom logged a 4.64 ERA in 786 big league appearances but only pitched 734.2 innings.

 

2002: In what turned out to be a dud of a deal, the White Sox acquired stopper Billy Koch and two minor leaguers for pitcher Keith Foulke, catcher Mark Johnson and minor league pitcher Joe Valentine. Thirteen days later, the Sox received minor leaguers Neal Cotts and Daylon Holt to complete the deal. While Koch turned out to be a bust, Cotts was a big part of the bullpen that helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series.

 

THIS DATE IN WHITE SOX HISTORY: DECEMBER 4TH

 

1957: The White Sox acquired pitcher Early Wynn and outfielder Al Smith from Cleveland for popular outfielder Minnie Minoso and infielder Fred Hatfield. Wynn, a future Hall of Famer, went on to become the ace of the staff that helped the White Sox win the 1959 pennant. The deal cost the beloved Minoso a shot at the postseason but owner Bill Veeck awarded the “Cuban Comet” an honorary ring when he was re-acquired following the 1959 season.

 

1990: In his first swap as White Sox general manager, Ron Schueler sent pitchers Eric King and Shawn Hillegas to Cleveland for outfielder Cory Snyder. Schuler was hoping Snyder would give the Sox from sorely needed pop but Snyder proved to be a huge disappointment. After hitting just three homers (one that was helped over the fence by Luis Polonia) in 50 games, Snyder was shipped to Toronto for a pair of minor leaguers the following July.

 

1997: The White Sox hired Jerry Manuel as manager. Manuel joined the Sox after serving as the bench coach for the World Champion 1997 Florida Marlins. Prior to that, Manuel served as the third base coach for the Montreal Expos from 1991 to 1996. The laid-back Manuel, who replaced the bombastic Terry Bevington, went 500-471 in six seasons on the Sox bench. The highlight of his tenure came in 2000 when he guided the Sox to the American League Central Division title. Following the season, he was voted A.L. Manager of the Year. Manuel ranks fourth in club history in victories.

Edited December 4, 2007 by StatManDu