Chicago White Sox

Team Information

Franchise History

The Chicago White Sox are one of the American League’s eight charter franchises, founded in 1901. The team has won three World Series championships (1906, 1917, 2005) and is known for its passionate South Side fanbase.

Early Success

The White Sox were one of the AL’s most successful early franchises, winning the 1906 World Series over the crosstown Cubs and the 1917 World Series.

The Black Sox Scandal (1919)

The franchise was forever changed by the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, where eight players were accused of intentionally losing the World Series in exchange for money from gamblers. The players were banned for life, and the team struggled for decades.

2005 World Series Champions

The White Sox won their first World Series in 88 years in 2005, sweeping the Houston Astros. The team ended decades of frustration for South Side fans.

Current Status

The White Sox compete in the AL Central. The team experienced success in the 2020s but has faced challenges in recent seasons.

Ownership History

Management

• General Manager: Chris Getz
• Manager: Pedro Grifol
• Team President: Jerry Reinsdorf

Historical Significance

• One of eight AL charter franchises (1901)
• 3 World Series championships (1906, 1917, 2005)
• 6 AL Pennants
• 1919 Black Sox Scandal - eight players banned for life
• 2005 ended 88-year championship drought

Team Identity

The White Sox represent Chicago’s South Side and blue-collar identity. The team is known for its traditional black and white uniforms and passionate fanbase.

Chicago White Sox History

Early Years (1901-1919)

Founding and Success

The White Sox were founded in 1901 as one of the American League’s eight charter franchises. The team was originally called the White Stockings but changed to White Sox in 1904. The franchise had immediate success, winning the 1906 World Series over the crosstown Cubs.

1906 World Series Champions: - Defeated the Cubs 4 games to 2 - Known as the “Hitless Wonders” for their .230 team batting average - Strong pitching led by Ed Walsh and Nick Altrock

1917 World Series Champions: - Defeated the New York Giants 4 games to 2 - Eddie Cicotte and Red Faber led the pitching staff - Eddie Collins and Shoeless Joe Jackson starred on offense

The Black Sox Scandal (1919)

The Fix

The 1919 World Series forever changed the franchise. Eight White Sox players were accused of intentionally losing the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for money from gamblers. Key players involved included Shoeless Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, and Chick Gandil.

Aftermath

• Players were acquitted in court but banned for life by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis
• The White Sox became known as the “Black Sox”
• The team struggled for decades
• Shoeless Joe Jackson’s legacy remains controversial

The Struggling Years (1920-1950)

Following the scandal, the White Sox had limited success: - 1959: Won AL Pennant but lost World Series to Dodgers - Fielded competitive teams but could not reach the World Series - Played in aging Comiskey Park

The Veeck Years (1959-1961, 1975-1981)

Bill Veeck brought innovation and excitement to the White Sox: - 1959: Won AL Pennant - Introduced exploding scoreboard - Created promotional giveaways - Hired first Black manager in AL (Larry Doby)

The Reinsdorf Era (1981-Present)

Building a Winner

Jerry Reinsdorf purchased the team in 1981 and built the team into a consistent contender in the 1990s.

Key Players of the 1990s: - Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt) - Robin Ventura - Jack McDowell - Alex Fernandez - Wilson Alvarez

2005 World Series Champions

The White Sox won their first World Series in 88 years, sweeping the Houston Astros.

2005 Playoff Run: - ALDS: Defeated Boston Red Sox 3-0 - ALCS: Defeated Los Angeles Angels 4-1 (Scott Podsednik walk-off in Game 2) - World Series: Swept Houston Astros 4-0

Key Players: - Paul Konerko - Jermaine Dye (World Series MVP) - Scott Podsednik - Mark Buehrle - Jose Contreras - Bobby Jenks - A.J. Pierzynski

Recent Years

The White Sox have remained competitive with rebuilding phases and playoff appearances.

Franchise Timeline

Chicago White Sox Championships

World Series Championships

1906 World Series Champions

Manager: Fielder Jones
Regular Season Record: 93-58
Finals Opponent: Chicago Cubs
Result: Won series 4-2

The “Hitless Wonders” defeated the crosstown Cubs despite having the worst team batting average in the AL. Their pitching staff led the league in ERA.

Notable Players: - Ed Walsh (pitcher, 1.88 ERA) - Nick Altrock (pitcher) - Fielder Jones (center field, manager) - Doc White (pitcher) - George Rohe (third base)

Historical Significance: First World Series championship for the franchise and first Chicago baseball championship since 1886.

1917 World Series Champions

Manager: Pants Rowland
Regular Season Record: 100-54
Finals Opponent: New York Giants
Result: Won series 4-2

The White Sox won 100 games and defeated the Giants. Eddie Cicotte won Game 1, 3-1.

Notable Players: - Eddie Cicotte (pitcher) - Red Faber (pitcher) - Eddie Collins (second base) - Shoeless Joe Jackson (outfield) - Happy Felsch (center field) - Chick Gandil (first base) - Ray Schalk (catcher)

Historical Significance: Last championship before the Black Sox Scandal. Shoeless Joe Jackson hit .304 in the series.

2005 World Series Champions

Manager: Ozzie Guillen
Regular Season Record: 99-63
Finals Opponent: Houston Astros
Result: Won series 4-0 (sweep)

The White Sox ended their 88-year championship drought with a dominant postseason run. They lost only one game in the entire postseason.

Playoff Journey: - ALDS: Defeated Boston Red Sox 3-0 - ALCS: Defeated Los Angeles Angels 4-1 - World Series: Swept Houston Astros 4-0

World Series MVP: Jermaine Dye

Notable Players: - Paul Konerko (Game 2 grand slam) - Jermaine Dye (Series MVP) - Scott Podsednik (Game 2 walk-off HR) - Mark Buehrle (complete game wins) - Jose Contreras (Game 1 win) - Bobby Jenks (closer) - A.J. Pierzynski (catcher) - Tadahito Iguchi (second base)

Historical Significance: Ended the longest championship drought in MLB at the time (88 years). First sweep in White Sox World Series history.

American League Pennants

The White Sox have won 6 American League Pennants: - 1901 (lost World Series to Pirates) - 1906 (Won World Series vs. Cubs) - 1917 (Won World Series vs. Giants) - 1919 (Lost World Series to Reds - Black Sox Scandal) - 1959 (Lost World Series to Dodgers) - 2005 (Won World Series vs. Astros)

Division Championships

The White Sox have won 6 AL Central division titles: - 2000 - 2005 - 2008 - 2021

Individual Awards During Championship Seasons

1906

• AL Wins Leader: Ed Walsh (17)

1917

• AL ERA Leader: Eddie Cicotte (1.53)
• AL Wins Leader: Eddie Cicotte (28)

2005

• AL Manager of the Year: Ozzie Guillen
• World Series MVP: Jermaine Dye
• ALCS MVP: Paul Konerko

Chicago White Sox Team Records

Single Season Records

Best Regular Season Records

Worst Regular Season Records

All-Time Career Records

Career Hits

Career Home Runs

Career Pitching Wins

Retired Numbers

Jackie Robinson’s #42 is retired throughout MLB.

Streaks

Winning Streaks

• Longest Overall: 19 games (1906)
• Longest Home: 14 games (multiple occasions)

Chicago White Sox Legendary Players

Baseball Hall of Famers

Frank Thomas (2014)

Position: First Base/DH
Years: 1990-2005

“The Big Hurt” was one of the most feared hitters in baseball during the 1990s.

Career Stats (White Sox): - Games: 2,322 - Hits: 2,136 - Home Runs: 448 (franchise record) - RBI: 1,465 - Batting Average: .307

Accolades: - 2x AL MVP (1993, 1994) - 5x All-Star - 4x Silver Slugger

Thomas’ number 35 is retired by the White Sox.

Luke Appling (1964)

Position: Shortstop
Years: 1930-1950

Appling was a slick-fielding shortstop who won two batting titles.

Career Stats: - Games: 2,422 - Hits: 2,749 (franchise record) - Batting Average: .310

Accolades: - 7x All-Star - 2x AL Batting Champion (1936, 1943)

Number 4 is retired.

Nellie Fox (1997)

Position: Second Base
Years: 1950-1963

Fox was a 12-time All-Star known for his defense and contact hitting.

Career Stats: - Games: 2,115 - Hits: 2,470 - Batting Average: .288

Accolades: - 1959 AL MVP - 12x All-Star - 3x Gold Glove

Number 2 is retired.

Luis Aparicio (1984)

Position: Shortstop
Years: 1956-1962, 1968-1970

Aparicio was a brilliant defensive shortstop who revolutionized the position.

Accolades: - 1956 Rookie of the Year - 9x All-Star - 9x Gold Glove

Number 11 is retired.

Carlton Fisk (2000)

Position: Catcher
Years: 1981-1993

Fisk spent the latter part of his career with the White Sox after being a Red Sox legend.

Career Stats (White Sox): - Home Runs: 214 - RBI: 762

Number 72 is retired.

Ted Lyons (1955)

Position: Pitcher
Years: 1923-1942, 1946

Lyons won 260 games for the White Sox and was known for his control.

Career Stats: - Wins: 260 (franchise record) - ERA: 3.67

Number 16 is retired.

Other Hall of Famers

• Eddie Collins (1939)
• Red Faber (1964)
• Ed Walsh (1966)
• Hoyt Wilhelm (1985)
• George Davis (1998)
• Harold Baines (2019)

Franchise Icons

Paul Konerko

Position: First Base
Years: 1999-2014

Konerko was the captain of the 2005 World Series championship team.

Career Stats: - Games: 2,268 - Home Runs: 432 - RBI: 1,383

Number 14 is retired.

Mark Buehrle

Position: Pitcher
Years: 2000-2011

Buehrle threw a perfect game in 2009 and was a model of consistency.

Career Stats: - Wins: 161 - Perfect game (2009)

Number 56 is retired.

Shoeless Joe Jackson

Position: Outfield
Years: 1915-1920

Jackson was banned for life for his role in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, but his .356 career batting average remains one of the highest in MLB history.

Minnie Minoso

Position: Outfield
Years: 1951-1957, 1960-1961, 1964, 1976, 1980

Minoso was the first Black Cuban player in MLB and a beloved figure in White Sox history.

Billy Pierce

Position: Pitcher
Years: 1949-1961

Pierce was a dominant left-hander who won 186 games for the White Sox.

Harold Baines

Position: Outfield/DH
Years: 1980-1989, 1996-1997, 2000-2001

Baines was a consistent hitter who became a respected coach after his playing career.

Modern Stars

Jose Abreu

Position: First Base
Years: 2014-2022

Abreu was the 2014 AL Rookie of the Year and 2020 AL MVP.

Tim Anderson

Position: Shortstop
Years: 2016-Present

Anderson won the 2019 AL batting title.

Chris Sale

Position: Pitcher
Years: 2010-2016

Sale was a dominant pitcher before being traded to Boston.

Chicago White Sox Rivalries

Primary Rivalries

Chicago Cubs (Crosstown Classic)

The White Sox-Cubs rivalry is unique as both teams share the same city. The “Crosstown Classic” or “Windy City Series” features interleague play between the South Side (Sox) and North Side (Cubs).

Key Moments: - 1906 World Series: White Sox defeated Cubs (Hitless Wonders) - 2008: White Sox won season series - Ongoing debate over which team represents Chicago

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians are the White Sox’s primary division rival in the AL Central.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers and White Sox have competed in the AL Central since 1998.

Minnesota Twins

Division rivals with frequent competitive matchups.

Rivalry Statistics

vs. Chicago Cubs

• 1906 World Series: White Sox won 4-2
• Regular season series: Competitive

Divisional Records

Chicago White Sox Stadium History

Rate Field (1991-Present)

Overview

Rate Field (formerly Guaranteed Rate Field, U.S. Cellular Field, and Comiskey Park II) has been the White Sox home since 1991.

Address: 333 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616

Naming History

Features

• Capacity: 40,615
• Opening: April 18, 1991
• Cost: $167 million

The stadium was designed with a retro-classic feel, featuring an arched roof and asymmetrical dimensions.

Renovations

Multiple renovations have improved the fan experience, including: - Upper deck modifications - New scoreboard and video board - Improved concessions - Fan deck and party areas

Comiskey Park (1910-1990)

Overview

The original Comiskey Park was the White Sox home for 80 years.

Address: 324 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois

Characteristics

• Capacity: Varied, approximately 50,000
• Opened: July 1, 1910
• Closed: September 30, 1990

Comiskey Park was known for its distinctive facade and was home to the 1917 and 2005 championship teams (though they played at new Comiskey in 2005).

Final Game

September 30, 1990: White Sox defeated Seattle Mariners 2-1.

South Side Park (1900-1910)

The White Sox played at South Side Park before moving to Comiskey Park.

Stadium Comparison

Chicago White Sox Fanbase and Culture

Fanbase Demographics

The South Side

The White Sox represent Chicago’s South Side and the surrounding suburbs. The fanbase is known for its blue-collar identity and loyalty through decades of struggles.

Regional Support

The White Sox draw from: - South Side Chicago neighborhoods - Southwest suburbs - Northwest Indiana - South suburbs

Traditions

2005 World Series

The 2005 championship ended 88 years of frustration and is celebrated as the greatest moment in franchise history.

The Black Sox

The 1919 scandal remains part of the team’s history, with ongoing debates about Shoeless Joe Jackson’s legacy.

The Exploding Scoreboard

Bill Veeck’s iconic pinwheel scoreboard was recreated at new Comiskey Park.

Media

Television

• NBC Sports Chicago: Regional broadcasts
• MLB Network, ESPN, FOX: National broadcasts

Radio

• WMVP 1000 AM: English flagship
• Univision Chicago: Spanish broadcasts

Community

White Sox Charities

• Youth baseball programs
• Community outreach
• Education initiatives

Rivalry Culture

Cubs Rivalry

The Crosstown Classic divides Chicago, with White Sox fans representing the South Side against the North Side Cubs.

Division Rivals

Cleveland, Detroit, and Minnesota are the primary AL Central rivals.