1938: A Rollercoaster for the White Sox
The White Sox experienced a mix of highs and lows in 1938. After dropping four straight exhibition games to the Cubs, they finally tasted victory against their rivals, thanks to a clutch home run by Luke Appling.
The game ended with a 10-9 win in Los Angeles. However, the joy was short-lived.
In the ninth inning, Appling, while attempting a hit-and-run, awkwardly stopped his slide, resulting in a broken bone near his ankle. Initially expected to be out for up to two months, Appling's recovery stretched over three months.
Coming off a stellar 1937 season with a 6.2 WAR, his return was less impactful. He pinch-hit a couple of times in June but didn’t fully return until July 8, finishing the season with a 1.8 WAR, one of the lowest of his Hall of Fame career.
Adding to the team's woes, All-Star pitcher Monty Stratton suffered an injury, delaying his season debut until May 24. The White Sox ended the season with a 65-83-1 record, placing sixth in the American League.
2002: José Canseco's Career Comes to a Close
In 2002, José Canseco's illustrious career came to an end when the Montreal Expos released him. His final stint in the majors was with the Chicago White Sox in 2001, where he played 76 games, hit 16 home runs, and drove in 49 runs, contributing a 0.8 WAR. His last home run, number 462, was a memorable one at Yankee Stadium on October 3, marking Chicago's sole run in a 2-1 loss.
2025: Sean Burke Shines on Opening Day
Fast forward to 2025, and Sean Burke made a remarkable Opening Day start for the White Sox, joining an elite group of pitchers. With fewer than 20 career innings pitched in the majors, Burke took the mound against the Angels and delivered a stellar performance.
Over six scoreless innings, he allowed just three hits and struck out three, leading the Sox to an 8-1 victory. This game also marked Will Venable's debut as the White Sox manager.
Burke's outing was only his fourth career start and fifth appearance overall. He entered the game with just 19 innings pitched, making him the Sox pitcher with the fewest innings before an Opening Day start, surpassing Patsy Flaherty's 61 innings in 1903.
Burke's achievement places him alongside notable pitchers like Fernando Valenzuela and Tom Poholsky, who also had limited innings before their Opening Day starts. His performance sets a promising tone for the season ahead.