Celebrating White Sox History: Key Moments and Figures
1930: The Birth of Bobby Winkles
Bobby Winkles, a notable figure in baseball history, was born in Tuckerman, Arkansas. Signed by the White Sox in 1951, Winkles' career was briefly interrupted by his service in the Korean War.
Despite reaching Triple-A, he never made it to the majors as a player. However, his impact on the sport was far from over.
In 1959, Winkles took on the role of manager at Arizona State University, where he led the team to three NCAA titles. His mentorship shaped the careers of several future MLB stars, including Reggie Jackson.
Winkles transitioned to the majors in 1972, coaching and managing teams like California and Oakland before joining the White Sox staff in 1979. He later moved into a front-office role, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
1947: Nancy Faust, A White Sox Icon
Born in Chicago, Nancy Faust became a legendary figure in baseball as the White Sox organist. Her contributions to the game are monumental, including the invention of walk-up music for players.
In the 1970s, her rendition of "Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)" became a staple at Comiskey Park, revolutionizing the fan experience and becoming a global symbol of victory celebration. Nancy's innovative spirit and love for the game continue to inspire.
1968: Cisco Carlos and the Year of the Rookies
Cisco Carlos, a rookie pitcher for the White Sox, found himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated under the headline “The Best Rookies of 1968.” While his career didn’t reach the heights of others on that cover, like Johnny Bench, Carlos had moments of brilliance.
His standout performance came on September 14, 1967, when he shut out Cleveland over 10 innings in a crucial pennant race game. Carlos wrapped up his major league journey with the Washington Senators in 1970.
1990: Remembering Roy Schalk
Roy Schalk, who passed away at 81, had a unique career path. Debuting with the Yankees in 1932, he spent a decade in the minors before joining the White Sox for two full seasons.
Despite a modest -1.7 WAR, Schalk finished 19th in MVP voting in 1945. He holds the distinction of being the only MLB player to miss at least 10 full seasons and return to play over 100 games.
His perseverance remains a remarkable story in baseball history.
2003: A Stand Against PED Testing
In a bold move, sixteen White Sox players, led by pitcher Tom Gordon, initially refused to be tested for performance-enhancing drugs. Their aim was to prompt stricter testing protocols in the following year.
After discussions with MLBPA's Gene Orza and team representatives, the players agreed to the tests, though some felt pressured by the union. This incident highlighted the ongoing dialogue around PEDs in baseball and the players' role in shaping the sport's future.