Chicago White Sox
Quick Facts
Founded: 1901
Original Name/City: Chicago White Stockings
Current Ballpark: Guaranteed Rate Field
World Series Titles: 3 (1906, 1917, 2005)
Franchise Nicknames: The South Siders, The ChiSox, The Pale Hose
A History of the Chicago White Sox
A charter member of the American League in 1901, the Chicago White Sox were originally named the White Stockings, a name they borrowed from their crosstown National League rivals. The team was immediately successful, winning the 1906 World Series as the "Hitless Wonders" over the Cubs. They built a powerhouse team and won the championship again in 1917.
However, the franchise's trajectory was altered forever by the "Black Sox Scandal," where eight key players were accused of intentionally losing the 1919 World Series for money. The resulting lifetime bans decimated the team and cast a long shadow over the organization for decades.
For 88 years following the scandal, the franchise was defined by that single event and a subsequent championship drought. They captured the AL Pennant in 1959 with the "Go-Go" White Sox, a team built on speed and defense, but lost the World Series.
The team played in the iconic Comiskey Park for 80 seasons before moving into a new park across the street in 1991. Through periods of mediocrity, the franchise was carried by superstars like Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio, and, most notably, Frank Thomas, "The Big Hurt," who became the face of the franchise in the 1990s.
The franchise’s long-awaited redemption finally arrived in 2005. Under the leadership of manager Ozzie Guillén and led by players like Paul Konerko, Mark Buehrle, and Jermaine Dye, the White Sox dominated the postseason.
They went 11-1, capping it off with a sweep of the Houston Astros to win their first World Series in 88 years. The victory finally cleansed the stain of the Black Sox scandal and brought a championship to the South Side of Chicago, creating a new, victorious identity for the franchise.
Franchise Timeline
1901: Founded as the Chicago White Stockings, a charter AL member.
1904: Officially renamed the Chicago White Sox.
1906: Won their first World Series.
1910: Moved into Comiskey Park.
1919: The "Black Sox Scandal" taints the team's World Series loss.
1959: Won the AL Pennant but lost the World Series.
1991: Moved into a new stadium, now known as Guaranteed Rate Field.
2005: Won their third World Series, breaking an 88-year drought.
Legendary Players
Frank Thomas (1990-2005)
"The Big Hurt" was one of the most feared sluggers of his generation. The only player in history to string together seven consecutive seasons of a .300 average, 100 RBIs, 100 walks, and 20 home runs, Thomas won back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1993 and 1994. He is the franchise's all-time leader in home runs and RBIs.
Nellie Fox (1950-1963)
The heart of the "Go-Go" White Sox, Fox was a scrappy second baseman known for his defense and contact-oriented hitting. He won the 1959 AL MVP award, leading the Sox to their first pennant in 40 years. In 1997, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Paul Konerko (1999-2014)
The respected captain and offensive leader of the 2005 World Series team, Konerko hit a dramatic grand slam in Game 2 of that series, one of the biggest moments in franchise history. He finished his career second only to Frank Thomas in franchise home runs.
Mark Buehrle (2000-2011)
A fan favorite and the epitome of a crafty, durable left-handed pitcher, Buehrle was the ace of the 2005 championship team. He’s known for two of the greatest pitching performances in team history: a no-hitter in 2007 and a perfect game in 2009.
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