Date

03-04-1921

In the wake of the 'Black Sox,' owner Charles Comiskey attempts to rebuild his team. One of the first moves he makes is to purchase future Hall of Famer Harry Hooper from the Red Sox for two players. Hooper would play five years on the South Side.

03-06-1914

The White Sox return home from their around the world, series of exhibition games against the New York Giants. The Sox go 24 - 20 but the added 44 games takes their toll when the regular season began in late April.

03-07-1959

After the courts rule in his favor and deny petitions by members of the Comiskey family, Bill Veeck and his partners, including Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg, buy the White Sox. Veeck will own 54% of the team. At the introductory press conference Veeck jokingly tells the media 'that you can have 54% of the coffee!'

03-09-1927

Popular Sox outfielder Johnny Mostil attempts suicide in a hotel room in Shreveport, Louisiana. Despite razor cuts to his wrist, neck and chest, Mostil survives and returned to the team in April. After his career he'd become a longtime scout / coach and help develop future players like outfielder Jim Landis.

03-11-1968

Sox rookie pitcher Cisco Carlos is part of the cover shot for "Sports Illustrated". The caption reads, "The Best Rookies Of 1968." Unfortunately Carlos doesn't turn out to be one of them either in the short term or the long term. In fact of the five players on the cover only Johnny Bench and Mike Torrez made a name for themselves in the sport.

03-12-1973

Sox 3rd baseman and former A.L. home run champ, Bill Melton appears on the cover of "Sports Illustrated". His caption reads, "Chicago Comes Out Swinging. Slugger Bill Melton".

03-13-2000

Sox slugger Frank Thomas is again featured on the cover of "Sports Illustrated". A lengthy story talks about his career, the controversies and his desire to return to the top of the game. The caption reads, "Don't Question My Desire. Frank Thomas Comes Out Swinging." Thomas would have a spectacular season losing out on his 3rd MVP Award to the A's Jason Giambi, who'd later admit to using steroids in grand jury testimony.

03-14-1994

"Sports Illustrated" takes issue with former NBA superstar Michael Jordan and his attempt to play MLB. MJ's on the cover of S.I. again but in a far different light. The caption reads, "Bag It Michael! Jordan And The White Sox Are Embarrassing Baseball." From that day on, Jordan who was always very cooperative with the magazine, would never speak to them again.

03-15-1976

After stepping in at the last minute to buy the franchise and prevent them from being moved to Seattle, Bill Veeck appears on the cover of "Sports Illustrated". The caption reads, "Baseball Couldn't Shut Him Out. Bill Veeck Of The White Sox."

03-17-1910

Construction begins on the stadium that would eventually be called Comiskey Park at 35th & Shields. The stadium would be completed by late June and officially open on July 1st.

03-18-1964

The Sox purchase the contract of veteran pitcher Don Mossi from the Tigers for 20,000 dollars. Mossi would have a spectacular season for the club that lost the pennant by one game, going 3 - 1 with seven saves and and ERA of 2.92. He'd team up with Hoyt Wilhelm and Eddie Fisher to give the club the best bullpen in the league.

03-18-1981

Carlton Fisk signs a free agent deal with the White Sox beginning the process of turning a laughable organization into a real, legitimate major league franchise. The All Star catcher and future Hall of Famer got his free agency after the Red Sox did not tender him a contract by the required date. Immediately Sox co-owner Eddie Einhorn and G.M. Roland Hemond jumped at the chance to get a player of Fisk's caliber on to the team. Fisk would play 13 years on the South Side and have his number #72 retired in 1997.

03-19-1979

Sox shortstop prospect Harry Chappas appears on the cover of "Sports Illustrated" with the caption, "The Littlest Rookie. Shortstop Harry Chappas." Chappas is all of 5 feet, 3 inches tall. His career was as brief as his height. In three years he appeared in seventy-two games with one-hundred eighty-four at bats, one home run, two stolen bases and fifteen walks.

03-21-1900

After a meeting with the Chicago Cubs, the way is cleared for Charles Comiskey to bring his team from St. Paul to Chicago. They'll play on the South Side. Although in fact Comiskey was bringing the team to town regardless of whether the Cubs approved it or not. The meeting was set up though to try to avoid any conflicts.

03-21-1997

The Sox suffer a major blow to their hopes for a championship when star 3rd baseman Robin Ventura destroys his leg on a slide at home plate in a spring game against the Red Sox. The injury, a displaced fracture and dislocation of his ankle, is so horrific that a woman sitting in the stands passed out when she saw the result. The injury took place only ten days before the season opener and the Sox are left in a state of shock. Management does nothing to replace Ventura and the Sox stumble out of the gate with an 8-18 start. Thankfully after a rigorous rehabilitation process, Robin would be back to play in 54 games that season and continue to have an outstanding major league career.

03-23-1989

The Sox trade Kenny Williams (now the club's G.M.) to Detroit for pitcher Eric King. Williams never achieved any measure of consistency in the big leagues. King at least had a spectacular 1990 campaign going 12 - 4 with a sub three ERA for the "Doin' The Little Things" White Sox who'd shock baseball by compiling 94 wins.

03-28-1981

The Sox deal pitcher Ken Kravec to the Cubs for pitcher Dennis Lamp. Over the next three seasons Lamp would do everything for the club... start, pitch long relief as well as close games. He'd toss a one hitter against Milwaukee in August 1981 then lead the "Winnin' Ugly" 1983 champion White Sox with 15 saves in 1983.

03-30-1971

Another good deal pulled off by the Sox and G.M. Roland Hemond. He sends catcher Duane Josephson and pitcher Danny Murphy to the Red Sox for relief pitcher Vicente Romo and first baseman Tony Muser. Muser was one of the best defensive first sackers in baseball and was tremendous as a late inning replacement for Dick Allen. He was an earlier version of Mike Squires if you will.

03-30-1981

Shortly before the start of the regular season, the White Sox purchase the contract of Chicago area slugger Greg Luzinski from the Phillies. The strongman would become a two time American League Designated Hitter of the Year and provide solid power to the middle of the batting order. In his three and a half seasons he pounded out 84 home runs and drove in 317 RBI's.

03-30-1982

Needing outfield help, Roland Hemond sends two prospects to the Dodgers for the speedy Rudy Law. Law would smash the team's stolen base record, grabbing seventy-seven bases the following season. His career on the South Side wasn't long, but it was memorable, as he supplied speed and defense to the 1983 Western Division champions.

03-30-1992

Seeking another power bat to hit behind Frank Thomas and Robin Ventura, Sox G. M. Ron Schueler deals outfielder Sammy Sosa and pitcher Ken Patterson to the Cubs for outfielder / DH George Bell. Bell would have 112 RBI's in 1992 and have a solid 1993 but outbursts during the 1993 A.L.C.S. over playing time, sealed his fate and he was gone from the organization. Sosa would become the face of the Cubs and challenge the all time home run marks in the late 90's. However in the wake of the steroid scandal and his potential involvement with it he left baseball with a cloud over him, his future Hall of Fame chances in real jeopardy.

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Chicago White Sox Timeline