#197 – Jerry Reuss

3995933638_ddab119bd9_zName: Jerry Reuss

Rank: 197

Position: P

Years With White Sox: 1988-1989

Jerry Reuss signed with the White Sox toward the end of spring training in 1988, joining the rotation just 2 victories shy of 200 for his career.  He had to wait until May for the achievement, a 3-0 victory over the Orioles.

He finished the season with 13 wins, tops on the team that finished with a 71-90 record.  He also had the second lowest ERA among the team’s starters, coming in at 3.44 in 29 starts.

In 1989, Reuss, 39, along with 41 year old catcher Carlton Fisk, made history by becoming the oldest battery ever to start on opening day, surpassing pitcher Johnny Niggeling and catcher Rick Ferrell of the 1944 Washington Senators while beating the Angels 9-2.  That may have been the high point of the season, though, as his ERA ballooned up to 5.06 in 23 games.  With the White Sox again on their way to a 90 loss season, they traded Reuss to the Brewers in exchange for Brian Drahman.

Ruess returned to the White Sox for spring training in 1990, but did not make the team and was released.

Reuss’ numbers in a White Sox uniform were:

Wins Losses ERA Saves IP Hits Runs ER Walks Strike Outs HR HBP Appearances
21 14 4.04 0 289.667 318 144 130 64 100 27 6 55

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.