With their 9-5 victory over the Tigers last night, the White Sox won their 63rd game of the season, ensuring that their franchise-worst streak of three-straight 100-loss seasons would come to an end. Less than two years removed from having the most losses in MLB history, the White Sox find themselves in first place in the middle of August, with a 3.5 game lead over their closest competitor with just 41 games to go.
Tag / MLB
Looking Ahead To 2027
Returning to their traditional day after the All-Star Game release, Major League Baseball released their tentative 2027 earlier this week, one which hopefully will not be impacted by a prolonged work stoppage. For the fifth year in a row, MLB is keeping with a balanced schedule, playing 52 games against division opponents, 64 games against non-division opponents in the same league, and 46 interleague games, with series against every team in the opposite league. With both Chicago teams heading into the second half in line for a postseason appearance for the first time since 2008 and the All-Star Game coming to Wrigley Field in July, the 2027 season looks like it could be an interesting one on both sides of town. So, for one day, at least, let’s turn our attention to next summer for both teams.
The White Sox open their season on the road in the Midwest on March 25, scheduled to be the earliest North American start in league history, facing the Tigers followed by a series against the Royals. They open up their home schedule against the Brewers on April 1.
Aside from the Brewers, the interleague schedule sees the White Sox staying home to face the Marlins, Phillies, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and Padres, while travelling to see the Pirates, Reds, Dodgers, Braves, Mets, Rockies, and Nationals. The rivalry with their north side foes continues with a three-game weekend series at Wrigley Field coming out of the All-Star break in mid-July followed by three games at Rate Field the first weekend of August.
The White Sox wrap up the 2027 season in September at home, with a final series against the Tigers before ending the year with three against the Padres.
On the north side, the Cubs kick off their season at home against the Guardians and Cardinals before heading out on the road in early April. Aside from the Guardians, the Cubs will host the Mariners, Orioles, Red Sox, and Royals while travelling to battle the Angels, Twins, A’s, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Tigers.
The Cubs open September with eleven straight against their NL Central rivals, but finish the month, and the season, on the road to face the Phillies and the Mets.
150 Years Of Cubs Baseball – Relief Pitchers Part 2
Originally founded in 1869, the Chicago Cubs became a charter member of the National League in 1876. Over the next 150 seasons, the Cubs have played more than 22,000 games, scored over 103,000 runs and recorded more than 200,000 hits, more than any other team in baseball history. Nearly 2,300 players have worn a Cubs uniform, earning eight division titles, 17 NL pennants, and three World Series championships.
Fans have witnessed generations of unforgettable players, from historical heroes like Joe Tinker, Gabby Hartnett, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams to more recent stars like Ryne Sandberg, Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, and Anthony Rizzo. The team has called Wrigley Field home for 110 of those 150 seasons.
To celebrate this milestone, the Cubs are holding a fan vote to select the franchise’s anniversary team. Each week, we will go through the provided options for each position and declare who should, and, if different, who will, win the fan vote. We continue today with the final eight selections for relief pitcher.
Carlos Mármol was signed by the Cubs as a catcher/outfielder in 1999 but was converted to pitcher in 2003. He debuted in 2006, working mostly as a starter in place of the injured Kerry Wood. Marmol resurfaced in 2007 as a setup man and helped the Cubs capture back-to-back division titles in 2007 and 2008. Over those two seasons, Marmol battled Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood for the closer spot, getting his opportunity in both years thanks to injury to the incumbent. In 2009, he finally replaced an ineffective Kevin Gregg as closer, holding down that position for the remainder of his Cubs tenure. Marmol’s strength was in his ability to strike out opposing batters, averaging 16 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, setting the record for highest K/9 ratio by a pitcher with at least 50 innings pitched. Things started to go south in 2011, when he tied for the major league lead with ten blown saves. The following year, he was designated for assignment in June after continuing to struggle.
Randy Myers spent just three seasons with the Cubs, from 1993-1995. In 1993, he set a then-NL record with 53 saves. His most infamous moment came in a late September game against the Astros in 1995, when a fan jumped onto the field and ran to the pitcher’s mound to attack Myers after he gave up a go-ahead home run. Myers used his martial arts training to drop the attacker to the ground and then held him down until security could get there. He led the NL in saves twice in his three years with the Cubs and was a two-time All-Star.
Phil Regan was traded to the Cubs in late April 1968. He excelled at the back end of the Cubs bullpen, leading all of MLB with 25 saves and earning the Sporting News Reliever of the Year award. A run-in with an umpire on August 18 in his appearance versus the Reds saw Regan accused of throwing doctored balls, with fourteen pitches deemed illegal by the home plate umpire despite no evidence of any foreign substance on the balls. While later cleared by the NL President Warren Giles, Regan’s reputation was sullied for the remainder of his career. Unfortunately, he was never able to repeat that dominance and found his usage decrease each season he remained with the Cubs until he left in June of 1972.
150 Years Of Cubs Baseball – Starting Pitchers Part 3
Originally founded in 1869, the Chicago Cubs became a charter member of the National League in 1876. Over the next 150 seasons, the Cubs have played more than 22,000 games, scored over 103,000 runs and recorded more than 200,000 hits, more than any other team in baseball history. Nearly 2,300 players have worn a Cubs uniform, earning eight division titles, 17 NL pennants, and three World Series championships.
Fans have witnessed generations of unforgettable players, from historical heroes like Joe Tinker, Gabby Hartnett, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams to more recent stars like Ryne Sandberg, Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, and Anthony Rizzo. The team has called Wrigley Field home for 110 of those 150 seasons.
To celebrate this milestone, the Cubs are holding a fan vote to select the franchise’s anniversary team. Each week, we will go through the provided options for each position and declare who should, and, if different, who will, win the fan vote. We start today with the final eight selections for starting pitcher.
Rick Reuschel, a native of central Illinois, spent parts of twelve seasons across two stints with the Cubs, from 1972-1981 and again from 1983-1984. From 1975-1978, he was teammates with his brother Paul, also a pitcher. His best season came in 1977, when he won 20 games, made his lone All-Star team as a Cub, and finished third in Cy Young award voting. After being traded in 1981, he returned to the Cubs in 1983 following a rotator cuff injury. He is a member of the Cubs Hall of Fame.
Charlie Root spent the majority of his major league career with the Cubs, from 1926-1941. In 1927, he led the National League with 26 wins, 48 games, 309 innings pitched, and, unfortunately, 117 walks. In the 1932 World Series, Root was on the mound for Babe Ruth’s infamous called shot home run, though he would dispute the account. Overall, he appeared in four World Series as a Cub and received some MVP support in five of his sixteen seasons. He is a member of the team’s Hall of Fame.
Bob Rush debuted with the Cubs in 1948, spending ten seasons on the north side. A two-time All-Star, he led the NL with 20 losses in 1950. He was a steady, if unspectacular, mainstay of the Cub rotation during the fallow period following their final World Series appearance of the 20th century in 1945.
150 Years Of Cubs Baseball – Starting Pitchers Part 2
Originally founded in 1869, the Chicago Cubs became a charter member of the National League in 1876. Over the next 150 seasons, the Cubs have played more than 22,000 games, scored over 103,000 runs and recorded more than 200,000 hits, more than any other team in baseball history. Nearly 2,300 players have worn a Cubs uniform, earning eight division titles, 17 NL pennants, and three World Series championships.
Fans have witnessed generations of unforgettable players, from historical heroes like Joe Tinker, Gabby Hartnett, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams to more recent stars like Ryne Sandberg, Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, and Anthony Rizzo. The team has called Wrigley Field home for 110 of those 150 seasons.
To celebrate this milestone, the Cubs are holding a fan vote to select the franchise’s anniversary team. Each week, we will go through the provided options for each position and declare who should, and, if different, who will, win the fan vote. We continue today with the second eight selections for starting pitcher.
Ken Holtzman was selected by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 1965 draft and made his major league debut that September after just twelve minor league appearances. He joined the starting rotation the following year, and, serving in the National Guard, was only available to start on weekends in 1967, going 9-0 in his twelve appearances. He threw two no-hitters, the first in 1969 against the Braves and the second in 1971 against the Reds. He asked to be traded following the 1971 season. He is a member of the team’s Hall of Fame.
Bill Hutchison spent seven seasons with the franchise now known as the Cubs, from 1889-1895. He led the National League in wins from 1890-1892 and strikeouts in 1892. He still ranks fourth all-time in franchise history in wins, second in innings pitched, sixth in strikeouts, and first in loses, complete games, walks allowed, and wild pitches.
Fergie Jenkins spent ten of his 19 years in the big leagues across two stints with the Cubs, first from 1966-1973 and again from 1982-1983. A three-time All-Star, he led the National League in victories in 1971, strikeouts in 1969, and earned the Cy Young Award in 1971. Jenkins was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1991 and his number 31, shared with Greg Maddux, was retired by the club in 2009.
First Place
Three years ago, the White Sox finished the season with their worst record since 1970. Two years ago, they set the all-time MLB record with 121 losses. Last year, they “improved” by 19 games but still managed their third straight 100-loss season. Today, they sit alone in first place in the AL Central, the latest they have done so since winning the division in 2021.
Are they for real? A large part of me says no. Heading into last Friday’s series against the Phillies, they had the easiest schedule so far in the entire league. They are currently in the middle of a gauntlet, facing the Phillies, Braves, Dodgers, and Yankees before their first meeting with the Guardians. That said, the small piece that believes this might really be happening is growing. After dropping two of three in Philadelphia, they’ve beaten the Braves, who have the best record in baseball, two straight. They are 25-14 since Mike Vasil acquired his magic wand and, since the Crosstown Series against the Cubs in mid-May, they have the best record in baseball.
Assuming the weather holds out, they have one more game against the Braves tonight before the Dodgers come to town for the weekend. If they can head into that Cleveland series with their heads above water, then I might just become a believer.
Historic Games Part Four
Last summer, the White Sox fell victim to Clayton Kershaw’s 3000th career strikeout and I decided to take a look back at the historic games I’ve attended over the years. Here is part four, featuring another six games where an individual hit a career plateau or a team clinched a pennant.
October 19, 2017 – Dodgers 11, Cubs 1
With a decisive Game 5 victory over the Cubs in the NLCS, the Dodgers win the NL Pennant, avenging their loss from the year prior. Kiké Hernández became just the fourth Dodger to hit a post-season grand slam and Chris Taylor and Justin Turner were named co-MVPs for the NLCS. It was the third straight year the NL champion was crowned at Wrigley Field.
June 18, 2019 – White Sox 3, Cubs 1
With a 1-2 pitch that caught Ivan Nova looking in the top of the third inning at Wrigley Field, Cole Hamels became just the tenth left-hander to notch 2500 career strikeouts and the 38th overall. He finished the day with eight strikeouts over seven innings, getting a no-decision as the crosstown rivals proved victorious.
May 25, 2021 – White Sox 8, Cardinals 3
With a socially distanced crowd in attendance, Joe West worked the 5,376th regular-season game of his umpiring career, eclipsing Bill Klem’s record that stood for 80 years. Working behind the plate, West’s feat became official after the top of the fifth inning with the White Sox out to an early lead and, following the fifth inning, he was greeted by the San Diego Chicken, who presented West with a bouquet of multi-colored roses. West retired at the end of the year, ending his 43-year career with 5,460 games umpired.
August 16, 2021 – White Sox 5, A’s 2
In the top of the 8th inning with a full count, Craig Kimbrel enticed Matt Chapman to chase a slider that ended up three feet outside of the zone to record his 1,000th career strikeout. He finished the night with 1,001 strikeouts, all coming in relief.
September 3, 2023 – Tigers 3, White Sox 2
In his 875th game, Tim Anderson led off against Tarik Skubal and the Tigers, lacing the first pitch into the gap in left center field for his 1000th career hit. He became just the 1343rd player in MLB history to reach that milestone and was the fifth quickest in White Sox history, trailing Bibb Falk, Magglio Ordonez, Frank Thomas, and Jose Abreu.
June 3, 2026 – A’s 5, Cubs 4
In the fourth inning of last night’s game against the homeless Athletics, Ian Happ doubled for his 1000th career hit. He is just the 37th player to have 1000 hits as a Cub and the 1415th player in MLB history to reach the plateau.
150 Years Of Cubs Baseball – Outfielders Part 3
Originally founded in 1869, the Chicago Cubs became a charter member of the National League in 1876. Over the next 150 seasons, the Cubs have played more than 22,000 games, scored over 103,000 runs and recorded more than 200,000 hits, more than any other team in baseball history. Nearly 2,300 players have worn a Cubs uniform, earning eight division titles, 17 NL pennants, and three World Series championships.
Fans have witnessed generations of unforgettable players, from historical heroes like Joe Tinker, Gabby Hartnett, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams to more recent stars like Ryne Sandberg, Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, and Anthony Rizzo. The team has called Wrigley Field home for 110 of those 150 seasons.
To celebrate this milestone, the Cubs are holding a fan vote to select the franchise’s anniversary team. Each week, we will go through the provided options for each position and declare who should, and, if different, who will, win the fan vote. We continue today with the final eight selections for outfielder.
Frank Schulte debuted for the Cubs in September of 1904. He was part of four pennant-winning teams, including the back-to-back championships in 1907 and 1908. He led the NL in home runs in 1910 and 1911, when he became the first player in MLB history to have 20 or more doubles, triples, home runs, and stolen bases in a single season. That feat earned him the NL MVP award, then known as the Chalmers Award. He remained with the Cubs through July of 1916.
Jimmy Sheckard spent seven seasons with the Cubs near the turn of the 20th Century, helping the team to four NL pennants and World Series Championships in 1907 and 1908. One of the most versatile outfielders of his time, Sheckard still holds the record for most double plays as a left fielder, with twelve in 1911. His best offensive season also came in 1911, leading the NL in runs and walks, and his 147 walks remains a team record.
Jimmy Slagle manned center field for seven seasons, helping the Cubs win back-to-back-to-back NL championships from 1906-1908, the latter two ending with World Series titles. He is the first player to accomplish a straight steal of home plate in a World Series in 1907. A classic leadoff man for his era, Slagle was known for his speed, contact hitting, and exceptional defense.
Setting More Records
With his seventh inning home run last night against the Twins, Munetaka Murakami became the first rookie in MLB history to reach the 20-home run plateau before the start of June. The previous rookie mark of 19 was held by Pete Alonso and Mark McGwire. He joins Frank Thomas and Jim Thome as the only White Sox players overall to reach the mark.
The White Sox have four more games scheduled through the remainder of May.
150 Years Of Cubs Baseball – Outfielders Part 1
Originally founded in 1869, the Chicago Cubs became a charter member of the National League in 1876. Over the next 150 seasons, the Cubs have played more than 22,000 games, scored over 103,000 runs and recorded more than 200,000 hits, more than any other team in baseball history. Nearly 2,300 players have worn a Cubs uniform, earning eight division titles, 17 NL pennants, and three World Series championships.
Fans have witnessed generations of unforgettable players, from historical heroes like Joe Tinker, Gabby Hartnett, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams to more recent stars like Ryne Sandberg, Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, and Anthony Rizzo. The team has called Wrigley Field home for 110 of those 150 seasons.
To celebrate this milestone, the Cubs are holding a fan vote to select the franchise’s anniversary team. Each week, we will go through the provided options for each position and declare who should, and, if different, who will, win the fan vote. We continue today with the first eight selections for outfielder.
George Altman spent seven seasons with the Cubs across two stints. Debuting with the club in 1959, he quickly emerged as one of the team’s most productive hitters, earning All-Star selections in both 1961 and 1962. He accumulated 7.9 WAR across those two seasons while establishing himself as a dangerous power hitter. He returned to the Cubs in 1965 but was unable to reclaim his former status and struggled to produce. He finished his major league career in 1967, hitting just .111 in 15 games.
José Cardenal joined the Cubs for the 1972 season and stayed through 1977. He was one of the most popular and productive players during his tenure, bridging the gap between the superstars of the 60s and the success coming in the 1980s. He was named Cubs player of the year by local media in 1973. His best season came in 1975, earning 3.1 WAR while hitting .317. He was inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame in 2022.
Kiki Cuyler joined the Cubs following the 1927 season and spent parts of eight years with the team. During his tenure, Cuyler was one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league, helping the Cubs win two NL pennants. He was named to his lone All-Star team in 1934 in its second year of existence. He led the NL in three times, from 1928 through 1930. In 1968, he was enshrined in Cooperstown as a member of the Hall of Fame.