Changes are afoot for the Cubs season ticket package this year. Rather than print physical tickets, the team is moving to all-digital tickets through the MLB Ballpark app, similar to the what the White Sox have done for the past 4 seasons. Unlike the White Sox, the Cubs are planning to offer commemorative printed tickets after the season, at least according to their announcement last fall. This is good for those of us who collect ticket stubs, as the Cubs, unlike their neighbors to the south, do not give printouts once you scan in.
Tag / White Sox
2019 Tickets – Southside Edition
For the fourth consecutive year, the White Sox have decided against physical tickets for non-premium season ticket holders, meaning once again this year’s ticket package is nothing more than digital bits on a website, or the MLB Ballpark app. Yay.
#6 – Carlton Fisk
Name: Carlton Fisk
Rank: 6
Position: C
Years With White Sox: 1981-1993
Carlton Fisk became a free agent after the Red Sox failed to tender him a contract for the 1981 season in the proper time frame, and thus he signed with the White Sox on March 18, 1981. He paid immediate dividends for his new team, hitting a 3-run home run in the 8th inning against his former team at Fenway Park on Opening Day, leading the White Sox to a 5-3 victory. Following the strike, he started the All Star game for the AL, going 1-3 with a run scored. He finished the year with a .263 average and only 7 home runs in 96 games. His efforts earned him his first Silver Slugger award.
Fisk enjoyed another successful year in 1982. For the third straight year, he started behind the plate for the AL in the All Star game. In 135 games, he hit .267 with 14 home runs and 65 RBIs.
1983 was a magical season on the South Side, as the White Sox won their first division title. Fisk played a big role in the team’s success, both in managing a pitching staff that featured 2 of the top 4 finishers in Cy Young Award voting and at the plate, where he hit .289 with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs. In the ALCS against the Orioles, Fisk struggled, just like the rest of his teammates, though he did launch 2 home runs in the 4 game series. His season was good enough to earn 3rd place in the MVP vote, coming in behind Cal Ripken and Eddie Murray.
With expectations high, 1984 turned out to be a tough year, for both Fisk and the White Sox, though there were a few high points. On May 9, he caught all 25 innings of a 7-6 win over the Brewers, breaking the major league record of 24 innings shared by 5 players. A little over a week later, on May 16 against the Royals, Fisk became just the third player in White Sox history to hit for the cycle. Unfortunately, injuries befell Fisk, limiting him to just 102 games, finishing with a .231 average and only 43 RBIs. The bright side, though, is that it led him to begin a new training regimen, which he used for the rest of his long career.
The regimen paid immediate dividends, as Fisk put up the best numbers of his career in 1985. At the age of 37, Fisk set career highs with 37 home runs, tying Dick Allen for the White Sox single-season record, and 107 RBIs, while tying his career high with 17 stolen bases. He was voted to his 10th All-Star team, won his second Silver Slugger award and finished 13th in the AL MVP voting.
1986 was a strange year for Fisk and the White Sox. New General Manager Ken Harrelson thought Joel Skinner was ready to take over behind the plate and, with Fisk about to enter his age 38 season, he convinced manager Tony LaRussa to move Fisk to left field. On May 9, with Skinner hitting in the .150s and LaRussa’s job on the line, Fisk was moved back behind the plate and the White Sox proceeded to win 10 of their next 13 games. By the end of the year, Skinner, Harrelson, and LaRussa were all gone, and Fisk remained, putting up a .221 average with 14 home runs and 63 RBIs.
In 1987, with a new management regime in place, Fisk was back behind the plate full time. He appeared in 135 games at age 39, hitting .256 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs.
1988 looked to be a good year for Fisk, until a broken hand limited him to just 76 games. Despite that, his .277 average, 19 home runs, and 50 RBIs earned him his 3rd Silver Slugger award.
At age 41, Fisk, along with pitcher Jerry Reuss, who was 39, set a record starting the 1989 season, becoming the oldest battery ever to start on opening day, surpassing pitcher Johnny Niggeling and catcher Rick Ferrell of the 1944 Washington Senators, as the White Sox beat the Angels 9-2. Splitting time behind the plate with Ron Karkovice, Fisk appeared in 103 games, hitting .293 with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs.
In 1990, Fisk was the elder statesman on a young White Sox team that unexpectedly challenged the A’s for the division title. On May 22, at Yankee Stadium, Fisk had a run in with two-sport star Deion Sanders. When Sanders drew a dollar sign in the dirt before a pitch, then didn’t run out an easy out, Fisk and Sanders went back and forth, sharing expletives. Later in the game, Sanders told Fisk that “the days of slavery are over,” infuriating Fisk. “He comes up and wants to make it a racial issue — there’s no racial issue involved.” During Sanders’ next at-bat, Fisk told him, “There is a right way and a wrong way to play this game. You’re playing it the wrong way. And the rest of us don’t like it. Someday, you’re going to get this game shoved right down your throat.” Later that year, on August 17, Fisk hit his 328th home run as a catcher, breaking Johnny Bench’s career record. As the team closed out Comiskey Park, Fisk finished the year with a .285 average, 18 home runs, and 65 RBIs, which earned him 15th place in MVP voting.
As the White Sox moved across the street to the new Comiskey Park in 1991, Fisk, at age 43, put together his last season as an everyday catcher. He was named to his 11th, and final, All Star team, becoming the oldest player in MLB history to collect a hit in the mid-summer classic. He finished the year having appeared in 134 games, hitting .241 with 18 home runs and 74 RBIs.
With Ron Karkovice taking over the majority of the work behind the plate, Fisk moved into a backup role in 1992. He appeared in just 62 games, his lowest total since 1974, and hit only .229 with 3 home runs.
1993 looked to be the end of the road for Fisk, though not by his choice. On June 22, at Comiskey Park, Fisk broke Bob Boone’s record for career games caught with his 2,226th game behind the plate. Six days later, Fisk was abruptly released by the White Sox. Fisk was notified of his dismissal in his hotel room in Cleveland, and was ordered to turn in his equipment and fly back to Chicago immediately and alone. To add insult to injury, Fisk, along with former teammate Donn Pall, came to Comiskey Park before game 1 of the ALCS to wish their former teammates well. Sadly, they were both turned away, souring Fisk’s relationship with the organization for years. His career ended with a .189 average in only 25 games, getting a mere 53 at bats.
At the conclusion of this career, he was the all time leader in games caught and home runs for catchers, the all time leader in home runs for the White Sox, the leader in home runs hit after age 40, and the most seasons played as a catcher. His number 72 was retired by the White Sox on September 14, 1997, and he was part of the 2000 Hall of Fame class.
Fisk’s numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:
Manny Machado
The first domino of the frozen free agent class of 2018 has fallen, and the White Sox, one of the reported finalists, are left on the outside looking in. Manny Machado, the 26 year old superstar who, along with fellow free agent Bryce Harper, was the cream of this class, decided to hitch his wagon to the Padres, signing a 10 year, $300 million contract, with an opt out after the fifth year. Reports say that the White Sox final offer was $250 million over eight years, with incentives and options that could have driven the value to $350 million.
Senior Vice President Kenny Williams, trying to defend the fiasco, said that the contract total of $300 million “wasn’t feasible to us because we still have to project putting together a total winning roster and keeping the young players that will ultimately earn into greater dollars themselves.” Which is, of course, ridiculous. The team projects to have an $80 million payroll this year, low enough to be the 25th-highest total in the majors. The contract could have easily been front-loaded to pay Machado now, while they have no other major expenditures, while offering relief in the later years when today’s prospects may looking for their own payday.
With Machado off the board, and the White Sox not reportedly still in contention for Harper, 2019 may be another tough year, despite the additions of Machado pals Yonder Alonso and John Jay and the expected arrival of Eloy Jimenez sometime in April.
All Time Batting Leaders – Through 2018
Earlier this week, we took our annual look at the all time leaders in pitching stats for the 911 games I’ve attended (and identified) between 1984 and 2018. With the full White Sox roster reporting to camp on today, it’s time to move over to the other side of the ball and take a look at the offensive stat leaders for those games, starting with our first category:
Home Runs
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Paul Konerko | 93 |
| Sammy Sosa | 42 |
| Aramis Ramirez | 41 |
| Derrek Lee | 40 |
| Jermaine Dye | 40 |
Hits
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Paul Konerko | 366 |
| Alexei Ramirez | 300 |
| Derrek Lee | 255 |
| AJ Pierzynski | 239 |
| Aramis Ramirez | 234 |
Runs
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Paul Konerko | 200 |
| Derrek Lee | 140 |
| Alexei Ramirez | 134 |
| Aramis Ramirez | 120 |
| A.J. Pierzynski | 106 |
RBI
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Paul Konerko | 235 |
| Aramis Ramirez | 158 |
| Alexei Ramirez | 140 |
| Derrek Lee | 134 |
| Jermaine Dye | 108 |
Doubles Continue reading →
#7 – A.J. Pierzynski
Name: A.J. Pierzynski
Rank: 7
Position: C
Years With White Sox: 2005-2012
A.J. Pierzynski signed with the White Sox on January 6, 2005 following a year with the Giants that called his professionalism into question. He rewarded the White Sox organization with 8 seasons of stability behind the plate the included 1 All-Star selection, 2 playoff appearances, and, of course, the 2005 World Series championship. Over those 8 seasons, Pierzynski was involved in many key moments that endeared him to the White Sox faithful, including:
The walk-off home run, and resulting bat flip pictured to the left, against the Dodgers in 2005.
The two home runs in a thrashing of the Red Sox in game one of the 2005 ALDS, the first White Sox home postseason victory since 1959.
The controversial dropped third strike that led to a White Sox victory in game two of the 2005 ALCS against the Angels.
The 2006 brawl against the Cubs where Michael Barrett sucker-punched him after Pierzynski enthusiastically scored a run against the crosstown rivals.
Hanging on to the throw from Ken Griffey Jr. to preserve the shutout in the 2008 tie-breaker game that pushed the White Sox into the playoffs over the Twins.
Being behind the plate for Mark Buehrle’s no-hitter in 2007 and Philip Humber’s perfect game in 2012.
A.J. Pierzynski’s White Sox career officially came to an following the 2012 season, when the free agent catcher signed a contract with the Texas Rangers, leaving Paul Konerko as the last remaining member of the 2005 World Series champions to play for the South Siders.
Pierzynski’s numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:
All Time Pitching Leaders – Through 2018
White Sox pitchers and catchers hold their first spring workout today, so it is time for our annual look at the pitching leaders in the now 911 games I’ve attended, and identified, between 1984 and 2018. Very little difference from last year with no new faces, but a few categories have some movement on the leader board. So, without further ado, let’s get things started with our first category, the always popular:
Wins
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Mark Buehrle | 31 |
| Gavin Floyd | 24 |
| Carlos Zambrano | 21 |
| Chris Sale | 21 |
| John Danks | 19 |
Losses
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Mark Buehrle | 17 |
| John Danks | 16 |
| Carlos Zambrano | 15 |
| Gavin Floyd | 15 |
| Jose Quintana | 15 |
ERA (>= 35 IP)
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| David Robertson | 2.17 |
| DJ Carrasco | 2.20 |
| Nate Jones Continue reading → |
Another Mix Tape Monday – Volume 5
20 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school, I put together the first of what would become a nearly 20 volume collection of mix tapes, containing my favorite songs that I had gathered either from the radio, a cassette tape, or (eventually) CD. We last looked back at all 20 volumes three years ago to see which of my “favorite” songs still resonated in today’s digital world. Today, we revisit those mix tapes and see how, or if, things have changed in the past 3 years.
Volume 5 takes us from the end of my junior year of high school, through the summer, and all the way to spring of my senior year, from mid 1991 through early 1992, and once again features a healthy dose of hair metal and pop. It also covers the acquisition of my first CD player, a Christmas gift in 1991.
Side A
Firehouse – Don’t Treat Me Bad
Peaking at #19 on the Billboard charts, the first hit from Firehouse picked up 7 new listens over the past 3 years.
| 2012 | 2015 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 plays | 5 plays | 12 plays, most recently on 12/2/2018 |
Color Me Badd – I Wanna Sex You Up
Featured on the soundtrack for New Jack City, the first single from the R&B boy band nearly tripled its spins over the past 3 years.
| 2012 | 2015 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 plays | 5 plays | 14 plays, most recently on 9/3/2018 |
Boyz II Men – Motownphilly
The debut release from the Philadelphia crooners, which hit #3 on the Billboard charts, had a healthy 15 play increase since last we checked.
| 2012 | 2015 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 plays | 4 plays | 19 plays, most recently on 11/8/2018 |
Mötley Crüe – Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
The fourth single off of Dr. Feelgood, originally recorded off 103.5 The Blaze, gets a nice 8 listen increase to keep it in the running for one of the most listened to songs.
| 2012 | 2015 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 plays | 22 plays | 30 plays, most recently on 9/1/2018 |
Slaughter – Fly To The Angels
The second single from the band’s debut album, which peaked at #19 on the Billboard charts, more than doubled its plays in the last 3 years..
| 2012 | 2015 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 plays | 6 plays | 13 plays, most recently on 8/21/2018 |
Boyz II Men – It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye
A cover of song originally written for the film Cooley High, the song saw a 20 spin increase over the past 3 years, covering both the radio and album versions of the tune.
| 2012 | 2015 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 17 plays | 28 plays | 48 plays, most recently on 12/18/2018 |
Salt-N-Pepa – Let’s Talk About Sex
Nominated for the 1992 Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy, the tune nearly doubled its output over the past 3 years.
| 2012 | 2015 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 plays | 9 plays | 17 plays, most recently on 10/20/2018 |
Side B
#8 – Jermaine Dye
Name: Jermaine Dye
Rank: 8
Position: RF
Years With White Sox: 2005-2009
Jermaine Dye signed with the White Sox as a free agent on December 9, 2004, as a replacement for the departing Magglio Ordonez. He appeared in 145 games, his highest total since breaking his leg in the 2001 ALDS as a member of the A’s. He ended the regular season hitting .274 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and an .846 OPS as the White Sox won their first Central Division title since 2000. In the ALDS, Dye scored 2 hits in the 3 game sweep of the Red Sox. He picked things up in the ALCS, hitting .263 against the Angels as the White Sox won their first AL pennant since 1959.
Dye ratcheted things up again in the World Series against the Astros. He hit a home run in game 1, had a phantom hit-by-pitch in game 2 setting up Paul Konerko’s grand slam, and drove in the only run in the clinching game 4, hitting .438 for the series and earning World Series MVP honors as the White Sox took home their first world championship in 88 years.
2006 proved to be Dye’s best offensive season. He was named to his second All Star game, going hitless in his only at bat. He finished the year second in the league with 44 home runs, third in slugging at .622, fifth in RBIs with 120, while hitting .315. Those numbers were good enough for fifth place in AL Most Valuable Player voting and earned him his first, and only, Silver Slugger award.
2007 turned out to be more of a down year, for both Dye and the White Sox. He struggled in the first half, including a cold June in which he batted just .203 with one home run. He was able to turn things around in the second half, batting .298 and knocking out 20 doubles and 16 home runs. He finished the year with a .254 average, 28 home runs, and 78 RBIs. To reward his turnaround, he was given a two-year contract extension in August.
Dye continued his bounce back in 2008, and helped the White Sox rebound as well. He finished the year with a .292 average, 34 home runs, and 96 RBIs, while finishing second in the American League with 77 extra-base hits, as the White Sox won the division title for the second time in his tenure. Dye hit .375 with a home run in the ALDS, a four game loss against the Rays. He earned 15th place in MVP voting.
Dye looked to slow down again in 2009, as his OPS fell to its lowest total since 2004. He did, along with teammate Paul Konerko, make history on April 13, as they went back-to-back against the Tigers to each notch their 300th career home run. According to Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time teammates hit century milestone home runs of at least 300 in the same game, let alone back-to-back. He ended the year hitting .250, with 27 home runs and 81 RBIs. He became a free agent after the season when his option for 2010 was bought out.
Dye’s numbers in a White Sox uniform, both for games I attended and overall, were:
The Goose Island
The White Sox announced that they are teaming with Goose Island to renovate sections 106 and 107 to create a new premium space to be known as The Goose Island. A total of 326 seats, with in-seat wait service, will be available in the section, with the first few rows offering leather cushion seats with armrests and cup holders, device charging ports, television screens and shelves for storage. Fixtures with running water will surround the section, reinforcing the “island” of the concept.
As part of the partnership, Goose Island takes over naming rights for the Craft Kave bar underneath the section. The outdoor portions of the bar will be overtaken by the new theme, offering field level seats. There will also be a Goose Island walk up bar on the concourse at the top of the section, similar to the Modelo bar in left field.
Without knowing the price point of the new section, it’s hard to judge whether or not this will be a good value. Assuming it will be more affordable than the Scout Seats or the Guaranteed Rate Club, it could be a nice spot for an occasional upgrade.