May 25, 1969
vs. Boston Red Sox
at White Sox Park

The good news: In this game, Tommy John continues to look good coming back from his shoulder injury. He faces the Red Sox and gives up only two hits in 7 innings, lowering his ERA to 2.65. One of the two hits is a solo home run by 1st baseman George (Not C.) Scott.

The bad news: Red Sox starter Jim Lonborg, also coming back from an injury (he tore ligaments in his left knee during the 1967 offseason and went...

May 24,1969
vs. Boston Red Sox
at White Sox Park

At this point in the season the Sox look like an improved team offensively-the team average is at .235 (compared to .211 for 1968) led by Carlos May's .306 average. Walt Williams is also over .300. The team is actually one home run off the pace from the previous year-22 at this point (vs. 23 in 1968). 14 of those home runs belong to Carlos May (10) and Bill Melton (4), the rookie 1-2 punch that was fast becoming the south...

May 2, 1969

The day after the extra inning loss to the Royals, Ed Short called what he termed "a reluctant press conference." At the meeting Sox manager Al Lopez announced his resignation, effective immediately. The Senor wanted to tough it out until season's end, but his distressed stomach could no longer hold out. He was in too much pain. Managing a team like the 1969 White Sox will do that to a guy. The Sox announced that Lopez's faithful coach, 56 year old Don Gutteridge,...

May 1, 1969
vs. Kansas City Royals
at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City

Any illusions fans had of the 1969 team being a contender after the thrilling comeback win vs. the Twins had vaulted them into 1st place were quickly shattered over the next four games.

Minnesota slapped them 12-1 on the 26th to kick off the losing streak. Two more losses followed, including their first game against the Royals in Kansas City in the same stadium where another Kansas City team...

April 25, 1969
vs. Minnesota Twins
at White Sox Park

Make no mistake about it, the years 1968-70 were the worst in the history of the White Sox franchise. Sure, the late 20s-early 30s were pretty awful, but when it came to bad baseball, fan apathy, dwindling financial resources, negative press and rumors/threats of relocation nothing tops this three year span.

And yet, there were a few gems to be found and treasured during this era. The emergence of players...