Chicago White Sox become the first team in major league history to wear short pants in a game
Chicago White Sox become the first team in major league history to wear short pants in a game
The White Sox’s new owner Bill Veeck surprises the Opening Day crowd at Comiskey Park when he, Rudie Schaffer, and Paul Richards take the field wearing battered Continental Army uniforms to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial
The White Sox’s new owner Bill Veeck, known for his promotional genius, surprises the Opening Day crowd at Comiskey Park when he, Rudie Schaffer, and Paul Richards take the field wearing battered Continental Army uniforms to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial. The trio, caring a fife, drum, and flag, strike a pose in their tattered garb, reminiscent of Archibald MacNeal Willard’s painting The Spirit of ’76, a popular piece of art depicting Revolutionary War veterans that was displayed at Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition 100 years earlier.
Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck opens training camp in Sarasota, Florida, but participation is limited to non-roster players because of the ongoing lockout.
1976 – Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck opens training camp in Sarasota, Florida, but participation is limited to non-roster players because of the ongoing lockout.
Bill Veeck buys 80% of Chicago White Sox
With little encouragement from the other American League owners, Bill Vleck, who will see his new team win their first pennant in 40 years, reacquires the White Sox when he purchases 80% of the team as part of an investment group that is intent on keeping the franchise in Chicago. Former owner John Allyn had been pressured by the league to sell his club to a Seattle interest to help quell a lawsuit that was a result of the AL’s approval in 1970 to move the one year-old expansion Pilots from the ‘Emerald City’ to Milwaukee.
Bill Veeck and assistant Roland Hemond set up shop in hotel lobby with a sign open for business
1975 – Bill Veeck and assistant Roland Hemond set up shop in the hotel lobby at the winter meetings with a sign saying “open for business” and start dealing, making seven trades in two days. First to go are pitcher Jim Kaat and SS Mike Buskey to the Phillies. The Sox receive pitchers Dick Ruthven and Roy Thomas along with OF/INF Alan Bannister. Veeck also fires manager Chuck Tanner and selects old friend Paul Richards to manage the White Sox.
The colorful Bill Veeck returns. A group headed by him buys 80 percent of the White Sox from John Allyn.
1975 – The colorful Bill Veeck returns. A group headed by him buys 80 percent of the White Sox from John Allyn.
St. Louis Brown Eddie Gaedel dies from a heart attack at the age of 36
On June 18, 1961, former St. Louis Brown Eddie Gaedel dies from a heart attack at the age of 36. In one of owner Bill Veeck’s most outlandish promotions, the three-foot, seven-inch Gaedel had appeared in one game for the Browns in 1951. Gabel is found dead lying in his bed with bruises on the…
Bill Veeck sells his interest in the Chicago White Sox to partner Arthur Allyn
On June 12, 1961, Hall of Fame owner Bill Veeck sells his interest in the Chicago White Sox to partner Arthur Allyn. The 48-year-old owner decides to leave the game, in part because of health reasons.
Bill Veeck employs eight Little People to work in the stands during the White Sox home opener
At Comiskey Park, Bill Veeck employs eight Little People to work in the stands during the White Sox home opener against Washington. The Chicago owner’s hiring decision is a response to complaints that fans sitting in the box seats couldn’t see over the vendors.
Hank Greenberg drops out of the bidding to run the new American League franchise in Los Angeles.
Hank Greenberg drops out of the bidding to run the new American League franchise in Los Angeles.
