Today in White Sox History: January 11
A Winter Baseball Revolution
Did you know that baseball games were once played on ice in January? In 1881, Chicago witnessed the start of a unique tradition, with both professionals and amateurs taking to the frozen field for a series of Tuesday games. This wasn't just a one-off event; it became a beloved winter ritual for years to come.
A Catcher's Journey
Mike Tresh, a stalwart behind the plate for the South Siders, played 11 years and 981 games as a catcher. In 1949, he was sold to Cleveland, bringing his major league career to a close after just one more season. Tresh's 2.1 career WAR is a stark contrast to Billy Sullivan's 8.4, making him a unique case in the White Sox's all-time games caught list.
The Pope and the White Sox
In 2025, the news of a newly-named pope being a White Sox fan made headlines. But the original White Sox pope, Donn Pall, was not Leo. Born on this day in Chicago, Pall attended Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park in 1979 as a 17-year-old. His lifelong love for the team led him to spend most of his career with the White Sox (1988-93).
Fun fact: Leo, the other pope, is just seven years older than Pall, so it's highly likely that one pope was in attendance, watching the other pitch for the White Sox.
The Designated Hitter Debate
In 1973, baseball owners adopted the designated hitter rule, but with a catch. Only AL teams were allowed to adopt the DH, and it was on a three-year experimental basis. This 'experiment' lasted nearly 50 years before the NL finally joined in 2022. Mike Andrews became the first White Sox DH of all time on Opening Day, popping out in the second inning. He finished the day 1-for-3, with a double and a walk.
A Hall of Fame Induction
Carlton Fisk, after being elected to the Hall of Fame on his second try, ended up adorning a Boston Red Sox cap on his plaque, despite playing 343 more games with the White Sox. On the same day, former White Sox manager and pitching Hall-of-Fame Bob Lemon passed away at 79 in Long Beach, Calif. Lemon managed the 1977 South Side Hit Men to 90 wins and later led the Yankees to a World Series win. He dedicated 61 years of his life to baseball, serving as a player, manager, coach, and scout.
Explore More
- 1949: Link
- 1962: Link
- 1973: Link
- 2000: Link
- Bob Lemon: Link
- Carlton Fisk: Link
- Chicago White Sox History: Link
- Chicago White Sox Managers and Coaches: Link
- Chicago White Sox Roster: Link
- Donn Pall: Link
- Mike Andrews: Link
- Mike Tresh: Link
- Today in White Sox History: Link
What do you think about the designated hitter rule? Do you think it should have been adopted sooner by the NL? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
