2005 Chicago White Sox season
Encyclopedia
The 2005
Chicago White Sox
season was the White Sox's 105th season. They finished with a 99-63 record in the regular season and won first-place the American League Central
division by six games over the Cleveland Indians
. In the playoffs, they won the American League Division Series
3-0 over the Boston Red Sox
, the American League Championship Series
4-1 over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
, and the World Series
4-0 over the Houston Astros
.
. After his inaugural season in 2004, in which his club went 83-79 and finished second in the American League Central Division, Guillén approached General Manager Kenny Williams. He asked Williams for a makeover for his club. Guillén envisioned his team playing small ball.
Williams agreed with Guillén. The Sox already had a feisty manager, solid pitching, and power hitters. They had loads and loads of power hitters. The Sox decided to clean up a bit and bring in players with the team first attitude. Guillén wanted more speed, so Scott Podsednik
was brought in to be the leadoff hitter and to create havoc for opposing pitchers. Guillén wanted pitching, so Williams got Freddy García
, Orlando "El Duque" Hernández
, Luis Vizcaíno
, Dustin Hermanson
, and in July, hard throwing closer Bobby Jenks
was brought up.
Another important factor to Guillén’s new plan was to have guys who put the team in front of their own personal accomplishments. Jermaine Dye
was added for veteran leadership and provided an important bat and glove in the lineup. Tadahito Iguchi
came in from Japan to play second base and bat second behind Podsednik. Iguchi would prove his value all year long.
Finally, the Sox decided to add a little fire into a mostly laid back and quiet clubhouse. This need brought controversial catcher A. J. Pierzynski
to Chicago after playing six years for division rival Minnesota
, and one year for San Francisco
.
title.
in three games after having the best record in the American League that season. The White Sox’ power, or lack thereof in the series, ultimately doomed them. The pitching, which had been average at best all year, broke apart against Seattle.
The time before that, after their 1993 AL West Division title, the White Sox won two games against the eventual World Series Champion Toronto Blue Jays
. Expectations were pretty high for the 2005 playoffs, especially if they could erase that 88 year drought.
, as his day was done after just 3 1/3 innings, giving up eight runs. The White Sox played a pretty flawless game all together, most notable by Tadahito Iguchi’s surprise throw to third to nail Trot Nixon
, taking some momentum out of the Red Sox. Everything was looking up for the White Sox, but they weren’t counting off Boston that easily. Final score: White Sox 14, Boston 2
, a former White Sox. With one out and Joe Crede on first in the fifth inning, Juan Uribe hit a ground ball up the middle. Graffanino took his eyes off the ball and started to flip the ball to shortstop Edgar Renteria
before he had fielded it. The ball went through his legs and into the outfield. This allowed Crede to move to third, allowing a prime scoring opportunity for the White Sox.
Scott Podsednik spoiled the first chance, fouling out to third. That opened the door for Tadahito Iguchi with the White Sox down 4-2. Iguchi sent a curveball from pitcher David Wells
into the left field seats for a 5-4 lead. The White Sox would never vanquish this lead, as Bobby Jenks came on in the eighth inning to nail down the two inning save. The Sox had just won their second postseason game in a row, and headed to Boston
, up two games to none. However, the Red Sox had come back from three down in the American League Championship the year before on their way to the World Series championship, so no one was taking Boston lightly. Final Score: White Sox 5, Boston 4
, Manny Ramirez
, and David Ortiz
, and were confident. Freddy García was on the hill, ready to nail down his second clinching win of the season. The White Sox took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning with some key hits. However, García’s shakiness kept the Red Sox in the game. He gave up two in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. But, Paul Konerko, the White Sox’ number one run producer the whole season, stepped to the plate in the top of the sixth inning with Jermaine Dye on base. He sent a pitch over the Green Monster
in left field to put the White Sox ahead 4-2, and keep a lead that they would never lose. The scariest point came in the sixth inning. García gave up a mammoth home run to Manny Ramirez to bring Boston to within one, and then Dámaso Marté loaded the bases with a single and two walks. That prompted manager Ozzie Guillén to bring on Orlando “El Duque” Hernández, who was brought to Chicago for his incredible postseason track record while with the New York Yankees. With no outs, Hernández toed the rubber against Red Sox pinch hitter and captain Jason Varitek
. Varitek fouled out to first baseman Konerko. The next batter was Tony Graffanino, who was looking for redemption from his Game 2 mistake. After a 10 pitch at-bat, Graffanino finally popped up to shortstop Juan Uribe for the second out of the inning. Then after Johnny Damon drew a full count from Hernández, El Duque struck him out on a checked swing. That ended the inning, and put the Red Sox down to rest. Hernández would go on to pitch two more scoreless innings, allowing only one more hit. The White Sox would add an insurance run in the top of the ninth, leading to Bobby Jenks to close out his second game of the series and send the Chicago into the American League Championship Series. Final Score: White Sox 5, Boston 3
This was the White Sox first post-season series win since winning the 1917 World Series
.
and New York Yankees battled it out. Due to a rain-out, the Angels had to fly from New York to Anaheim for Game 5 of the series, and then fly to Chicago in back to back nights. It was assumed that the White Sox would have the easy advantage in this series, because they were very well rested and Los Angeles was very tired. However, that was not the case. The Angels were led by a home run from Garret Anderson
in the second, and Chicago was unable to execute in the field, leading to two more Angel runs. The White Sox would get on the board with a Joe Crede home run in the third. They added on another run to cut the lead to 3-2 with A.J. Pierzynski’s RBI single in the fourth. However, that would be all the production the Sox could muster, as they wasted opportunities in the later innings, as well as a solid start by José Contreras. He went 8 1/3 innings, giving up three runs. It was Contreras’s first loss since August 15, when he suffered defeat to the Minnesota Twins
. The White Sox were now in a hole, and faced a must-win Game 2, or risk going to Anaheim down 2-0. Final Score: Los Angeles 3, White Sox 2
home run in the fifth, and the White Sox scored a run in the bottom of the first via errors. With the score tied 1-1 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and Buehrle getting ready to start the tenth inning, A.J. Pierzynski stepped to the plate. Pierzynski swung on a split-finger fastball in the dirt from Kelvim Escobar
for strike three. Home Plate Umpire Doug Eddings
called Pierzynski out on three strikes. Pierzynski began taking steps towards the dugout, but quickly realized the ball was caught, and he wasn’t tagged, so he ran to first base. After much discussion between the umpires, he was eventually awarded first base, and the inning went on. Pablo Ozuna went in to pinch run for him, and on the first pitch, stole second base without a throw from Paul. With Joe Crede at the plate down in the count 0-2, White Sox fans hoped and prayed. Crede lined the next pitch from Escobar off the left field wall for a walk-off double. The White Sox were able to pull out a victory and even the series. Final Score: White Sox, 2. Los Angeles 1
home run in the sixth inning while fanning seven. He was helped by his offense, specifically Paul Konerko, who hit a two run home run in the top of the first inning, proving to be the game winning runs as the White Sox built a 3-0 lead after one. The lead was extended to 5-0 by the sixth before the Cabrera home run.
This game had no controversy, although Doug Eddings, the home plate umpire in Game 2 who ruled the third strike to A.J. Pierzynski hit the ground, did get booed while being introduced. The White Sox had put together a 2-1 series lead as well as back to back complete games in a postseason series for the first time since 1982, when it was accomplished by Tommy John
and Bruce Kison
for the California Angels. The Sox would head into Game 4 looking to take a commanding three games to one lead.
Final Score: White Sox 5, Los Angeles 2
when Tom Seaver
, Jon Matlack
, and Jerry Koosman
accomplished the feat for the New York Mets
, despite Seaver’s being a loss.
Another incident involving catcher A.J. Pierzynski took place in the second inning. There were runners on first and third at the time, and Steve Finley
was at the plate. Finley swung and clipped Pierzynski’s glove during his follow through. As Finely ran to first he looked back at the umpires and yelled for catcher’s interference. However, the call was not made, and Finley eventually ended up grounding into an inning ending double play. The victory put the White Sox one victory away from heading to the World Series, and one step closer to erasing their long-awaited World Championship drought. Final Score: White Sox 8, Los Angeles 2
, Tom Sturdivant
, Don Larsen
(which was a perfect game
), Bob Turley
, and Johnny Kucks
during the 1956 World Series
against the Brooklyn Dodgers
.
The White Sox started the scoring in the second on Joe Crede’s sacrifice fly. The Angels tied it in the third with an Adam Kennedy single. In the fifth, Jermaine Dye hit a two-out double that put the White Sox ahead 2-1. However, LA struck right back with a ground rule double from Chone Figgins
and a sacrifice fly from Garret Anderson. However, it was all White Sox after that. Joe Crede hit a game-tying home run off Kelvim Escobar in the seventh. In the eighth, A.J. Pierzynski was at it again. He hit a slow rolling ground ball down the first base line and Escobar tagged him. However, Escobar tagged with his glove, and the ball was in his hand. Randy Marsh
, the first base umpire called Pierzynski out, but then the umpires talked it over after manager Ozzie Guillén ran out to argue. The call was reversed, and Pierzynski was rewarded first base with Aaron Rowand on second with two out. Joe Crede faced Angels closer Francisco Rodríguez, who would set the Major League record for saves in a season in 2008 with 62, and Crede laced a single up the middle to score Rowand and put the White Sox ahead for good. Paul Konerko added an RBI double in the ninth for insurance. Konerko would win the ALCS MVP award as the White Sox looked to win their first World Series since 1917. Final Score: White Sox 6, Los Angeles 3
This was the White Sox first pennant since 1959
.
, who defeated the St. Louis Cardinals
in the National League Championship Series to clinch a trip to their first World Series in franchise history. The night was special for Craig Biggio
and Jeff Bagwell
, two longtime Astros making their first trip to the World Series. Game 1 was José Contreras vs. Roger Clemens
. However, Clemens reinjured his hamstring in the second inning, and so his night was done early. In the fourth, with the score tied 3-3, Joe Crede took control of the game. He homered in the inning, and then, in the sixth, he made two diving stops to save runs and keep the White Sox ahead by one.
The story of the night, though, was the bullpen. After Contreras lasted seven plus innings, Neal Cotts came on to try to stop the bleeding. Willy Taveras
had hit a leadoff double and then Cotts gave up a hard single to Lance Berkman
, which was hit so hard that Taveras had to hold at third. However, Cotts then went on to strike out Morgan Ensberg
and Mike Lamb
, bringing up Bagwell. That prompted manager Ozzie Guillén to bring on closer Bobby Jenks. Jenks would end up striking out Bagwell while using his 100 mph heat and completely blowing it right past Bagwell. Jenks then got the next three outs in the top of the ninth to give the White Sox a Game 1 victory.
Final Score: White Sox 5, Houston 3
, who was making his 34th career postseason start. This game was sloppy, as temperatures were cold and it was raining. Mark Buehrle did not have his best stuff, as he gave up four runs in seven innings. However, with the White Sox down 4-2 in the seventh, Paul Konerko took over. With the bases loaded, he sent the first pitch he saw from reliever Chad Qualls
into the left field bullpen for a 6-4 White Sox lead on a grand slam. The slam was the first one in White Sox postseason history. However, the lead only lasted for an inning. Bobby Jenks, so solid the whole postseason, gave up two runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game. Fortunate enough for Jenks, Scott Podsednik came to the rescue. Hitting second in the ninth, Podsednik sent a pitch from suddenly shaky closer Brad Lidge
into the right field seats for a walk-off home run
. It was the 14th walk-off home run in World Series history, and sent the White Sox to Houston up two games to none. Final Score: White Sox 7, Houston 6
, the hometown Astros got off to a good start. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead through four innings. However, in the fifth, the White Sox put up a five spot to take the lead 5-4 in a 46-pitch inning for Houston’s Roy Oswalt
. But, the Astros would tie up the score in the bottom of the eighth, and as neither team scored in the ninth inning, the White Sox and the Astros went into extra innings.
The game kept going on and on until the top of the fourteenth inning when Geoff Blum stepped to the plate. Blum did not have a postseason at-bat for the White Sox since Game 1 of the Division Series. He connected on a home run off Ezequiel Astacio
to give the White Sox a one run lead. They would add another insurance run later in the inning. After Dámaso Marté began the bottom half, Mark Buehrle came out and got the save for Chicago. After using nine pitchers to the Astros’ eight, and playing for 5 hours and 41 minutes. The White Sox were just one win away from clinching their first World Series championship in 88 years. Final Score: White Sox 7, Houston 5
. Locked in a pitchers’ duel through seven innings, Guillén decided to take García out and replace him with a pinch hitter in the top of the eighth inning. Willie Harris would pinch-hit for García and started the inning off with a single. After moving to third with two outs, Jermaine Dye would drive him in with a single up the middle against Brad Lidge, who again gave up another big hit. Dye would win World Series MVP honors for his clutch hitting throughout the series. After Cliff Polite and Neal Cotts pitched a scoreless eighth, closer Bobby Jenks came in to close the game out. He did give up a leadoff single, and got an out via a sacrifice bunt, but then it was all Juan Uribe. Uribe chased down a foul ball and dove into the stands to make the grab, providing one of the best catches in World Series history. He then made the play on a slow chopper over the head of Jenks to throw out Orlando Palmeiro to win the game and the World Series for the White Sox.
Final Score: White Sox 1, Houston 0
With their 11-1 record, the White Sox tied the 1999 New York Yankees
for the best record in a single post-season. In calling the final out, White Sox broadcaster John Rooney
's call of "A White Sox winner and a World Championship!" echoed Jack Buck
's call of the St. Louis Cardinals
winning the 1982 World Series
: "That's a winner! That's a winner! A World Series winner for the Cardinals!" Rooney would join the Cardinals broadcasting team following the Series.
2005 Major League Baseball season
Click on any series score to link to that series' page.Higher seed had home field advantage during Division Series and League Championship Series.The American League champion had home field advantage during the World Series as a result of the AL victory in the 2005 All-Star...
Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
season was the White Sox's 105th season. They finished with a 99-63 record in the regular season and won first-place the American League Central
American League Central
The American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States...
division by six games over the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. In the playoffs, they won the American League Division Series
2005 American League Division Series
-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. New York Yankees:†: Game was postponed due to rain on October 8-Game 1, October 4:U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois...
3-0 over the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, the American League Championship Series
2005 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, IllinoisIn the series opener, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim won 3–2 in their third game in as many nights and as many cities. The Angels took the lead in the second inning on a Garret Anderson home run. The Angels added two...
4-1 over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
, and the World Series
2005 World Series
The 2005 World Series, the 101st Major League Baseball championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros four games to none in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917.Home-field...
4-0 over the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
.
Offseason
- December 9, 2004: Jermaine DyeJermaine DyeJermaine Trevell Dye is a retired American Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter. Dye played with the Atlanta Braves , Kansas City Royals , Oakland Athletics , and the Chicago White Sox . Dye won the World Series MVP with the White Sox in 2005...
was signed as a free agent by the White Sox. - December 9, 2004: Dustin HermansonDustin HermansonDustin Michael Hermanson is an American former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.After being selected in the 1st round of the amateur draft by, and playing for, the San Diego Padres, he bounced around the majors, playing for the Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red...
was signed as a free agent by the White Sox. - December 13, 2004: Carlos LeeCarlos LeeCarlos Noriel Lee is a first basemen in Major League Baseball who plays for the Houston Astros. He bats and throws right-handed....
was traded by the White Sox to the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for Scott PodsednikScott PodsednikScott Eric Podsednik is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Podsednik led the major leagues in stolen bases in with 70.-Minor leagues:...
, Luis VizcaínoLuis VizcaínoLuis Vizcaíno Arias is a Dominican Republic professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians in his career.-Career:Vizcaíno...
and a player to be named later. The Brewers completed the deal by sending Travis Hinton (minors) to the White Sox on January 10, 2005. - December 17, 2004: Bobby JenksBobby JenksRobert Scott "Bobby" Jenks is an American professional baseball relief pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
was claimed off waivers by the White Sox from the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. - January 3, 2005: Orlando HernándezOrlando HernándezOrlando Hernández Pedroso , nicknamed "El Duque", is a former Cuban right-handed baseball pitcher....
was signed as a free agent by the White Sox. - January 6, 2005: A. J. PierzynskiA. J. PierzynskiAnthony John "A. J." Pierzynski is an American Major League Baseball catcher who is currently with the Chicago White Sox. Pierzynski previously played with the Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants . Pierzynski was also a wrestler for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.-Early life:Anthony John...
was signed as a free agent by the White Sox. - January 27, 2005: Tadahito IguchiTadahito Iguchiis a Japanese second baseman currently playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines.-Early life and Japanese career:Iguchi began playing in high school and after graduating in 1993, went to Aoyama Gakuin University where he distinguished himself by hitting the Tohto University Baseball League record of...
was signed as a free agent by the White Sox.
Regular season
The Chicago White Sox had a total attendance of 2,342,833 in 2005, 7th in the American League.The Manager
Everything that happened in 2005 was under the direction of manager Ozzie GuillénOzzie Guillén
Oswaldo José "Ozzie" Guillén Barrios is a Venezuelan-American former Major League Baseball player and current manager of the Miami Marlins. He managed the Chicago White Sox from 2004 to 2011 before asking for his release at the end of the 2011 season....
. After his inaugural season in 2004, in which his club went 83-79 and finished second in the American League Central Division, Guillén approached General Manager Kenny Williams. He asked Williams for a makeover for his club. Guillén envisioned his team playing small ball.
Williams agreed with Guillén. The Sox already had a feisty manager, solid pitching, and power hitters. They had loads and loads of power hitters. The Sox decided to clean up a bit and bring in players with the team first attitude. Guillén wanted more speed, so Scott Podsednik
Scott Podsednik
Scott Eric Podsednik is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Podsednik led the major leagues in stolen bases in with 70.-Minor leagues:...
was brought in to be the leadoff hitter and to create havoc for opposing pitchers. Guillén wanted pitching, so Williams got Freddy García
Freddy García
Freddy Antonio García , nicknamed "The Chief", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent...
, Orlando "El Duque" Hernández
Orlando Hernández
Orlando Hernández Pedroso , nicknamed "El Duque", is a former Cuban right-handed baseball pitcher....
, Luis Vizcaíno
Luis Vizcaíno
Luis Vizcaíno Arias is a Dominican Republic professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians in his career.-Career:Vizcaíno...
, Dustin Hermanson
Dustin Hermanson
Dustin Michael Hermanson is an American former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.After being selected in the 1st round of the amateur draft by, and playing for, the San Diego Padres, he bounced around the majors, playing for the Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red...
, and in July, hard throwing closer Bobby Jenks
Bobby Jenks
Robert Scott "Bobby" Jenks is an American professional baseball relief pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
was brought up.
Another important factor to Guillén’s new plan was to have guys who put the team in front of their own personal accomplishments. Jermaine Dye
Jermaine Dye
Jermaine Trevell Dye is a retired American Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter. Dye played with the Atlanta Braves , Kansas City Royals , Oakland Athletics , and the Chicago White Sox . Dye won the World Series MVP with the White Sox in 2005...
was added for veteran leadership and provided an important bat and glove in the lineup. Tadahito Iguchi
Tadahito Iguchi
is a Japanese second baseman currently playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines.-Early life and Japanese career:Iguchi began playing in high school and after graduating in 1993, went to Aoyama Gakuin University where he distinguished himself by hitting the Tohto University Baseball League record of...
came in from Japan to play second base and bat second behind Podsednik. Iguchi would prove his value all year long.
Finally, the Sox decided to add a little fire into a mostly laid back and quiet clubhouse. This need brought controversial catcher A. J. Pierzynski
A. J. Pierzynski
Anthony John "A. J." Pierzynski is an American Major League Baseball catcher who is currently with the Chicago White Sox. Pierzynski previously played with the Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants . Pierzynski was also a wrestler for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.-Early life:Anthony John...
to Chicago after playing six years for division rival Minnesota
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
, and one year for San Francisco
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
.
Season summary
The White Sox begin their season by winning the first 2 games. They were 7-3 in the first 10 games of the season. They won the next 19 out of the 24 games. Including two 8 game winning streaks. At the end of April they were 17-7. Then after winning to Texas Rangers 2 of 3 games, They would beat the Chicago Cubs twice. They would get swept by the Texas Rangers in a 2 game series. at the end of May they were 35-17. During the interleague they swept the Colorado Rockies. Then, they beat the San Diego Padres twice. they would only win once against the Arizona Diamondbacks. they would sweep the Los Angeles Dodgers. And only won to Chicago Cubs once. At the end of June they were 53-24. Before the All-star break, The Sox were swept by the Oakland Athletics in a 3 game series at home. at the break they were 57-29. Then after the break they sweep the Cleveland Indians in a 4 game series. At the end of July they were 68-35. on August 12 they would lose the next 8 out of 9 games including sweeps of the Boston Red Sox, and the Minnesota Twins. At the end of August they were 80-51. they begin the month by winning the first 7 games. But they were swept by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a 3 game series. They won the last 8 out of the 10 games. They would finish the regular season with a 99-63 record, winning their second American League CentralAmerican League Central
The American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States...
title.
Opening Day Lineup
| Roster | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Scott Podsednik Scott Podsednik Scott Eric Podsednik is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Podsednik led the major leagues in stolen bases in with 70.-Minor leagues:... | ||
| 2B Second baseman Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base... |
Tadahito Iguchi Tadahito Iguchi is a Japanese second baseman currently playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines.-Early life and Japanese career:Iguchi began playing in high school and after graduating in 1993, went to Aoyama Gakuin University where he distinguished himself by hitting the Tohto University Baseball League record of... |
||
| DH Designated hitter In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to... |
Carl Everett Carl Everett Carl Edward Everett III is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently an outfielder for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. A switch hitter, he played with the Chicago White Sox on their 2005 World Series winning team... |
||
| 1B First baseman First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team... |
Paul Konerko Paul Konerko Paul Henry Konerko is an American professional baseball first baseman who has played for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball since 1999. He previously played with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds . Konerko helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the... |
||
| RF | Jermaine Dye Jermaine Dye Jermaine Trevell Dye is a retired American Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter. Dye played with the Atlanta Braves , Kansas City Royals , Oakland Athletics , and the Chicago White Sox . Dye won the World Series MVP with the White Sox in 2005... |
||
| CF | Aaron Rowand Aaron Rowand Aaron Ryan Rowand is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who has played for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was released by the Giants in September 2011.-Early life and college career:... |
||
| C Catcher Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to... |
A. J. Pierzynski A. J. Pierzynski Anthony John "A. J." Pierzynski is an American Major League Baseball catcher who is currently with the Chicago White Sox. Pierzynski previously played with the Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants . Pierzynski was also a wrestler for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.-Early life:Anthony John... |
||
| 3B Third baseman A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run... |
Joe Crede Joe Crede Joseph Taylor Crede is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. Crede attended high school at Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri which he led to 3 district championships and two final four berths as a pitcher... |
||
| SS Shortstop Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the... |
Juan Uribe Juan Uribe Juan C. Uribe Tena is a Dominican Republic professional baseball infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. He began his career in 1997 when he was signed to the Colorado Rockies, and played with the team until December 3, 2003 when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox... |
||
| P Pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the... |
Mark Buehrle Mark Buehrle Mark Alan Buehrle is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He has pitched his entire baseball career for the Chicago White Sox, starting the opening game every season from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2011.... |
||
Record vs. Opponents
| Team | W-L Record |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Orioles Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league... |
6-2 |
| Boston Red Sox Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"... |
3-4 |
| Cleveland Indians Cleveland Indians The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona... |
14-5 |
| Detroit Tigers Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant... |
14-5 |
| Kansas City Royals Kansas City Royals The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium... |
13-5 |
| Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles... |
4-6 |
| Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the... |
11-7 |
| New York Yankees New York Yankees The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division... |
3-3 |
| Oakland Athletics Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum.... |
2-7 |
| Seattle Mariners Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July... |
6-3 |
| Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tampa Bay Rays The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field... |
4-2 |
| Texas Rangers Texas Rangers (baseball) The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have... |
3-6 |
| Toronto Blue Jays Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League .... |
4-2 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona Diamondbacks The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field... |
1-2 |
| Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National... |
3-3 |
| Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains... |
3-0 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming... |
3-0 |
| San Diego Padres San Diego Padres The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times... |
2-1 |
| Interleague Play Interleague play Interleague play is the term used to describe regular season Major League Baseball games played between teams in different leagues, introduced in . Before the 1997 season, teams in the American League and National League did not meet during the regular season... |
12-6 |
Notable transactions
- June 7, 2005: Lance BroadwayLance BroadwayLance Daniel Broadway is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He is 6'3" and throws right-handed.-High school and college:...
was drafted by the White Sox in the 1st round (15th pick) of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft2005 Major League Baseball DraftThe 2005 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 7 and 8. It was conducted via conference call with representatives from each of the league's 30 teams...
. Player signed June 13, 2005.
-
- July 31, 2005: White Sox acquire utility infielder, Geoff Blum, from the San Diego Padres in return for a left-handed minor-league pitcher named Ryan Meaux. This trade got in just before the trade deadline and at the time seemed "anonymous" and "unspectacular". However, the White Sox would be greatly rewarded later that postseason as Blum emerged as the unlikely hero by hitting the winning home run in the top of the 14th inning in Game 3 of the 2005 World Series2005 World SeriesThe 2005 World Series, the 101st Major League Baseball championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros four games to none in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917.Home-field...
.
- July 31, 2005: White Sox acquire utility infielder, Geoff Blum, from the San Diego Padres in return for a left-handed minor-league pitcher named Ryan Meaux. This trade got in just before the trade deadline and at the time seemed "anonymous" and "unspectacular". However, the White Sox would be greatly rewarded later that postseason as Blum emerged as the unlikely hero by hitting the winning home run in the top of the 14th inning in Game 3 of the 2005 World Series
Roster
| 2005 Chicago White Sox | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; BB = Base on balls; SO = Strikeouts; AVG = Batting average; SB = Stolen bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | AVG | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Anderson Brian Anderson (outfielder) Brian Nikola Anderson is an American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. He has played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox as an outfielder, a position he played professionally until before the 2010 season... , OF |
13 | 34 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 12 | .176 | 1 |
| Geoff Blum Geoff Blum Geoffrey Edward Blum is a Major League Baseball infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. During his major-league career, he has also played for the Montreal Expos, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox... , 1B,3B,SS,2B |
31 | 95 | 6 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 15 | .200 | 0 |
| Joe Borchard Joe Borchard Joseph Edward Borchard is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He last played in the major leagues in 2007. Borchard was the 12th pick of the first round in the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft out of Stanford University by the Chicago White Sox... , OF |
7 | 12 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | .417 | 0 |
| Mark Buehrle Mark Buehrle Mark Alan Buehrle is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He has pitched his entire baseball career for the Chicago White Sox, starting the opening game every season from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2011.... , P |
33 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 0 |
| Jamie Burke Jamie Burke James Eugene Burke is a Major League Baseball catcher, who is currently a free agent. He attended Oregon State University, where along with baseball he also played for the school's football team playing the position of kicker.-Minor League Journeyman, 1993 to 2003:Burke was originally drafted by... , 1B |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 |
| Raul Casanova Raul Casanova Raul Casanova was a Major League Baseball catcher from 1996 to 2008 with the exception of 1999 and 2006.-Minor leagues:He was drafted 220th overall, in the eighth round of the draft by the New York Mets.... , C |
6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .200 | 0 |
| Jose Contreras José Contreras José Ariel Contreras Camejo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Philadelphia Phillies... , P |
32 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .000 | 0 |
| Joe Crede Joe Crede Joseph Taylor Crede is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. Crede attended high school at Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri which he led to 3 district championships and two final four berths as a pitcher... , 3B |
132 | 432 | 54 | 109 | 21 | 0 | 22 | 62 | 25 | 66 | .252 | 1 |
| Jermaine Dye Jermaine Dye Jermaine Trevell Dye is a retired American Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter. Dye played with the Atlanta Braves , Kansas City Royals , Oakland Athletics , and the Chicago White Sox . Dye won the World Series MVP with the White Sox in 2005... , RF |
145 | 529 | 74 | 145 | 29 | 2 | 31 | 86 | 39 | 99 | .274 | 11 |
| Carl Everett Carl Everett Carl Edward Everett III is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently an outfielder for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. A switch hitter, he played with the Chicago White Sox on their 2005 World Series winning team... , DH,OF |
135 | 490 | 58 | 123 | 17 | 2 | 23 | 87 | 42 | 99 | .251 | 4 |
| Freddy García Freddy García Freddy Antonio García , nicknamed "The Chief", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent... , P |
33 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 0 |
| Jon Garland Jon Garland Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F... , P |
32 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .500 | 0 |
| Ross Gload Ross Gload Ross Peter Gload is a first baseman and outfielder who is currently a free agent.-High school/college career:... , OF,1B |
28 | 42 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 9 | .167 | 0 |
| Willie Harris Willie Harris William Charles Harris is a Major League Baseball outfielder and infielder. Harris is known for his quick feet and base-stealing abilities, with currently 94 career stolen bases. Harris was formerly a member of the Baltimore Orioles , Chicago White Sox , Boston Red Sox , Atlanta Braves , and... , 2B,SS |
56 | 121 | 17 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 25 | .256 | 10 |
| Orlando Hernandez Orlando Hernández Orlando Hernández Pedroso , nicknamed "El Duque", is a former Cuban right-handed baseball pitcher.... , P |
24 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .333 | 0 |
| Tadahito Iguchi Tadahito Iguchi is a Japanese second baseman currently playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines.-Early life and Japanese career:Iguchi began playing in high school and after graduating in 1993, went to Aoyama Gakuin University where he distinguished himself by hitting the Tohto University Baseball League record of... , 2B |
135 | 511 | 74 | 142 | 25 | 6 | 15 | 71 | 47 | 114 | .278 | 15 |
| Paul Konerko Paul Konerko Paul Henry Konerko is an American professional baseball first baseman who has played for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball since 1999. He previously played with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds . Konerko helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the... , 1B |
158 | 575 | 98 | 163 | 24 | 0 | 40 | 100 | 81 | 109 | .283 | 0 |
| Pedro Lopez Pedro López Pedro Alonso López is a Colombian-born confessed serial killer, accused of raping and killing more than 300 girls across South America... , 2B,SS |
2 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | .286 | 0 |
| Brandon McCarthy Brandon McCarthy Brandon Patrick McCarthy is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics.-Early life:He graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2001.... , P |
12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .000 | 0 |
| Pablo Ozuna Pablo Ozuna Pablo José Ozuna is a retired Dominican Republic professional baseball utility player. During his major league career, he played for the Florida Marlins the Colorado Rockies , the Chicago White Sox , and the Los Angeles Dodgers .... , SS,OF,2B |
70 | 203 | 27 | 56 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 7 | 26 | .276 | 14 |
| Timo Perez Timo Pérez Timoniel M. "Timo" Pérez is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Detroit Tigers organization.-Hiroshima Toyo Carp:... , OF |
76 | 179 | 13 | 39 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 12 | 25 | .218 | 2 |
| A.J. Pierzynski, C | 128 | 460 | 61 | 118 | 21 | 0 | 18 | 56 | 23 | 68 | .257 | 0 |
| Scott Podsednik Scott Podsednik Scott Eric Podsednik is a Major League Baseball outfielder who is currently in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Podsednik led the major leagues in stolen bases in with 70.-Minor leagues:... , LF |
129 | 507 | 80 | 147 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 47 | 75 | .290 | 59 |
| Cliff Politte Cliff Politte Cliff Anthony Politte is a right-handed Major League Baseball retired relief pitcher.Selected in the 54th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, Politte came up to the parent club in . He threw the first pitch at the new Roger Dean Stadium in spring training that... , P |
68 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 0 |
| Aaron Rowand Aaron Rowand Aaron Ryan Rowand is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who has played for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was released by the Giants in September 2011.-Early life and college career:... , CF |
157 | 578 | 77 | 156 | 30 | 5 | 13 | 69 | 32 | 116 | .270 | 16 |
| Frank Thomas Frank Thomas (AL baseball player) Frank Edward Thomas, Jr. , nicknamed "The Big Hurt", is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and first baseman.... , DH |
34 | 105 | 19 | 23 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 26 | 16 | 31 | .219 | 0 |
| Juan Uribe Juan Uribe Juan C. Uribe Tena is a Dominican Republic professional baseball infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. He began his career in 1997 when he was signed to the Colorado Rockies, and played with the team until December 3, 2003 when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox... , SS |
146 | 481 | 58 | 121 | 23 | 3 | 16 | 71 | 34 | 77 | .252 | 4 |
| Chris Widger Chris Widger Christopher Jon Widger is a former Major League Baseball catcher.-Career:A third round pick in the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft, Widger played for the Seattle Mariners , Montréal Expos , New York Yankees , St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago White Sox , and Baltimore Orioles... , C |
45 | 141 | 18 | 34 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 10 | 22 | .241 | 0 |
| |
162 | 5529 | 741 | 1450 | 253 | 23 | 200 | 713 | 435 | 1002 | .262 | 137 |
Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; HR = Home runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts| Player | W | L | ERA | G | GS | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Adkins Jon Adkins Jonathan Scott Adkins is a Major League Baseball area scout for the Boston Red Sox, covering the Ohio River Valley... |
0 | 1 | 8.64 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 8.1 | 13 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
| Jeff Bajenaru Jeff Bajenaru Jeffrey Michael Bajenaru is a former MLB baseball pitcher.Bajenaru began his college career at the Riverside Community College. The Oakland Athletics drafted him in the 13th round after his sophomore season, but he elected not to sign. He parlayed his community college performance into a... |
0 | 0 | 6.23 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4.1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Mark Buehrle Mark Buehrle Mark Alan Buehrle is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He has pitched his entire baseball career for the Chicago White Sox, starting the opening game every season from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2011.... |
16 | 8 | 3.12 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 236.2 | 240 | 99 | 82 | 20 | 44 | 149 |
| Jose Contreras José Contreras José Ariel Contreras Camejo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Philadelphia Phillies... |
15 | 7 | 3.61 | 32 | 32 | 0 | 204.2 | 177 | 91 | 82 | 23 | 77 | 154 |
| Neal Cotts Neal Cotts Neal James Cotts is a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a Free Agent-College career:... |
4 | 0 | 1.94 | 69 | 0 | 0 | 60.1 | 38 | 15 | 13 | 1 | 34 | 58 |
| Freddy García Freddy García Freddy Antonio García , nicknamed "The Chief", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who is currently a free agent... |
14 | 8 | 3.87 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 228.0 | 225 | 102 | 98 | 26 | 62 | 146 |
| Jon Garland Jon Garland Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F... |
18 | 10 | 3.50 | 32 | 32 | 0 | 221.0 | 212 | 93 | 86 | 26 | 50 | 115 |
| Dustin Hermanson Dustin Hermanson Dustin Michael Hermanson is an American former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball.After being selected in the 1st round of the amateur draft by, and playing for, the San Diego Padres, he bounced around the majors, playing for the Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red... |
2 | 4 | 2.04 | 57 | 0 | 34 | 57.1 | 46 | 17 | 13 | 4 | 21 | 33 |
| Orlando Hernández Orlando Hernández Orlando Hernández Pedroso , nicknamed "El Duque", is a former Cuban right-handed baseball pitcher.... |
9 | 9 | 5.12 | 24 | 22 | 1 | 128.1 | 137 | 77 | 73 | 18 | 51 | 91 |
| Bobby Jenks Bobby Jenks Robert Scott "Bobby" Jenks is an American professional baseball relief pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball... |
1 | 1 | 2.75 | 32 | 0 | 6 | 39.1 | 34 | 15 | 12 | 3 | 18 | 50 |
| Damaso Marte Dámaso Marté Dámaso Marté Sabinon is a Dominican Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Seattle Mariners , Pittsburgh Pirates , and Chicago White Sox .-Seattle Mariners:... |
3 | 4 | 3.77 | 66 | 0 | 4 | 45.1 | 45 | 21 | 19 | 5 | 37 | 54 |
| Brandon McCarthy Brandon McCarthy Brandon Patrick McCarthy is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics.-Early life:He graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2001.... |
3 | 2 | 4.03 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 67.0 | 62 | 30 | 30 | 13 | 17 | 48 |
| Cliff Politte Cliff Politte Cliff Anthony Politte is a right-handed Major League Baseball retired relief pitcher.Selected in the 54th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, Politte came up to the parent club in . He threw the first pitch at the new Roger Dean Stadium in spring training that... |
7 | 1 | 2.00 | 68 | 0 | 1 | 67.1 | 42 | 15 | 15 | 7 | 25 | 57 |
| David Sanders David Sanders (baseball) David Andrew Sanders , is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played parts of two seasons in the majors, and , for the Chicago White Sox.-External links:... |
0 | 0 | 13.50 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Shingo Takatsu Shingo Takatsu Shingo Takatsu is a professional baseball pitcher for the Sinon Bulls of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He had a short stint with the Chicago White Sox where he was the closer for two seasons until struggles closing games ultimately led to his demotion to the minors... |
1 | 2 | 5.97 | 31 | 0 | 8 | 28.2 | 30 | 19 | 19 | 9 | 17 | 32 |
| Luis Vizcaino Luis Vizcaíno Luis Vizcaíno Arias is a Dominican Republic professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, and Cleveland Indians in his career.-Career:Vizcaíno... |
6 | 5 | 3.73 | 65 | 0 | 0 | 70.0 | 74 | 30 | 29 | 8 | 35 | 43 |
| Kevin Walker Kevin Walker (baseball) Kevin Michael Walker is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He is the pitching coach for the Salem Red Sox of the Class A Carolina League.... |
0 | 1 | 9.00 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 7.0 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 5 |
| |
99 | 63 | 3.61 | 162 | 162 | 54 | 1475.2 | 1392 | 645 | 592 | 167 | 501 | 1040 |
Postseason
Chicago would begin its eighth trip to the postseason in 2005. The last time they reached the playoffs, during the 2000 season, they were swept by the wild card Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
in three games after having the best record in the American League that season. The White Sox’ power, or lack thereof in the series, ultimately doomed them. The pitching, which had been average at best all year, broke apart against Seattle.
The time before that, after their 1993 AL West Division title, the White Sox won two games against the eventual World Series Champion Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. Expectations were pretty high for the 2005 playoffs, especially if they could erase that 88 year drought.
Game 1
With manager Ozzie Guillén reminding his team not to feel happy just to be in the playoffs, the White Sox took that to heart. The Southsiders pounded the Red Sox 14-2 behind two homers from A.J. Pierzynski. Paul Konerko, Juan Uribe, and Scott Podsednik added solo shots. Podsednik’s homer was his first of the season. The White Sox also got another solid performance from starter José Contreras, who went 7 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs, and striking out six. The White Sox beat up on former Cub Matt ClementMatt Clement
Matthew Paul Clement is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher. Clement played for the San Diego Padres , Florida Marlins , Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox . While on the Red Sox active roster, he was injured all of the 2007 season...
, as his day was done after just 3 1/3 innings, giving up eight runs. The White Sox played a pretty flawless game all together, most notable by Tadahito Iguchi’s surprise throw to third to nail Trot Nixon
Trot Nixon
Christopher Trotman Nixon is an American retired professional baseball right fielder. He played from 1996-2008 for three different teams, but is noted primarily for his time with the Boston Red Sox...
, taking some momentum out of the Red Sox. Everything was looking up for the White Sox, but they weren’t counting off Boston that easily. Final score: White Sox 14, Boston 2
Game 2
White Sox ace Mark Buehrle would get his chance in this game to turn in a solid postseason performance. Buehrle was with the White Sox in 2000 for their last playoff run, and pitched 1/3 scoreless inning of relief. But given his first chance to start, he looked to help his team put the Red Sox in a tough 2-0-hole. Buehrle was a bit shaky, giving up four runs and eight hits over seven innings. However, he still got the win thanks to Boston second baseman Tony GraffaninoTony Graffanino
Anthony Joseph Graffanino is a former American Major League Baseball second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop. Though he never officially retired, Graffanino has not played since .-Career:...
, a former White Sox. With one out and Joe Crede on first in the fifth inning, Juan Uribe hit a ground ball up the middle. Graffanino took his eyes off the ball and started to flip the ball to shortstop Edgar Renteria
Edgar Rentería
Edgar Enrique Rentería Herazo , nicknamed "The Barranquilla Baby," is a Colombian professional baseball shortstop. He throws and bats right-handed. Previously, he has played for the Florida Marlins, the St...
before he had fielded it. The ball went through his legs and into the outfield. This allowed Crede to move to third, allowing a prime scoring opportunity for the White Sox.
Scott Podsednik spoiled the first chance, fouling out to third. That opened the door for Tadahito Iguchi with the White Sox down 4-2. Iguchi sent a curveball from pitcher David Wells
David Wells
David Lee Wells , nicknamed "Boomer", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Wells was considered to be one of the game's better left-handed pitchers, especially during his years with the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched the fifteenth perfect game in baseball history...
into the left field seats for a 5-4 lead. The White Sox would never vanquish this lead, as Bobby Jenks came on in the eighth inning to nail down the two inning save. The Sox had just won their second postseason game in a row, and headed to Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, up two games to none. However, the Red Sox had come back from three down in the American League Championship the year before on their way to the World Series championship, so no one was taking Boston lightly. Final Score: White Sox 5, Boston 4
Game 3
Game 3 proved to be perhaps the most exciting of the whole series. The White Sox headed into Boston, taking on Johnny DamonJohnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...
, Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...
, and David Ortiz
David Ortiz
David Américo Ortiz Arias , known as David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. Previously, Ortiz played with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox...
, and were confident. Freddy García was on the hill, ready to nail down his second clinching win of the season. The White Sox took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning with some key hits. However, García’s shakiness kept the Red Sox in the game. He gave up two in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. But, Paul Konerko, the White Sox’ number one run producer the whole season, stepped to the plate in the top of the sixth inning with Jermaine Dye on base. He sent a pitch over the Green Monster
Green Monster
The Green Monster is a popular nickname for the thirty-seven foot , two-inch high left field wall at Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team...
in left field to put the White Sox ahead 4-2, and keep a lead that they would never lose. The scariest point came in the sixth inning. García gave up a mammoth home run to Manny Ramirez to bring Boston to within one, and then Dámaso Marté loaded the bases with a single and two walks. That prompted manager Ozzie Guillén to bring on Orlando “El Duque” Hernández, who was brought to Chicago for his incredible postseason track record while with the New York Yankees. With no outs, Hernández toed the rubber against Red Sox pinch hitter and captain Jason Varitek
Jason Varitek
Jason Andrew Varitek is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. After being traded as a minor league prospect by the Seattle Mariners, Varitek has played his entire major league career for the Boston Red Sox...
. Varitek fouled out to first baseman Konerko. The next batter was Tony Graffanino, who was looking for redemption from his Game 2 mistake. After a 10 pitch at-bat, Graffanino finally popped up to shortstop Juan Uribe for the second out of the inning. Then after Johnny Damon drew a full count from Hernández, El Duque struck him out on a checked swing. That ended the inning, and put the Red Sox down to rest. Hernández would go on to pitch two more scoreless innings, allowing only one more hit. The White Sox would add an insurance run in the top of the ninth, leading to Bobby Jenks to close out his second game of the series and send the Chicago into the American League Championship Series. Final Score: White Sox 5, Boston 3
This was the White Sox first post-season series win since winning the 1917 World Series
1917 World Series
In the 1917 World Series, the Chicago White Sox beat the New York Giants four games to two. The Series was played against the backdrop of World War I, which dominated the American newspapers that year and next....
.
Game 1
By virtue of their sweep in the Division Series, the White Sox got to enjoy a three day break in between the two series, while the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
and New York Yankees battled it out. Due to a rain-out, the Angels had to fly from New York to Anaheim for Game 5 of the series, and then fly to Chicago in back to back nights. It was assumed that the White Sox would have the easy advantage in this series, because they were very well rested and Los Angeles was very tired. However, that was not the case. The Angels were led by a home run from Garret Anderson
Garret Anderson
Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
in the second, and Chicago was unable to execute in the field, leading to two more Angel runs. The White Sox would get on the board with a Joe Crede home run in the third. They added on another run to cut the lead to 3-2 with A.J. Pierzynski’s RBI single in the fourth. However, that would be all the production the Sox could muster, as they wasted opportunities in the later innings, as well as a solid start by José Contreras. He went 8 1/3 innings, giving up three runs. It was Contreras’s first loss since August 15, when he suffered defeat to the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
. The White Sox were now in a hole, and faced a must-win Game 2, or risk going to Anaheim down 2-0. Final Score: Los Angeles 3, White Sox 2
Game 2
Mark Buehrle would be on the mound in Game 2, and turned in an incredible outing. Through nine innings, he only gave up a Robb QuinlanRobb Quinlan
Robb William Quinlan is a former Major League Baseball utility player. He plays first base, third base, corner outfield, catcher and designated hitter....
home run in the fifth, and the White Sox scored a run in the bottom of the first via errors. With the score tied 1-1 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and Buehrle getting ready to start the tenth inning, A.J. Pierzynski stepped to the plate. Pierzynski swung on a split-finger fastball in the dirt from Kelvim Escobar
Kelvim Escobar
Kelvim Jose Escobar Bolivar is a Major League Baseball pitcher, who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws right-handed...
for strike three. Home Plate Umpire Doug Eddings
Doug Eddings
Douglas Leon Eddings is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He came to public attention with a controversial call during Game Two of the 2005 American League Championship Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Eddings started umpiring Little League games at 14,...
called Pierzynski out on three strikes. Pierzynski began taking steps towards the dugout, but quickly realized the ball was caught, and he wasn’t tagged, so he ran to first base. After much discussion between the umpires, he was eventually awarded first base, and the inning went on. Pablo Ozuna went in to pinch run for him, and on the first pitch, stole second base without a throw from Paul. With Joe Crede at the plate down in the count 0-2, White Sox fans hoped and prayed. Crede lined the next pitch from Escobar off the left field wall for a walk-off double. The White Sox were able to pull out a victory and even the series. Final Score: White Sox, 2. Los Angeles 1
Game 3
The series now switched to Anaheim, where the White Sox had a history of playing poorly. However, this was a new year and a team with a new attitude. Plus, they had the momentum from coming back in the previous game. Jon Garland, who hadn’t pitched in the Division Series, made his first career playoff start. Garland picked up right where Mark Buehrle had left off. Throwing a complete game of his own, Garland gave up only two runs on an Orlando CabreraOrlando Cabrera
Orlando Luis Cabrera, nicknamed "O-Cab" and "The OC", is a Colombian-American baseball infielder.He won a World Series championship in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. He has played for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins,...
home run in the sixth inning while fanning seven. He was helped by his offense, specifically Paul Konerko, who hit a two run home run in the top of the first inning, proving to be the game winning runs as the White Sox built a 3-0 lead after one. The lead was extended to 5-0 by the sixth before the Cabrera home run.
This game had no controversy, although Doug Eddings, the home plate umpire in Game 2 who ruled the third strike to A.J. Pierzynski hit the ground, did get booed while being introduced. The White Sox had put together a 2-1 series lead as well as back to back complete games in a postseason series for the first time since 1982, when it was accomplished by Tommy John
Tommy John
Thomas Edward John Jr. is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 career victories rank as the seventh highest total among left-handers in major league history...
and Bruce Kison
Bruce Kison
Bruce Eugene Kison is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1971-1985 for three different teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates , California Angels and Boston Red Sox...
for the California Angels. The Sox would head into Game 4 looking to take a commanding three games to one lead.
Final Score: White Sox 5, Los Angeles 2
Game 4
Inspired by his teammate’s performances the last two games of the series, Freddy García followed suit, tossing a complete game of his own. García was masterful over the game, giving up only six hits and two runs. He was helped by yet another three run lead in the first inning. This time, Paul Konerko hit a three-run homer. The complete game was the first time a team had thrown three straight complete games in a postseason series since the 1973 National League Championship SeriesNational League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
when Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver
George Thomas "Tom" Seaver , nicknamed "Tom Terrific" and "The Franchise", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched from 1967-1986 for four different teams in his career, but is noted primarily for his time with the New York Mets...
, Jon Matlack
Jon Matlack
Jonathan Trumpbour Matlack is an American former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher...
, and Jerry Koosman
Jerry Koosman
Jerome Martin Koosman is a former left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies between 1967 and 1985...
accomplished the feat for the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
, despite Seaver’s being a loss.
Another incident involving catcher A.J. Pierzynski took place in the second inning. There were runners on first and third at the time, and Steve Finley
Steve Finley
Steven Allen Finley is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:Finley, who grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, attended Paducah Tilghman High School and Southern Illinois University, where he earned a degree in physiology and played for the baseball team from 1984–87.-College, Team USA,...
was at the plate. Finley swung and clipped Pierzynski’s glove during his follow through. As Finely ran to first he looked back at the umpires and yelled for catcher’s interference. However, the call was not made, and Finley eventually ended up grounding into an inning ending double play. The victory put the White Sox one victory away from heading to the World Series, and one step closer to erasing their long-awaited World Championship drought. Final Score: White Sox 8, Los Angeles 2
Game 5
José Contreras, who had pitched well in Game 1 but lost, was on the hill for Game 5, trying to send the White Sox to their first World Series since 1959. Contreras definitely did his part. Keeping with the theme of the series, Contreras fired another complete game. He wasn’t quite as effective as the other three pitchers, surrendering three runs on five hits over the game, but the White Sox offense scored enough runs to give him a 6-3 victory. The four consecutive complete games in a postseason was a League Championship Series record, and the first time since the New York Yankees got five complete games in a row from Whitey FordWhitey Ford
Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
, Tom Sturdivant
Tom Sturdivant
Thomas Virgil Sturdivant II was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets...
, Don Larsen
Don Larsen
Donald James Larsen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1953-67 for seven different teams. Larsen is best known for pitching the sixth perfect game in baseball history, doing so in game 5 of the 1956 World Series...
(which was a perfect game
Perfect game
A perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
), Bob Turley
Bob Turley
Robert Lee Turley was a Major League Baseball pitcher.Turley was signed as an amateur free agent by the St. Louis Browns in . He played his first game on September 29, 1951 for the Browns and moved with them to Baltimore in...
, and Johnny Kucks
Johnny Kucks
John Charles Kucks was a pitcher for the New York Yankees and Kansas City Athletics in Major League Baseball. In 1952, he was signed as an amateur free agent...
during the 1956 World Series
1956 World Series
The 1956 World Series of Major League Baseball was played between the New York Yankees and the defending champion Brooklyn Dodgers during the month of October 1956. The Series was a rematch of the 1955 World Series...
against the Brooklyn Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
.
The White Sox started the scoring in the second on Joe Crede’s sacrifice fly. The Angels tied it in the third with an Adam Kennedy single. In the fifth, Jermaine Dye hit a two-out double that put the White Sox ahead 2-1. However, LA struck right back with a ground rule double from Chone Figgins
Chone Figgins
Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
and a sacrifice fly from Garret Anderson. However, it was all White Sox after that. Joe Crede hit a game-tying home run off Kelvim Escobar in the seventh. In the eighth, A.J. Pierzynski was at it again. He hit a slow rolling ground ball down the first base line and Escobar tagged him. However, Escobar tagged with his glove, and the ball was in his hand. Randy Marsh
Randy Marsh
Randall Gilbert Marsh is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the National League from 1981 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues from 2000-2009. Marsh wore the uniform number 30...
, the first base umpire called Pierzynski out, but then the umpires talked it over after manager Ozzie Guillén ran out to argue. The call was reversed, and Pierzynski was rewarded first base with Aaron Rowand on second with two out. Joe Crede faced Angels closer Francisco Rodríguez, who would set the Major League record for saves in a season in 2008 with 62, and Crede laced a single up the middle to score Rowand and put the White Sox ahead for good. Paul Konerko added an RBI double in the ninth for insurance. Konerko would win the ALCS MVP award as the White Sox looked to win their first World Series since 1917. Final Score: White Sox 6, Los Angeles 3
This was the White Sox first pennant since 1959
1959 Chicago White Sox season
The Chicago White Sox season was the team's 59th season in the major leagues, and its 60th season overall. They finished with a record 94-60, good enough to win the American League championship, five games ahead of the second place Cleveland Indians...
.
Game 1
Chicago’s opponent in the 2005 World Series would be the National League Champion Houston AstrosHouston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
, who defeated the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in the National League Championship Series to clinch a trip to their first World Series in franchise history. The night was special for Craig Biggio
Craig Biggio
Craig Alan Biggio is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, catcher, and outfielder. He played his entire 20-year baseball career with the Houston Astros . He ranks 21st all-time with 3,060 career hits, and is the ninth player in the 3000 hit club to get all his hits with the same team. He...
and Jeff Bagwell
Jeff Bagwell
Jeffrey Robert Bagwell , is a former American professional baseball player and coach. He played his entire fifteen-year Major League Baseball career as a first baseman for the Houston Astros and was a four-time All-Star...
, two longtime Astros making their first trip to the World Series. Game 1 was José Contreras vs. Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens
William Roger Clemens , nicknamed "Rocket", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who broke into the league with the Boston Red Sox, whose pitching staff he would help anchor for 12 years. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher. He played for four different teams over...
. However, Clemens reinjured his hamstring in the second inning, and so his night was done early. In the fourth, with the score tied 3-3, Joe Crede took control of the game. He homered in the inning, and then, in the sixth, he made two diving stops to save runs and keep the White Sox ahead by one.
The story of the night, though, was the bullpen. After Contreras lasted seven plus innings, Neal Cotts came on to try to stop the bleeding. Willy Taveras
Willy Taveras
Willy Taveras is a Major League Baseball center fielder.-Houston Astros:Taveras played in 10 games at the end of the Astros season, mostly as a pinch runner....
had hit a leadoff double and then Cotts gave up a hard single to Lance Berkman
Lance Berkman
William Lance Berkman is an American professional baseball outfielder and right fielder with the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball....
, which was hit so hard that Taveras had to hold at third. However, Cotts then went on to strike out Morgan Ensberg
Morgan Ensberg
Morgan Paul Ensberg is a former infielder in Major League Baseball. Ensberg bats and throws right-handed...
and Mike Lamb
Mike Lamb
Michael Robert Lamb is an American professional baseball Utility Player for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. He can play the infield but shortstop, corner outfield and catcher...
, bringing up Bagwell. That prompted manager Ozzie Guillén to bring on closer Bobby Jenks. Jenks would end up striking out Bagwell while using his 100 mph heat and completely blowing it right past Bagwell. Jenks then got the next three outs in the top of the ninth to give the White Sox a Game 1 victory.
Final Score: White Sox 5, Houston 3
Game 2
Fresh off a victory the night before, the White Sox tried to make it two in a row in the Series, but this time against Andy PettitteAndy Pettitte
Andrew Eugene Pettitte is a retired American left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher.In his major league career, he played for the New York Yankees from 1995–2003. He then signed with the Houston Astros, and played for them from 2004 through 2006. In 2007, Pettitte rejoined the Yankees...
, who was making his 34th career postseason start. This game was sloppy, as temperatures were cold and it was raining. Mark Buehrle did not have his best stuff, as he gave up four runs in seven innings. However, with the White Sox down 4-2 in the seventh, Paul Konerko took over. With the bases loaded, he sent the first pitch he saw from reliever Chad Qualls
Chad Qualls
Chadford Michael Qualls is a relief pitcher.-Astros:Qualls was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He began his career as a starting pitcher with the Michigan Battle Cats in...
into the left field bullpen for a 6-4 White Sox lead on a grand slam. The slam was the first one in White Sox postseason history. However, the lead only lasted for an inning. Bobby Jenks, so solid the whole postseason, gave up two runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game. Fortunate enough for Jenks, Scott Podsednik came to the rescue. Hitting second in the ninth, Podsednik sent a pitch from suddenly shaky closer Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge
Bradley Thomas "Brad" Lidge is a reliever who is currently a free agent. Nicknamed "Lights Out", he is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with at least 200 appearances in their career...
into the right field seats for a walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
. It was the 14th walk-off home run in World Series history, and sent the White Sox to Houston up two games to none. Final Score: White Sox 7, Houston 6
Game 3
This game was the longest game in World Series history time wise, and tied for the longest game in World Series history according to innings. In the first ever World Series game played in the state of TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, the hometown Astros got off to a good start. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead through four innings. However, in the fifth, the White Sox put up a five spot to take the lead 5-4 in a 46-pitch inning for Houston’s Roy Oswalt
Roy Oswalt
Roy Edward Oswalt is an American Major League Baseball pitcher and Olympic gold medalist who is currently a free agent. Oswalt, a slender six-foot right-handed starting pitcher, is currently in his eleventh major league season...
. But, the Astros would tie up the score in the bottom of the eighth, and as neither team scored in the ninth inning, the White Sox and the Astros went into extra innings.
The game kept going on and on until the top of the fourteenth inning when Geoff Blum stepped to the plate. Blum did not have a postseason at-bat for the White Sox since Game 1 of the Division Series. He connected on a home run off Ezequiel Astacio
Ezequiel Astacio
Ezequiel Franklin Astacio is a Major League Baseball pitcher, who currently plays for the San Angelo Colts in the United Baseball League....
to give the White Sox a one run lead. They would add another insurance run later in the inning. After Dámaso Marté began the bottom half, Mark Buehrle came out and got the save for Chicago. After using nine pitchers to the Astros’ eight, and playing for 5 hours and 41 minutes. The White Sox were just one win away from clinching their first World Series championship in 88 years. Final Score: White Sox 7, Houston 5
Game 4
Behind the words of Ozzie Guillén to win the World Series as soon as possible, the White Sox took it to heart in a trademark 1-0 win. Freddy García was on the hill against the young but talented Brandon BackeBrandon Backe
Brandon Allen Backe is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. He joined the Houston Astros in , after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays....
. Locked in a pitchers’ duel through seven innings, Guillén decided to take García out and replace him with a pinch hitter in the top of the eighth inning. Willie Harris would pinch-hit for García and started the inning off with a single. After moving to third with two outs, Jermaine Dye would drive him in with a single up the middle against Brad Lidge, who again gave up another big hit. Dye would win World Series MVP honors for his clutch hitting throughout the series. After Cliff Polite and Neal Cotts pitched a scoreless eighth, closer Bobby Jenks came in to close the game out. He did give up a leadoff single, and got an out via a sacrifice bunt, but then it was all Juan Uribe. Uribe chased down a foul ball and dove into the stands to make the grab, providing one of the best catches in World Series history. He then made the play on a slow chopper over the head of Jenks to throw out Orlando Palmeiro to win the game and the World Series for the White Sox.
Final Score: White Sox 1, Houston 0
With their 11-1 record, the White Sox tied the 1999 New York Yankees
1999 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees' 1999 season was the 97th season for the Bronx based professional baseball team. The team finished with a record of 98-64 finishing 4 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox. New York was managed by Joe Torre. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium...
for the best record in a single post-season. In calling the final out, White Sox broadcaster John Rooney
John Rooney
John Rooney is an American sportscaster, currently best known for his role as a radio broadcaster for Major League Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.-Early career:...
's call of "A White Sox winner and a World Championship!" echoed Jack Buck
Jack Buck
John Francis "Jack" Buck was an American sportscaster, best known for his work announcing Major League Baseball games of the St. Louis Cardinals. Buck received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, and is honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame...
's call of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
winning the 1982 World Series
1982 World Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 12, 1982 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MissouriThe Brewers' left-hander Mike Caldwell pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits. The Brewers' offense was led by Paul Molitor, who had a World Series-record five hits and two RBIs...
: "That's a winner! That's a winner! A World Series winner for the Cardinals!" Rooney would join the Cardinals broadcasting team following the Series.