Post by bigmark on Oct 11, 2014 14:31:48 GMT -5
Chicago Associated Press.
It's been one heck of a ride for the beloved Chicago White Sox.... Just 2 months into the 1960 season as the reigning World Series Champions they are once again right in the thick of the hunt for hopefully their second post season birth. Finally making the post season in 1959 after so many close calls would have been plenty for a lot of White Sox fans but the boys brought home the AL pennant shockingly upsetting the power house New York Yankees and then winning the underdog versus underdog match up with the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring home the title.
One thing stood out that series or one person. Star White Sox pitcher Mike Fornieles. This reporter would like to say All Star instead of Star but apparently the league powers to be thought otherwise when the all star game came around last year...even with Fornieles stellar numbers. He was passed over when the selection process was completed. Fornieles went on to dominate the 2nd half of the 1959 season and in the post season he really let the world know who Mike Fornieles was claiming the post season MVP with the following stat line 4 GS, 3-0, 0.77 ERA, 35 IP, 17 K, 1 SO.
But let's not end it there now Fornieles is dominating the 1960 season with a 12 - 1 record and leading the AL with a 2.35 ERA while the White Sox are once again in a fight with the division rival Detroit Tigers for the AL West Title. According to Mike its no big deal he was qouted earlier today. "It's no big deal to me. I just want to help the team win each time I go out there and hopefully we will get our fans another thrill of the post season." Add modesty to that earlier stat line.
Speaking of the AL West title race. The White Sox are currently once again neck and neck with the Detroit Tigers with both clubs currently holding a 45 - 26 record. Leading the way once again is the White Sox pitching with the likes of Fornieles, Pierce, Veteran Connie Johnson and Fireballer youngster Jim "Mudcat" Grant. Grant the young man with a cannon for an arm is currently 2nd in the AL in Strikeouts and the Vet Johnson held his own back in the starting rotation after missing a lot of time due to injury while subbing for the injured Steve Ridzik.
Depth is one problem this White Sox team has and it's a problem many teams dream of having. Some great youngsters are nipping at the heels of the veterans in order to either get more playing time or make thier big league debut. Catcher and 1st Basemen Don Gile and outfielder Jim Landis are just two of the many. In both cases the two youngsters have what it takes but no room. Catcher Earl Battey has been on a hot streak ever since the 1959 World Series and cant very well be put on the bench and the stacked outfield of Speedy Veteran Minoso along with Robertson and King is not leaving any room for Landis to squeeze in.
LANDIS
Either way the rest of the 1960 season is set to be an exciting one and any White Sox fan can enjoy the past, present and definitely look forward to the future. The White sox are jsut finishing a road trip in Kansas City tonight against the Athetlics then its back home to face the Washington Senators and the Cleveland Indians. This reporter will see you at the ballpark!
It's been one heck of a ride for the beloved Chicago White Sox.... Just 2 months into the 1960 season as the reigning World Series Champions they are once again right in the thick of the hunt for hopefully their second post season birth. Finally making the post season in 1959 after so many close calls would have been plenty for a lot of White Sox fans but the boys brought home the AL pennant shockingly upsetting the power house New York Yankees and then winning the underdog versus underdog match up with the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring home the title.
One thing stood out that series or one person. Star White Sox pitcher Mike Fornieles. This reporter would like to say All Star instead of Star but apparently the league powers to be thought otherwise when the all star game came around last year...even with Fornieles stellar numbers. He was passed over when the selection process was completed. Fornieles went on to dominate the 2nd half of the 1959 season and in the post season he really let the world know who Mike Fornieles was claiming the post season MVP with the following stat line 4 GS, 3-0, 0.77 ERA, 35 IP, 17 K, 1 SO.
FORNIELES
But let's not end it there now Fornieles is dominating the 1960 season with a 12 - 1 record and leading the AL with a 2.35 ERA while the White Sox are once again in a fight with the division rival Detroit Tigers for the AL West Title. According to Mike its no big deal he was qouted earlier today. "It's no big deal to me. I just want to help the team win each time I go out there and hopefully we will get our fans another thrill of the post season." Add modesty to that earlier stat line.
Speaking of the AL West title race. The White Sox are currently once again neck and neck with the Detroit Tigers with both clubs currently holding a 45 - 26 record. Leading the way once again is the White Sox pitching with the likes of Fornieles, Pierce, Veteran Connie Johnson and Fireballer youngster Jim "Mudcat" Grant. Grant the young man with a cannon for an arm is currently 2nd in the AL in Strikeouts and the Vet Johnson held his own back in the starting rotation after missing a lot of time due to injury while subbing for the injured Steve Ridzik.
Depth is one problem this White Sox team has and it's a problem many teams dream of having. Some great youngsters are nipping at the heels of the veterans in order to either get more playing time or make thier big league debut. Catcher and 1st Basemen Don Gile and outfielder Jim Landis are just two of the many. In both cases the two youngsters have what it takes but no room. Catcher Earl Battey has been on a hot streak ever since the 1959 World Series and cant very well be put on the bench and the stacked outfield of Speedy Veteran Minoso along with Robertson and King is not leaving any room for Landis to squeeze in.
GRANT
LANDIS
Either way the rest of the 1960 season is set to be an exciting one and any White Sox fan can enjoy the past, present and definitely look forward to the future. The White sox are jsut finishing a road trip in Kansas City tonight against the Athetlics then its back home to face the Washington Senators and the Cleveland Indians. This reporter will see you at the ballpark!
