3. GALE SAYERS-- (1965-71) Sayers played only 68 games in his career limited by knee injuries in 1968 and 1970 but became the youngest Hall of Fame selection.
Sayers scored a rookie-record 22 touchdowns, including six in one game against the 49ers.
4. BRONKO NAGURSKI-- ((1930-37, '43) A fullback and defensive tackle, Nagurski left football for pro wrestling, but returned for the 1943 season and scored the go-ahead touchdown in the championship game.
He was a seven-time All-Pro.
Bronko Nagurski. If That Is Not a Great Football Name, I Don't Know What Is. --CootBronc
Monday, October 31, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
All-Time Bears Running Backs-- Part 1: Payton and Forte
1. WALTER PAYTON (1975-1987)
Hailed as the "Greatest Bear" by Mike Ditka, Payton broke Jim Brown's all-time rushing record and finished a 13-year career with 16,726 yards, a mark later surpassed by Emmett Smith.
He owns 27 team records, Payton was also the best blocker among the NFL running backs.
2. MATT FORTE (2008-2015)
Second to Payton in career rushing receptions and total yards.
Forte is the first Bear with at least 900 yards in each of his first seven seasons and missed by only two in his eighth.
--CootPayton
Hailed as the "Greatest Bear" by Mike Ditka, Payton broke Jim Brown's all-time rushing record and finished a 13-year career with 16,726 yards, a mark later surpassed by Emmett Smith.
He owns 27 team records, Payton was also the best blocker among the NFL running backs.
2. MATT FORTE (2008-2015)
Second to Payton in career rushing receptions and total yards.
Forte is the first Bear with at least 900 yards in each of his first seven seasons and missed by only two in his eighth.
--CootPayton
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Heck of a Run: Only 1 Was Better Than No. 22-- Part 1: Ranking the Top Ten Bears Running Backs
From the February 14, 2016, Chicago Tribune, by Don Pierson.
Matt Forte played eight seasons with the Chicago Bears and now plays with the New York Jets.
"There is no shortage of renowned running backs in Bears history, starting with Red Grange, who brought credibility to pro football with a 1925 national barnstorming tour. His pro rushing career never matched his output at University of Illinois because of injury, and he became more valuable on defense.
In 1934 rookie Beattie Feathers became the first NFL runner to surpass 1,000 but ended up with only 1,846 in his short Bears career.
"In the 1940s, George McAfee, whom Grange called "the most dangerous threat in football," made the Hall of Fame as much on his punt returns and defense."
Wonder Who is the #1 Bear Rusher? --Cooter
Matt Forte played eight seasons with the Chicago Bears and now plays with the New York Jets.
"There is no shortage of renowned running backs in Bears history, starting with Red Grange, who brought credibility to pro football with a 1925 national barnstorming tour. His pro rushing career never matched his output at University of Illinois because of injury, and he became more valuable on defense.
In 1934 rookie Beattie Feathers became the first NFL runner to surpass 1,000 but ended up with only 1,846 in his short Bears career.
"In the 1940s, George McAfee, whom Grange called "the most dangerous threat in football," made the Hall of Fame as much on his punt returns and defense."
Wonder Who is the #1 Bear Rusher? --Cooter
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Me and "The Min"
Over the years, as boaters on the Chain of Lakes (since 1985), we often visited the Mineola Bar in the lower level. I especially enjoyed their fish fries on Fridays which had a great salad/soup bar as well. Plus, they had a lot of great specials on drinks.
And, that view looking eastward across Fox Lake was something to behold.
They had a historical display of artifacts from the hotel as well as old menus (I always like to see what the prices were in the past). You just had to appreciate the huge history of that place.
I even deejayed a couple parties on the second level when they had a banquet hall there as well as part of the veranda open.
Sadly, the building itself was largely neglected with but little done to redo it or anything like that. Eventually the Village of Fox Lake, the mayor in particular, got into a fight with owner Pete Jakstas, or "Mineola Pete" as he is called, and the end result was the closing of the bar and restaurant with the idea of the place being unsafe. That was several years ago and even without any repairs the place still stands.
I sure wish the village would work out some sort of a deal with Pete to reopen the bar/restaurant as we really miss the place and expect at anytime to have it destroyed.
That Will Be a Huge Loss of History and Beauty When That Happens. --Cooter
And, that view looking eastward across Fox Lake was something to behold.
They had a historical display of artifacts from the hotel as well as old menus (I always like to see what the prices were in the past). You just had to appreciate the huge history of that place.
I even deejayed a couple parties on the second level when they had a banquet hall there as well as part of the veranda open.
Sadly, the building itself was largely neglected with but little done to redo it or anything like that. Eventually the Village of Fox Lake, the mayor in particular, got into a fight with owner Pete Jakstas, or "Mineola Pete" as he is called, and the end result was the closing of the bar and restaurant with the idea of the place being unsafe. That was several years ago and even without any repairs the place still stands.
I sure wish the village would work out some sort of a deal with Pete to reopen the bar/restaurant as we really miss the place and expect at anytime to have it destroyed.
That Will Be a Huge Loss of History and Beauty When That Happens. --Cooter
Monday, October 24, 2016
The Chain of Lakes' Mineola Hotel-- Part 6: Just Standing There Now
The building in the 1960s, after all those years of use was also in need of repairs and updating to appeal to visitors.
The Jakstas family continued to operate a restaurant and bar in the building until 2012 when the Village of Fox Lake ordered it closed due to safety concerns. The Landmarks Illinois Commission named it as one of the most endangered historic sites in the state in 2013.
Over the last few years, there have been several groups involved in trying to save the Mineola, or "Min" as regulars referred to it. There are some who would like to see it leveled, and others like me, who would like to see it saved.
It still stands, but for how much longer, no one knows.
The Mineola is at 91 North Cora Street in Fox Lake, right on the western shore of Fox Lake.
--CootMin
The Jakstas family continued to operate a restaurant and bar in the building until 2012 when the Village of Fox Lake ordered it closed due to safety concerns. The Landmarks Illinois Commission named it as one of the most endangered historic sites in the state in 2013.
Over the last few years, there have been several groups involved in trying to save the Mineola, or "Min" as regulars referred to it. There are some who would like to see it leveled, and others like me, who would like to see it saved.
It still stands, but for how much longer, no one knows.
The Mineola is at 91 North Cora Street in Fox Lake, right on the western shore of Fox Lake.
--CootMin
Friday, October 21, 2016
The Chain of Lakes' Mineola Hotel-- Part 5: Jakstas Family Running It
The ad also reported that there were no mortgages or outstanding bills and that the property could receive liberal terms for the purchaser.
Peter and Emma Jakstas responded to Mrs. Howard's desire to sell the Mineola and in 1943 purchased the property and successfully ran the resort through through the years.
In 1953 a hotel guest started a fire on the third floor, but fortunately the fire was contained.
Recognizing the uniqueness of the building and its importance in the history of the area, the National registry of Historic Places added the Mineola to its registry in 1979.
The Jakstas family continued to run the business over the years, but in 1963, closed the hotel part of the building due to a decrease to summertime visitors.
--Cooter
Peter and Emma Jakstas responded to Mrs. Howard's desire to sell the Mineola and in 1943 purchased the property and successfully ran the resort through through the years.
In 1953 a hotel guest started a fire on the third floor, but fortunately the fire was contained.
Recognizing the uniqueness of the building and its importance in the history of the area, the National registry of Historic Places added the Mineola to its registry in 1979.
The Jakstas family continued to run the business over the years, but in 1963, closed the hotel part of the building due to a decrease to summertime visitors.
--Cooter
Thursday, October 20, 2016
The Chain of Lakes' Mineola Hotel-- Part 4: Hotel For Sale
The Howard family ran the Mineola Hotel from 1891 to the early 1940s when Mrs. Howard put it up for sale.
She place an ad which read:
"For sale or Rent-- On acct of age, wish to sell or rent my 85 room hotel fully equipped & now operating. 13 cottages, 52 Acres of wooded grounds, 1000 feet of shoreline, all sandy beach.
Suitable for Resort, Club, Sanitarium, School or Convalescent Home.
Will sell all or part.
50 Miles NW of Chicago.
Mrs. E. Howard, Fox Lake, IL. Phone Fox Lake 127W.
Little Old Resort Owner Me. --Minooter
She place an ad which read:
"For sale or Rent-- On acct of age, wish to sell or rent my 85 room hotel fully equipped & now operating. 13 cottages, 52 Acres of wooded grounds, 1000 feet of shoreline, all sandy beach.
Suitable for Resort, Club, Sanitarium, School or Convalescent Home.
Will sell all or part.
50 Miles NW of Chicago.
Mrs. E. Howard, Fox Lake, IL. Phone Fox Lake 127W.
Little Old Resort Owner Me. --Minooter
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
The Chain of Lakes' Mineola Hotel-- Part 3: All the Modern Amenities and Capone Too
Edson C. Howard purchased the building in 1891 and turned it into a hotel. At a beginning price of $2 a day, visitors could enjoy hunting, fishing and the beauty of Fox Lake (not to mention the nearby lotus beds).
The hotel had all the modern amenities of the time including indoor plumbing and both hot and cold running water.
The draw to the Chain of Lakes included not only the beauty and water activities, but also easy access to gambling and alcohol. It is often said that Al Capone and his gang spent time at the Mineola. Whether he actually did is not known for sure.
The Mineola (or Min as regulars often referred to it) was run by the Howard family and continued to prosper even through the development of the automobile and Prohibition. However, in the early 1940s, Mrs. Howard put the place up for sale.
--DaCoot
The hotel had all the modern amenities of the time including indoor plumbing and both hot and cold running water.
The draw to the Chain of Lakes included not only the beauty and water activities, but also easy access to gambling and alcohol. It is often said that Al Capone and his gang spent time at the Mineola. Whether he actually did is not known for sure.
The Mineola (or Min as regulars often referred to it) was run by the Howard family and continued to prosper even through the development of the automobile and Prohibition. However, in the early 1940s, Mrs. Howard put the place up for sale.
--DaCoot
The Chain of Lakes' Mineola Hotel-- Part 2: Beautiful Veranda for CBOT Members
The Mineola's land was purchased in the 1880s for the purpose of building a private hunting club for use by members of the Chicago Board of Trade.
It was built entirely of wood and contained 100 rooms and at the time was recognized as the largest wooden building in Illinois. Its wide veranda is believed to have been designed by architects Alphonse Howe and Charles Caskey who also designed the famed Grande Hotel on Mackinac Island.
The building itself is a frame three-story structure, 225 feet in length with a square tower rising three stories above the entrance on the second level. Hipped dormers ran the length of the roof on either side of the tower,
The veranda ran the length of the building and was one of the best spots as guests could sit and relax while enjoying drinks and the view.
--CootMin
It was built entirely of wood and contained 100 rooms and at the time was recognized as the largest wooden building in Illinois. Its wide veranda is believed to have been designed by architects Alphonse Howe and Charles Caskey who also designed the famed Grande Hotel on Mackinac Island.
The building itself is a frame three-story structure, 225 feet in length with a square tower rising three stories above the entrance on the second level. Hipped dormers ran the length of the roof on either side of the tower,
The veranda ran the length of the building and was one of the best spots as guests could sit and relax while enjoying drinks and the view.
--CootMin
Monday, October 17, 2016
The Chain of Lakes' Mineola Hotel-- Part 1: Built in 1884
From the September 28, 2016, Hi-Liter "Looking back at the Mineola" by Sandra Landen Machaj.
"Once the Grand Dame of Fox Lake it now sits deserted on those same shores. Built in 1884, it has had a long journey from largest hotel on the Chain of Lakes, to a restaurant and bar and finally as an empty building in disrepair fighting to avoid demolition, a long journey since its glory days."
Tjhis pretty well sums up its history.
If you've ever seen a picture of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, this is essentially the Mineola, only smaller. We never went to it as a hotel, but have had many fun times in the bar and restaurant over the years. It was located on the lower level and is now all boarded up. there was even a short time when they had banquets on the main level and, of course, there was that great veranda with that gorgeous view of the length of Fox Lake.
--Cootola
"Once the Grand Dame of Fox Lake it now sits deserted on those same shores. Built in 1884, it has had a long journey from largest hotel on the Chain of Lakes, to a restaurant and bar and finally as an empty building in disrepair fighting to avoid demolition, a long journey since its glory days."
Tjhis pretty well sums up its history.
If you've ever seen a picture of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, this is essentially the Mineola, only smaller. We never went to it as a hotel, but have had many fun times in the bar and restaurant over the years. It was located on the lower level and is now all boarded up. there was even a short time when they had banquets on the main level and, of course, there was that great veranda with that gorgeous view of the length of Fox Lake.
--Cootola
Friday, October 14, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Not a Fair Fight
From the August 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
"A rather amusing feature connected with the arrest and return to Fond du Lac, of a man arrested on the charge of wife abandonment was seen by a good many around the DeKalb depot this morning.
"The man arrested was a small-sized young man, who would weigh about 125 pounds and who would not be able to resist arrest by a man of but a few pounds more weight than he.
"The officer who came down from the north after him was a man about six foot three inches in height and weighing about 325 pounds and apparently able to lick his weight in wild cats."
The Fight Was Over before It Began. --DaCoot
"A rather amusing feature connected with the arrest and return to Fond du Lac, of a man arrested on the charge of wife abandonment was seen by a good many around the DeKalb depot this morning.
"The man arrested was a small-sized young man, who would weigh about 125 pounds and who would not be able to resist arrest by a man of but a few pounds more weight than he.
"The officer who came down from the north after him was a man about six foot three inches in height and weighing about 325 pounds and apparently able to lick his weight in wild cats."
The Fight Was Over before It Began. --DaCoot
Looking Back to 1916: Home Quarantined
From the August 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 years ago: "The Otis Hinkston home in Shabbona Grove is quarantined on account of a case of scarlet fever having developed.
Dr. Moore of Shabbona is attending the case.
Something You Don't Hear Much These Days. --Cooter
1916, 100 years ago: "The Otis Hinkston home in Shabbona Grove is quarantined on account of a case of scarlet fever having developed.
Dr. Moore of Shabbona is attending the case.
Something You Don't Hear Much These Days. --Cooter
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: A Problem With Horses
From the August 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
"A little excitement was caused at the Sixth Street crossing of the Northwestern (Railroad) in DeKalb this morning about 9:00 o'clock when the horse that John Crego was driving hitched to a top buggy became frightened as one of the traces came lose and dropped around his hind feet.
"The horse plunged and reared up and started to make a quick getaway but Mr. Crego was able to get it stopped and Officer Rowe who was at the depot, ran over to the horse and held him while the driver got out and quieted the animal.
The Problem With Horses. --Cooter
"A little excitement was caused at the Sixth Street crossing of the Northwestern (Railroad) in DeKalb this morning about 9:00 o'clock when the horse that John Crego was driving hitched to a top buggy became frightened as one of the traces came lose and dropped around his hind feet.
"The horse plunged and reared up and started to make a quick getaway but Mr. Crego was able to get it stopped and Officer Rowe who was at the depot, ran over to the horse and held him while the driver got out and quieted the animal.
The Problem With Horses. --Cooter
Looking Back to 1916: Horses Losing Out to Automobiles
From the August 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
"The hitching posts and rails which have been located on the south side of Locust Street between First and Third streets for a good many years have been removed on account of the paving which is going to be laid there making it undesirable to have rigs hitched along the street anymore.
"These same railings have been set on the north side of Girard Street between Fifth and Seventh streets and considerable hitching space is afforded at this new location."
Horses Losing Out. DaAutoer
"The hitching posts and rails which have been located on the south side of Locust Street between First and Third streets for a good many years have been removed on account of the paving which is going to be laid there making it undesirable to have rigs hitched along the street anymore.
"These same railings have been set on the north side of Girard Street between Fifth and Seventh streets and considerable hitching space is afforded at this new location."
Horses Losing Out. DaAutoer
Looking Back to 1916: Price of Haircuts Goes to 35 Cents!!
From the August 24, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Beginning with tomorrow morning the barbers of DeKalb will get 35 cents for every haircut. This is according to the price agreed upon by the barbers of the city some short time ago.
There will be a falling off of their business for a couple weeks perhaps, but in time the men will become accustomed to the price and will pay it without objecting.
Prices Going Up (INFLATION) Even Back Then. --HairyCooter
1916, 100 Years Ago.
"Beginning with tomorrow morning the barbers of DeKalb will get 35 cents for every haircut. This is according to the price agreed upon by the barbers of the city some short time ago.
There will be a falling off of their business for a couple weeks perhaps, but in time the men will become accustomed to the price and will pay it without objecting.
Prices Going Up (INFLATION) Even Back Then. --HairyCooter
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Complete List of All-Time Greatest Cubs Team-- Part 14
These are the greatest all-time Cub players according to voters in the Chicago Tribune.
FIRST BASE-- Mark Grace
SECOND BASE-- Ryne Sandberg
SHORTSTOP-- Ernie Banks
THIRD BASE-- Ron Santo
RIGHT FIELD-- Andre Dawson
CENTER FIELD-- Hack Wilson
LEFT FIELD-- Billy Williams
CATCHER-- Gabby Hartnett
STARTING PITCHER-- Fergie Jenkins
RELIEF PITCHER-- Bruce Sutter
MANAGER-- Frank Chance
Pretty Good Line Up If You Ask Me. --DaCubber
FIRST BASE-- Mark Grace
SECOND BASE-- Ryne Sandberg
SHORTSTOP-- Ernie Banks
THIRD BASE-- Ron Santo
RIGHT FIELD-- Andre Dawson
CENTER FIELD-- Hack Wilson
LEFT FIELD-- Billy Williams
CATCHER-- Gabby Hartnett
STARTING PITCHER-- Fergie Jenkins
RELIEF PITCHER-- Bruce Sutter
MANAGER-- Frank Chance
Pretty Good Line Up If You Ask Me. --DaCubber
Greatest Cubs Team of All-Time-- Part 13 : Grace and Sandberg
From the September 11, 2016, Chicago Tribune.
MARK GRACE, FIRST BASE
Grave batted .308 and drove in 1,004 runs as a Cub. In 1995, he led the National League in doubles with 51 and won his third of his four career Gold Gloves.
Grace batted .647 in the 1989 playoff series against the Giants with five extra-base hits and eight RBIs. Known for his good eye, Grace had 946 walks versus 561 strikeouts with the Cubs.
RYNE SANDBERG, SECOND BASE
Sandberg was the NL MVP for the division-winning Cubs team in 1984, batting .314 with 19 home runs. 84 RBIs and a major league-best 19 triples.
This 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner and Hall of Fame inductee also led the NL in home runs with 40 in 1990 and had back-to-back seasons with exactly 100 RBIs in 1990 and 1991.
--Cootberg
MARK GRACE, FIRST BASE
Grave batted .308 and drove in 1,004 runs as a Cub. In 1995, he led the National League in doubles with 51 and won his third of his four career Gold Gloves.
Grace batted .647 in the 1989 playoff series against the Giants with five extra-base hits and eight RBIs. Known for his good eye, Grace had 946 walks versus 561 strikeouts with the Cubs.
RYNE SANDBERG, SECOND BASE
Sandberg was the NL MVP for the division-winning Cubs team in 1984, batting .314 with 19 home runs. 84 RBIs and a major league-best 19 triples.
This 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner and Hall of Fame inductee also led the NL in home runs with 40 in 1990 and had back-to-back seasons with exactly 100 RBIs in 1990 and 1991.
--Cootberg
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 21: The List
Perhaps with this team, it might have been the Sox in the American League Playoffs instead of you-know-who.
FIRST BASE: Frank Thomas
SECOND BASE: Nellie Fox
SHORTSTOP: Luke Appling
THIRD BASE: Robin Ventura
RIGHT FIELD: Harold Baines
CENTER FIELD: Jim Landis
LEFT FIELD: Ron Kittle
CATCHER: Carlton Fisk
STARTING PITCHER: Ted Lyons
RELIEF PITCHER: Hoyt Wilhelm
MANAGER: Al Lopez
Great, Great Sox Names, All. --Soxer
FIRST BASE: Frank Thomas
SECOND BASE: Nellie Fox
SHORTSTOP: Luke Appling
THIRD BASE: Robin Ventura
RIGHT FIELD: Harold Baines
CENTER FIELD: Jim Landis
LEFT FIELD: Ron Kittle
CATCHER: Carlton Fisk
STARTING PITCHER: Ted Lyons
RELIEF PITCHER: Hoyt Wilhelm
MANAGER: Al Lopez
Great, Great Sox Names, All. --Soxer
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 20: Lopez
AL LOPEZ, MANAGER
The skipper of the 1959 AL champions, Lopez posted a career winning percentage of .564 over 11 seasons with the Sox.
Lopez had five seasons with 90 or more victories as manager of the Sox and his 840 career victories are the second-most in team history.
Well, That's the List. --CootSox
The skipper of the 1959 AL champions, Lopez posted a career winning percentage of .564 over 11 seasons with the Sox.
Lopez had five seasons with 90 or more victories as manager of the Sox and his 840 career victories are the second-most in team history.
Well, That's the List. --CootSox
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 19: Lyons and Wilhelm
TED LYONS, STARTING PITCHER
Over his 21 big league seasons, all with the Sox, Lyons recorded a franchise-best 260 wins and 356 complete games.
He led the AL in victories twice and won 20 or more games three times. Lyons pitched 4,161 innings in a Sox uniform, the most in team history. The Hall of Famer also had a career batting average of .233 (Really good for a pitcher).
HOYT WILHELM, RELIEF PITCHER
The Hall of Fame knuckleballer had his best seasons with the Sox. In five of his six seasons on the South Side (the Cubs are the North Side due to the location of their ballpark), Wilhelm never posted an ERA higher than 1.99.
He had three seasons with 20 or more saves for the Sox, including a career high 27 in 1964. His 0.93 WHIP is the best in team history.
Hoyt Me One. --DaWilooter
Over his 21 big league seasons, all with the Sox, Lyons recorded a franchise-best 260 wins and 356 complete games.
He led the AL in victories twice and won 20 or more games three times. Lyons pitched 4,161 innings in a Sox uniform, the most in team history. The Hall of Famer also had a career batting average of .233 (Really good for a pitcher).
HOYT WILHELM, RELIEF PITCHER
The Hall of Fame knuckleballer had his best seasons with the Sox. In five of his six seasons on the South Side (the Cubs are the North Side due to the location of their ballpark), Wilhelm never posted an ERA higher than 1.99.
He had three seasons with 20 or more saves for the Sox, including a career high 27 in 1964. His 0.93 WHIP is the best in team history.
Hoyt Me One. --DaWilooter
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 18: Kittle and Fisk
RON KITTLE, LEFT FIELD
The AL Rookie of the Year as well as an All-Star in 1983 (that great year for the Sox, my second-most favorite Sox team of all-time). Kittle hit 35 homers and drove in 100 runs for the division-winning White Sox that year.
He hit 32 homers in 1984 and 26 more in 1985. Kittle's 140 homers in a Sox uniform rank 10th in team history.
CARLTON FISK, CATCHER
A 24-year big leaguer, Fisk played 13 of those seasons for the White Sox. He earned four All-Star berths with the Sox, and his 214 home runs for them are the fourth-most in team history.
Fisk's best offensive season in Chicago came in 1985, when the Hall of Famer hit 37 home runs, drove in 107 runs and stole 17 bases.
Both of these men were on the '83 Sox Western Division Champions.
Pitch to Fisk At Your Risk. --CarlCooter
The AL Rookie of the Year as well as an All-Star in 1983 (that great year for the Sox, my second-most favorite Sox team of all-time). Kittle hit 35 homers and drove in 100 runs for the division-winning White Sox that year.
He hit 32 homers in 1984 and 26 more in 1985. Kittle's 140 homers in a Sox uniform rank 10th in team history.
CARLTON FISK, CATCHER
A 24-year big leaguer, Fisk played 13 of those seasons for the White Sox. He earned four All-Star berths with the Sox, and his 214 home runs for them are the fourth-most in team history.
Fisk's best offensive season in Chicago came in 1985, when the Hall of Famer hit 37 home runs, drove in 107 runs and stole 17 bases.
Both of these men were on the '83 Sox Western Division Champions.
Pitch to Fisk At Your Risk. --CarlCooter
Monday, October 10, 2016
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 17: Baines and Landis
HAROLD BAINES: RIGHT FIELD
A 22-year big leaguer, Baines played 14 season with the White Sox and was twice reacquired by the team after being traded in 1989.
A four-time All-Star with the Sox, Baines hit 20 or more home runs seven times. His 221 home runs in a Sox uniform are the third-most in franchise history.
Still my all-time favorite Sox player. It sure upset me the two times they traded him.
JIM LANDIS: CENTER FIELD
Landis won five consecutive Gold Glove awards from 1960 to 1964. In 1963, he led AL center fielders with a .993 fielding percentage.
He reached double digits in home runs five times, including a career-best 22 in 1962, when he was named to the AL All-Star Team.
--DaBaineser
A 22-year big leaguer, Baines played 14 season with the White Sox and was twice reacquired by the team after being traded in 1989.
A four-time All-Star with the Sox, Baines hit 20 or more home runs seven times. His 221 home runs in a Sox uniform are the third-most in franchise history.
Still my all-time favorite Sox player. It sure upset me the two times they traded him.
JIM LANDIS: CENTER FIELD
Landis won five consecutive Gold Glove awards from 1960 to 1964. In 1963, he led AL center fielders with a .993 fielding percentage.
He reached double digits in home runs five times, including a career-best 22 in 1962, when he was named to the AL All-Star Team.
--DaBaineser
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 16: Appling and Ventura
LUKE APPLING: SHORTSTOP
He played 20 seasons, all with the Sox, recording a career average of .310 and driving in 1.116 runs. Appling twice led the AL in batting, the first time in 1936 when he had a .388 average and a career-best 128 RBIs.
The Hall of Famer is the Sox's all-time leader in games played with 2,422 and has the team's highest career WAR (74.5).
ROBIN VENTURA: THIRD BASE
A five-time Gold Glove winner with the Sox, Ventura also had five seasons in which he hit at least 20 homers. he reached the 100-RBI mark with the Sox twice, with 100 in 1991 and 105 in 1996.
Ventura hit 174 home runs and batted .274 in a Sox uniform. He became Sox manager in 2012. Sadly, he resigned at the end of this season.
--Cootling
He played 20 seasons, all with the Sox, recording a career average of .310 and driving in 1.116 runs. Appling twice led the AL in batting, the first time in 1936 when he had a .388 average and a career-best 128 RBIs.
The Hall of Famer is the Sox's all-time leader in games played with 2,422 and has the team's highest career WAR (74.5).
ROBIN VENTURA: THIRD BASE
A five-time Gold Glove winner with the Sox, Ventura also had five seasons in which he hit at least 20 homers. he reached the 100-RBI mark with the Sox twice, with 100 in 1991 and 105 in 1996.
Ventura hit 174 home runs and batted .274 in a Sox uniform. He became Sox manager in 2012. Sadly, he resigned at the end of this season.
--Cootling
Friday, October 7, 2016
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 15: The Team: Thomas and Fox
From the September 11, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Greatest Baseball Team of All Time."
The Tribune readers picked Al Lopez as the all-time greatest White Sox skipper.
1ST BASE: FRANK THOMAS
"The Big Hurt" hit 448 home runs in a White Sox uniform, the most in team history. Thomas drove in 100 or more runs 10 times for the Sox, including a career-high of 143 in 2000.
He batted .320 or better five times, leading the league at .347 in 1997. Thomas won back-to-back MVP awards in 1993-94 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
2ND BASE: NELLIE FOX
The MVP of the 1959 American League champion Sox, Fox batted .306 that season and won the second of his three Gold Gloves.
In 14 seasons with the Sox, the Hall of Famer batted .291 and a walk-to-strikeout ratio of 3.4-to-1. He led the league in plate appearances five times but never struck out more than 18 times in one season.
DaHurt-er
The Tribune readers picked Al Lopez as the all-time greatest White Sox skipper.
1ST BASE: FRANK THOMAS
"The Big Hurt" hit 448 home runs in a White Sox uniform, the most in team history. Thomas drove in 100 or more runs 10 times for the Sox, including a career-high of 143 in 2000.
He batted .320 or better five times, leading the league at .347 in 1997. Thomas won back-to-back MVP awards in 1993-94 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
2ND BASE: NELLIE FOX
The MVP of the 1959 American League champion Sox, Fox batted .306 that season and won the second of his three Gold Gloves.
In 14 seasons with the Sox, the Hall of Famer batted .291 and a walk-to-strikeout ratio of 3.4-to-1. He led the league in plate appearances five times but never struck out more than 18 times in one season.
DaHurt-er
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Managers-- Part 14: La Russa, Lopez and Manuel
TONY LA RUSSA
La Russa led the Sox to 99 victories and a division title in 1983, at one point building a 20-game lead.
La Russa managed the Sox for parts of eight seasons and his 522 victories rank fourth in team history.
AL LOPEZ
The skipper of the 1959 White Sox American league champions, Lopez posted a career winning percentage of .564 over eleven seasons with the Sox.
Lopez had five seasons with 90 or more victories as manager of the Sox and his 840 career victories are the second-most in team history.
JERRY MANUEL
In Manuel's six seasons as manager, the Sox won a divisional title and finished second four times.
He compiled a career winning percentage of .515 and his 500 victories place him fifth in franchise history.
This category was a hard one to choose a best all-time manager. I liked Tony La Russa, and if you figure his championships with the Oakland As and St. Louis Cardinals, he would be best. But as just for what anyone of these did with the White Sox, I'll have to go with Al Lopez.
--CootSenor
La Russa led the Sox to 99 victories and a division title in 1983, at one point building a 20-game lead.
La Russa managed the Sox for parts of eight seasons and his 522 victories rank fourth in team history.
AL LOPEZ
The skipper of the 1959 White Sox American league champions, Lopez posted a career winning percentage of .564 over eleven seasons with the Sox.
Lopez had five seasons with 90 or more victories as manager of the Sox and his 840 career victories are the second-most in team history.
JERRY MANUEL
In Manuel's six seasons as manager, the Sox won a divisional title and finished second four times.
He compiled a career winning percentage of .515 and his 500 victories place him fifth in franchise history.
This category was a hard one to choose a best all-time manager. I liked Tony La Russa, and if you figure his championships with the Oakland As and St. Louis Cardinals, he would be best. But as just for what anyone of these did with the White Sox, I'll have to go with Al Lopez.
--CootSenor
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Managers-- Part 13: Guillen and Lamont
The winner of best relief pitcher was Hoyt Wilhelm.
OZZIE GUILLEN
In eight seasons as White Sox manager, Guillen posted a winning percentage of .524 and won 678 games, third-most in team history.
Guillen's Sox won 99 games in 2005 and went 11-1 in post season en route to the Sox's first World Series Championship in 88 years.
GENE LAMONT
Lamont led the Sox to back-to-back division titles in 1993 and 1994.
In his four seasons as manager, the Sox never finished worse than third and he posted a winning percentage of .551.
I still say the Sox would have been in the World Series in '94 had it not been for the strike. That was one great team.
DaOzer
OZZIE GUILLEN
In eight seasons as White Sox manager, Guillen posted a winning percentage of .524 and won 678 games, third-most in team history.
Guillen's Sox won 99 games in 2005 and went 11-1 in post season en route to the Sox's first World Series Championship in 88 years.
GENE LAMONT
Lamont led the Sox to back-to-back division titles in 1993 and 1994.
In his four seasons as manager, the Sox never finished worse than third and he posted a winning percentage of .551.
I still say the Sox would have been in the World Series in '94 had it not been for the strike. That was one great team.
DaOzer
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Relief Pitchers-- Part 12
These names sure bring back memories in a lot of cases. Some of the Sox listed, however, were before my time.
Continuing with relief pitchers
BOBBY JENKS
Jenks emerged as the closer late in the Sox 2005 championship run and had four saves in the post season, including two in the World Series.
he went on to become an All-Star in 2006 and 2007, when he saved 41 and 40 games. Jenks' 173 saves are the second-most in Sox history.
BOBBY THIGPEN
The team's all-time saves leader with 201, Thigpen led the majors with a record 57 saves in 1990. He also posted a 1.83 ERA that season and appeared in a league-high 77 games and was named an All-Star.
Thigpen saved 30 or more games in four consecutive seasons from 1988-1991.
But, his habit of putting baserunners on, and often three of them at a time, sure scared the bejeevers out of me.
HOYT WILHELM
The Hall of Fame knuckleballer had his best seasons with the Sox. In five of his six seasons on the South Side, Wilhelm never posted an ERA higher than 1.99.
He had three seasons with twenty or more saves for the Sox, including a career high 27 in 1964.
Of the five, I would go with Hoyt Wilhelm as best relief pitcher.
--CootHoyt
Continuing with relief pitchers
BOBBY JENKS
Jenks emerged as the closer late in the Sox 2005 championship run and had four saves in the post season, including two in the World Series.
he went on to become an All-Star in 2006 and 2007, when he saved 41 and 40 games. Jenks' 173 saves are the second-most in Sox history.
BOBBY THIGPEN
The team's all-time saves leader with 201, Thigpen led the majors with a record 57 saves in 1990. He also posted a 1.83 ERA that season and appeared in a league-high 77 games and was named an All-Star.
Thigpen saved 30 or more games in four consecutive seasons from 1988-1991.
But, his habit of putting baserunners on, and often three of them at a time, sure scared the bejeevers out of me.
HOYT WILHELM
The Hall of Fame knuckleballer had his best seasons with the Sox. In five of his six seasons on the South Side, Wilhelm never posted an ERA higher than 1.99.
He had three seasons with twenty or more saves for the Sox, including a career high 27 in 1964.
Of the five, I would go with Hoyt Wilhelm as best relief pitcher.
--CootHoyt
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Relief Pitchers-- Part 11: Fisher and Hernandez
The All-Time Greatest Starting Pitcher was Ted Lyons.
EDDIE FISHER
In 1965, Fisher led the AL in appearances and won 15 games out of the bullpen.
He also had the league's lowest WHIP at 0.97 and saved a career high 24 games that season, earning him a spot on the AL All-Star team.
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ
In his seven seasons with the Sox, Hernandez posted 30 or more saves four times. In 1996, he tied a career high with 38 saves, had a 1.91 ERA and was named an All-Star.
His 161 saves in a Sox uniform rank third in team history.
--DaFisher
EDDIE FISHER
In 1965, Fisher led the AL in appearances and won 15 games out of the bullpen.
He also had the league's lowest WHIP at 0.97 and saved a career high 24 games that season, earning him a spot on the AL All-Star team.
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ
In his seven seasons with the Sox, Hernandez posted 30 or more saves four times. In 1996, he tied a career high with 38 saves, had a 1.91 ERA and was named an All-Star.
His 161 saves in a Sox uniform rank third in team history.
--DaFisher
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 10, Starting Pitchers: Lyons, Sale and Wood
TED LYONS
Over his 21 big-league seasons, all with the White Sox, Lyons recorded a franchise-best 260 wins and 356 complete games.
He led the AL in victories twice and won twenty or more games three times. Lyons pitched 4,161 innings in a Sox uniform, the most in team history.
CHRIS SALE
Sale converted to a starter in 2012 and went 17-8, earning his first of five All-Star berths.
In 2015, Sale led the AL with 274 strike outs, breaking a single-season Sox record. Sale's career strikeout-to-walk ratio of over 4-1 is the best in franchise history.
WILBUR WOOD
After converting from a relief pitcher to a starter, Wood went 22-13 with a 1.91 ERA and a team-record pitcher's WAR of 11.7 for the Sox in 1971. This was the first of four consecutive 20-win, 300-inning seasons for the left-handed knuckleballer.
I'd have to go with Ted Lyons for best starting pitcher.
--LyonCoot
Over his 21 big-league seasons, all with the White Sox, Lyons recorded a franchise-best 260 wins and 356 complete games.
He led the AL in victories twice and won twenty or more games three times. Lyons pitched 4,161 innings in a Sox uniform, the most in team history.
CHRIS SALE
Sale converted to a starter in 2012 and went 17-8, earning his first of five All-Star berths.
In 2015, Sale led the AL with 274 strike outs, breaking a single-season Sox record. Sale's career strikeout-to-walk ratio of over 4-1 is the best in franchise history.
WILBUR WOOD
After converting from a relief pitcher to a starter, Wood went 22-13 with a 1.91 ERA and a team-record pitcher's WAR of 11.7 for the Sox in 1971. This was the first of four consecutive 20-win, 300-inning seasons for the left-handed knuckleballer.
I'd have to go with Ted Lyons for best starting pitcher.
--LyonCoot
Monday, October 3, 2016
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Starting Pitchers-- Part 9: Buehrle and Pierce
The winner for all-time best catcher was Carlton Fisk. "Pitch to Fish At Your Risk."
MARK BUEHRLE
Buehrle was the ace of the 2005 World series Champs, going 16-8 and 2-0 in the post season. Buehrle threw 200 or more innings and reached double digits in victories in each of his eleven full seasons as a starter.
His 161 wins in a Sox uniform rank sixth on the team's all-time list.
And, I'll never forget getting caught out on our boat during a major storm on the Chain of Lakes when we had to remain at Chopper's to watch the end of his perfect game.
BILLY PIERCE
A seven-time All-Star, Pierce had back-to-back seasons with twenty victories in 1956 and 1957. he led the American league in strike outs with 186 in 1953 and led the major leagues with a 1.97 ERA in 1955.
In his thirteen seasons with the Sox, Pierce won 186 games and threw 35 shutouts.
MARK BUEHRLE
Buehrle was the ace of the 2005 World series Champs, going 16-8 and 2-0 in the post season. Buehrle threw 200 or more innings and reached double digits in victories in each of his eleven full seasons as a starter.
His 161 wins in a Sox uniform rank sixth on the team's all-time list.
And, I'll never forget getting caught out on our boat during a major storm on the Chain of Lakes when we had to remain at Chopper's to watch the end of his perfect game.
BILLY PIERCE
A seven-time All-Star, Pierce had back-to-back seasons with twenty victories in 1956 and 1957. he led the American league in strike outs with 186 in 1953 and led the major leagues with a 1.97 ERA in 1955.
In his thirteen seasons with the Sox, Pierce won 186 games and threw 35 shutouts.
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Catchers-- Part 8: Lollar, Pierzynski and Schalk
By the way, the All-Time White Sox right fielder was Harold Baines, my all-time favorite Sox player.
SHERM LOLLAR
A six-time AL All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner with the Sox, Lollar was the starting catcher on the 1959 pennant winners. Lollar reached double digits in home runs six times in his ten seasons on the South Side, including 20 in 1958 and a career-high 22 in 1959.
His 1,241 games as catcher rank second in Sox franchise history.
A.J. PIERZYNSKI
One of the key players on the 2005 champions, Pierzynski played eight seasons on the South Side, batting .279 with 118 home runs.
He was named to the AL All-Star team in 2006, when he batted .295 with 16 homers. Pierzynski batted .444 with two home runs in the three-game division series sweep over the Red Sox in 2005.
RAY SCHALK
An ironman who played 17 seasons with the Sox, he led AL catchers in fielding percentage five times. In 1916, he stole a career high 30 bases en route to a career total of 177.
Schalk played on two World Series teams, including the 1917 champs, and batted .304 in the 1919 series against the Cincinnati Reds (Black Sox). His 1,723 games as catcher are the most in Sox history.
--A.J. DaCoot
SHERM LOLLAR
A six-time AL All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner with the Sox, Lollar was the starting catcher on the 1959 pennant winners. Lollar reached double digits in home runs six times in his ten seasons on the South Side, including 20 in 1958 and a career-high 22 in 1959.
His 1,241 games as catcher rank second in Sox franchise history.
A.J. PIERZYNSKI
One of the key players on the 2005 champions, Pierzynski played eight seasons on the South Side, batting .279 with 118 home runs.
He was named to the AL All-Star team in 2006, when he batted .295 with 16 homers. Pierzynski batted .444 with two home runs in the three-game division series sweep over the Red Sox in 2005.
RAY SCHALK
An ironman who played 17 seasons with the Sox, he led AL catchers in fielding percentage five times. In 1916, he stole a career high 30 bases en route to a career total of 177.
Schalk played on two World Series teams, including the 1917 champs, and batted .304 in the 1919 series against the Cincinnati Reds (Black Sox). His 1,723 games as catcher are the most in Sox history.
--A.J. DaCoot
Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Catchers-- Part 7: Herrmann and Fisk
From the August 21, 2016, Chicago Tribune.
ED HERRMANN-- An All-Star in 1974, Herrmann reached double digits in home runs five years in a row, including a career high 19 in 1970 when he played in just 96 games.
In 1972, he threw out 50 percent of would-be base stealers, the best success rate in the American League.
CARLTON FISK-- A 24-year big leaguer, Fisk played 13 of them with the White Sox. he earned four All-Star berths with the Sox, and his 214 home runs in a Sox uniform are the fourth-most in team history.
Fisk's best season in Chicago came in 1985, when the Hall of Famer hit 37 homers, drove in 107 runs and stole 17 beases.
One of that great 1983 Sox team members. It was "Pitch to Fisk at Your Risk."
--CooterFisk
ED HERRMANN-- An All-Star in 1974, Herrmann reached double digits in home runs five years in a row, including a career high 19 in 1970 when he played in just 96 games.
In 1972, he threw out 50 percent of would-be base stealers, the best success rate in the American League.
CARLTON FISK-- A 24-year big leaguer, Fisk played 13 of them with the White Sox. he earned four All-Star berths with the Sox, and his 214 home runs in a Sox uniform are the fourth-most in team history.
Fisk's best season in Chicago came in 1985, when the Hall of Famer hit 37 homers, drove in 107 runs and stole 17 beases.
One of that great 1983 Sox team members. It was "Pitch to Fisk at Your Risk."
--CooterFisk
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