History Lesson 1.2

MARCH 28TH

 

THE START OF A TRAGEDY

1940: According to baseballlibrary.com, White Sox second baseman Jackie Hayes caught a cinder in his eye during a 10-1 exhibition loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. An infection ensued and Hayes, a top fielder in his day, eventually lost sight in the eye. By 1943, he was totally blind. According to White Sox historian Rich Lindberg, Hayes complained of vision problems early in spring training and was told by team doctors it was an infection and would clear itself up quickly. In late July, Lindberg wrote in The White Sox Encyclopedia, Hayes was diagnosed with a cataract. Hayes, who spent seven years with the Sox, played his final game on Aug. 29, 1940.

 

ACQUIRING A LAMP

1981: In one of the most underrated deals of his tenure, White Sox general manager Roland Hemond acquired Dennis Lamp from the Cubs for Ken Kravec. Lamp spent three years with the White Sox and was a versatile contributor to three consecutive winning teams. The right-hander logged a 2.41 ERA in 1981, won a career-high 11 games in 1982 and led the A.L. West Division champions with 15 saves in 1983. His best outing came on Aug. 25, 1981 when he no-hit the Brewers at Milwaukee until Robin Yount led off the ninth with a double. Lamp settled for a one-hitter, the second of his career. Even in departure, Lamp was good to the Sox. When he signed as a free agent with Toronto following the 1983 season, the Sox were awarded a selection in the now-defunct compensation pool draft, which was part of the settlement of the 1981 strike. The Sox chose Tom Seaver, whom the Mets had left unprotected figuring that no team would select a high-priced veteran pitcher. Seaver went on to have twof solid seasons with the Sox. The left-handed Kravec, meanwhile, won two games in two seasons for the Cubs.

 

HUMILIATING THE CUBS

2002: The White Sox blasted the Cubs 22-7 before 9,424 at Tucson Electric Park. The victory halted the Sox four-game losing streak and was the Sox eighth in their last 10 tries in Cactus League play against the Cubs.