RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Comiskey Park was a baseball park in Chicago, Illinois, located in the Armour Square neighborhood on the near-southwest side of the city. The stadium served as the home of the Chicago White Sox of the American League from 1910 through 1990. Built by White Sox owner Charles Comiskey and designed by Zachary Taylor Davis, Comiskey Park hosted four World Series and more than 6,000 Major League Baseball games. Also, in one of the most famous boxing matches in history, the field was the site of the 1937 heavyweight title match in which Joe Louis defeated then champion James J. Braddock in eight rounds that launched Louis' unprecedented 11-plus year run as the heavyweight champion of the world.
The Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League also called Comiskey Park home when they were not playing at Normal Park, Soldier Field or Wrigley Field. They won the 1947 NFL Championship Game over the Philadelphia Eagles at Comiskey Park. Much less popular than the Bears, the Cardinals had their last season at Comiskey in 1958, and they left for St. Louis in March 1960. The Chicago American Giants of the Negro American League called Comiskey Park home from 1941–1950. The park was also home to Chicago Mustangs and Chicago Sting of the NASL, playing host to the final edition of the original Soccer Bowl.
Adjacent to the south (across 35th Street), a new ballpark opened in 1991, and Comiskey Park was demolished the same year. Originally also called Comiskey Park, it was renamed U.S. Cellular Field in 2003 and Guaranteed Rate Field in 2016.
As we gear up for the Chicago White Sox Home Run Derby, it's worth noting the historical significance of the seasons these players represent. Carlton Fisk, who played for the Sox from 1981 to 1993, is perhaps best remembered for his 1985 season when he hit 37 homers, a career-high. Harold Baines, a consistent power hitter, had his best years in the mid-80s. His 1984 season was particularly impressive, with 29 home runs and a .304 batting average. Frank Thomas, often referred to as 'The Big Hurt', dominated the 90s, with his 1994 season standing out - he led the league with 38 home runs despite the season being cut short by a strike. Paul Konerko, who played from 1999 to 2014, was a key figure in the White Sox's 2005 World Series victory. His 2004 season saw him hit a career-high 41 home runs. This Derby, therefore, is not just a contest of power, but a walk through some of the most memorable seasons in White Sox history.
In the 1983 MLB Home Run Derby, we're looking at a face-off between some of...
1983 Home Run Derby Simulation • Schmidt - Rice - Armas - Murphy / In the 1983 MLB Home Run Derby, we're looking at a face-off between some of the most powerful hitters of the era: Mike Schmidt, Jim Rice, Tony Armas, and Dale Murphy. The '83 season was a standout for these players, each making significant contributions to their respective teams. Mike Schmidt, the Philadelphia Phillies' third baseman, was fresh off his second consecutive MVP season, while Boston Red Sox's Jim Rice had been a consistent force at the plate, known for his ability to drive in runs. Tony Armas, playing for the Red Sox as well, was the American League home run leader that year, delivering a whopping 36 home runs. Dale Murphy, the Atlanta Braves' center fielder, was in the midst of his prime, having won the National League MVP in '82 and '83. This matchup is a snapshot of one of the most competitive periods in baseball, with each player having a unique blend of power and precision at the plate.
The 1978 season for the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox was marked...
Kansas City Royals vs Chicago White Sox - Harry Caray - Radio Broadcast / The 1978 season for the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox was marked by differing fortunes for the two teams. In August, both teams were in the thick of the competitive American League West division race.
The Kansas City Royals had a strong season, led by star players like George Brett, Hal McRae, and Amos Otis. In August, they showcased their offensive prowess, with Brett leading the charge as he went on a hitting spree. The Royals' lineup proved to be a formidable force, and they managed to maintain a solid record during the crucial month of August, positioning themselves as contenders for the division title.
On the other hand, the Chicago White Sox faced a more challenging season, struggling to find consistency in both their hitting and pitching. While they had some bright spots, such as the performance of Lamar Johnson, the team faced difficulties in August that hampered their chances of making a serious push for the playoffs.
Overall, August served as a pivotal month for both teams, with the Royals consolidating their position as playoff contenders and the White Sox encountering obstacles that made their postseason aspirations more challenging to achieve. The season rivalry between the two teams continued to unfold, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive end to the 1978 baseball season.
On July 28, 1936, the Chicago White Sox hosted the Philadelphia Athletics at Comiskey Park....
1936 Philadelphia Athletics vs Chicago White Sox - Radio Broadcast / On July 28, 1936, the Chicago White Sox hosted the Philadelphia Athletics at Comiskey Park. The game featured starting pitchers Bill Dietrich for the White Sox and Lynn Doyle for the Athletics. At this point in the season, the White Sox were striving to improve their standing in the American League, while the Athletics were struggling towards the bottom of the standings. Significant stories in the 1936 season included the Yankees' dominance with Lou Gehrig and the debut of rookie Joe DiMaggio, who were both making headlines.
The game started with the White Sox taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning. The momentum continued as the White Sox bats came alive, with notable contributions from Mike Kreevich, Luke Appling, and Zeke Bonura. The fourth inning was particularly decisive, with Chicago scoring seven runs, effectively putting the game out of reach. Dietrich pitched a complete game, despite allowing six runs, as the Athletics managed to score in the later innings but could not close the gap.
The White Sox emerged victorious with a commanding 19-6 win over the Athletics. This game showcased the offensive firepower of the White Sox lineup, which collected 20 hits. Despite the loss, the Athletics had standout performances from George Puccinelli and Jimmy Dykes. As the season progressed, the White Sox continued to battle in the middle of the American League standings, while the Yankees eventually won the pennant and the World Series, solidifying their dominance in the 1936 season.
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