Florida White Sox

I came across this interesting article in the Sports Illustrated archives about the White Sox possible move to Florida back in 1988-89. Knowing what we know now about how the next 20 years of Chicago baseball fleshed out, it is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Personally, i remember staying up with my father, listening to the radio, waiting for word on whether the White Sox were going to Florida or not. I think the announcement came shortly before midnight. Thank Christ.

4 months ago Rhubarb 11 comments 0 recs |

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maybe i think this to make myself feel better,

but i always thought reinsdorf would never move the sox to tampa and was just using it as a threat to extort tax money to pay for new comiskey.

by obnoxious american on Jan 17, 2012 11:32 AM CST reply actions

Oh, in hindsight, that is exactly what it was

The perspective of the article is interesting because when it was written, the move was perceived to be a real threat. If they hadn’t got their new stadium it would have been interesting to see what happened.

It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity

by Rhubarb on Jan 17, 2012 11:43 AM CST up reply actions

They were going.

Rich Lindberg’s book “Stealing First in a Two Team Town” has a rather detailed account of the evening of June 30, 1988.

The Sox had two press releases ready to go. The first said “we can’t wait to play in our new ballpark.” The second said “we’re sorry we have to sever ties with Chicago after 87 years..” According to the book, Les Grobstein (then with WLS) was the only Chicago reporter in the press box who was convinced the legislature would find a way to keep the Sox in town.

The fans were split. One group wanted to save the team, the other wanted to save the ballpark. The second group was convinced the AL would drop an expansion team into Comiskey if the Sox left.

What?! I ain't no Professor Pickles!

by 67WMAQ on Jan 17, 2012 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

more making myself happy:

the press releases were leaked to show that the sox “meant business”, hopefully? this whole thing just still bothers me.

by obnoxious american on Jan 17, 2012 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

Wow cool.

Is that book just about that situation? I remember my 10 year old self being very distraught leading up to the deadline.

It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity

by Rhubarb on Jan 17, 2012 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

and now we have Bacardi in the Park

all because of that on fateful moment..

too bad Jerry didnt consult you first, Crown at the Cell woulda been so much hotter. Think how much you could be chargin for those smokin coats!?!

"Statistics are about as interesting as first base coaches" Jim Bouton

by Grinder Rule #42 on Jan 17, 2012 7:59 PM CST up reply actions

Crown at the Cell would have been so rad

It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity

by Rhubarb on Jan 17, 2012 8:59 PM CST up reply actions

The book covers the history of the team, through 1993 or so.

Another interesting fact…Danny Thomas tried to buy the Sox from Bill Veeck in 1961.

What?! I ain't no Professor Pickles!

by 67WMAQ on Jan 18, 2012 6:55 PM CST up reply actions

It Was A Bad Memory

I lived through the nightmare of the White Sox almost moving to Florida. It was defintely a disturbing time in my life as a White Sox fan. I’ll always remember listening to WMAQ radio when the stadium bill was passed. Looking back at that whole incident, look at the monumental mistake the White Sox ownership would of made by moving to Florida. The team in St.Pete has already gone through a number of ownerships there and they have always had attendance problems there. When you draw less than 30,000 for a playoff game, you have problems. From what I know, Einhorn was the one who wanted to move to Florida. After the White Sox agreed to stay in Chicago, Einhorn sold most of his shares to Reinsdorf and has disappeared from running the White Sox.

by WBWSF on Jan 20, 2012 9:21 AM CST reply actions

Einhorn is still a minority owner and Vice Chairman of the White Sox

but I think the malice directed towards him from fans following the potential move to Florida caused the ownership group to think it would be best if he stayed out of the spotlight.

It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity

by Rhubarb on Jan 20, 2012 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

Einhorn

It is my understanding that Jim Thompson told them the best way to get the new stadium was to threaten to leave.Eddy never wanted to be front guy and is happy to be out of the spotlight.I always found him much friendlier than Jerry.

by Lil Jimmy on Jan 21, 2012 3:47 PM CST reply actions