Today in White Sox History: October 15

1917

The White Sox won their second World Series title, beating the New York Giants four games to two. The score in the series clincher was also 4-2.

Future Hall-of-Famer Eddie Collins hit .409, with pitcher Red Faber, another future Hall-of-Famer, winning three games (and losing one!)

Afterwards, a young federal judge and White Sox fan — one Kenesaw Mountain Landis — sent a telegram congratulating the Sox for a job well done. The telegram read, “We did a fine job today ... we disposed of the Giants.” Landis would go on to become the first baseball commissioner, in the wake of the “Black Sox” scandal at the end of the decade.

2020

On the basis of their first winning season since 2012 and tremendous individual accomplishments, The Sporting News named White Sox GM Rick Hahn its Executive of the Year, and first baseman José Abreu the Player of the Year.

Hahn became the third Sox executive to win the award following Roland Hemond (1972) and Bill Veeck (1977). Hahn’s deals and restocking the farm system during the rebuild proved to be worthwhile, as the Sox turned the corner during the pandemic-shortened season with a mark of 35-25 and their first playoff appearance since 2008. He received six of the 18 votes. San Diego’s A.J. Preller was second.

Abreu just crushed baseballs since the first day of the year, posting a .317 batting average with 19 home runs, 15 doubles and an American League-high 60 RBIs during the 60-game season, appearing in every game. He led the American League in hits (76), slugging percentage, total bases (148) and RBIs, and was second in home runs.

Abreu joined Frank Thomas (1993) and Early Wynn (1959) as White Sox players to win the award. Cleveland righthander Shane Bieber was second, and Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman third in the voting.