Today in White Sox History: May 4

1936

The White Sox purchased the contract of Fred “Dixie” Walker from the Yankees. Alas, this was a big one who eventually got away, as the Sox traded him to the Tigers after only one season. In 1937, with the Sox, Walker drove in 95 runs while hitting .302. Walker would achieve stardom in Brooklyn, winning a batting title and playing in four All-Star games.

1980

During an 11-1 loss to the Brewers at Comiskey Park, Mike Squires became the first left- handed catcher to appear in a game since Dale Long in 1958. The move came in the ninth inning and saw Squires behind the plate for four hitters. He’d catch again on May 7 in a 12-5 loss to the Royals, again in the ninth inning, and again he’d be behind the plate for four hitters.

1992

For White Sox starter Alex Fernandez, it was his best performance on a pitching mound. Fernandez one-hit Milwaukee, winning 7-0 at Comiskey Park. Alex struck out seven, allowing only a one-out double to Dante Bichette in the second inning. Five times with the Sox Fernandez posted a season with 10 or more wins, before leaving via free agency to the Marlins, where he helped that team win a World Series.

2011

The White Sox lost to the Twins, 3-2, at U.S. Cellular Field. It was their 17^th loss in 22 games.

More alarming, however, was this. According to the MLB Network, in the previous 20 games the Sox team batting average was .202. That was the worst stretch of hitting over a 20-game period for the franchise since the pitching mound was lowered to create more offense before the start of the 1969 season.