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Today in White Sox History: July 15

“Batgate” livens up the Cleveland-White Sox rivalry

Albert Belle’s bat was taken from this room in 1994 (note the ceiling tile).

1963

White Sox pitcher Gary Peters, on his way toward being named co-Rookie of the Year, threw a one-hitter at Comiskey Park in beating the Orioles, 4-0. Future Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts got the start for Baltimore and got the O’s only hit … in fact, he would be the only Baltimore base runner on the night. That hit came in the third inning, a single to center field.

J.C. Martin and Tommy McCraw blasted two-run home runs for the Sox. Peters struck out 13 and would finish the year with 19 wins despite not getting his first start until May 6.


1994

“Batgate” came to Comiskey Park. Cleveland slugger and future White Sox outfielder Albert Belle was caught using a corked bat by Chicago manager Gene Lamont and was ejected from the game. In order to keep Belle from being suspended further, teammate Jason Grimsley crawled through the air ducts and dropped into the umpire’s room, where the bat was being held for examination. Grimsley replaced Belle’s bat with a Paul Sorrento model, which tipped off everyone to the switch.

Belle wound up getting suspended for 10 games. The Sox lost the game, 3-2.


2003

White Sox pitcher Esteban Loaiza started the All-Star Game, which was hosted by the White Sox for the fourth time. Loaiza went two scoreless innings, and got no decision in the AL’s 7-6, come-from-behind win.

He was joined in the game by teammates Carl Everett (OF) and Magglio Ordoñez (OF).