One of the most remarkable seasons in White Sox history kicked off in fine fashion at SoxFest in January when Frank Thomas announced to the world that he would use Walt Hriniak as his personal hitting coach in spring training.
Thomas immediately was criticized as selfish, accused of putting his own interests ahead of the team concept. Nine months later, Hriniak is a mere footnote in the Sox’s division-winning season, while Thomas is gunning for his third MVP award.
A baseball season goes on and on like a politician during an election year and moments like Thomas’ big pronouncement about Hriniak seem strangely insignificant by the time October arrives. But every moment has its place in time, and here are 10 red-letter dates in the Sox’s season–days that helped define the character and attitude of the players and manager Jerry Manuel:
1. February 15
Thomas-Hriniak summit
Frank Thomas works out with his old hitting coach, Walt Hriniak, in Tucson, trying to return to the form that earned him two MVP awards in ’93 and ’94. “Before we started spring training, on Feb. 15, I was told to have the field ready for Frank and Hriniak,” General Manager Ron Schueler said. “It’s tough for a guy who has put those kind of numbers up and has that kind of pride to go back where you started. Walt taught him commitment, dedication and that you have to work. Walt told us, `I don’t want anybody around. I’m going to scream at him.'”
2. April 22
Sox-Tigers Brawl
In 14-6 Sox victory at Comiskey, the Sox and Detroit engaged in a pair of on-field brawls that result in the suspensions of 16 members of both teams, including eight-game suspensions for Sox manager Jerry Manuel and Detroit’s Phil Garner. “I told the guys–`This is just another bump in the road. Stay focused,'” Manuel said. “We should be able to get through it.” They did.
3. May 13
Abbott’s homer
In 4-3 Sox victory over Minnesota, Jeff Abbott hit a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth off Bob Wells to win it. The Sox had been slumping, losing nine of their previous 11 games. The Sox went out and won 26 of their next 34 games.
4. May 24
Thomas’ new stance
During the eighth inning of a 12-4 loss to the Yankees, Thomas doubled off an old nemesis, reliever Jeff Nelson. It was the first time Thomas used his closed stance, imitating Andres Galarraga. Thomas had only eight home runs at the time, but went on a tear soon after, hitting 18 more by the All-Star break. “The stance allows him to stay back longer, use his back leg more,” Von Joshua said. “But when they started throwing him inside, it’s tougher to do that. If you use your legs more, you’re going to drive the ball more. That’s not Von’s theory–that’s physics.”
5. June 10
Lowe’s pick
Sean Lowe picked Mark Grace off first in the eighth inning of a 4-3 Sox victory, squelching a Cubs rally. The triumph gave the Sox two in a row over the Cubs, giving them some momentum as they headed into a key road trip to Cleveland and New York. “I wasn’t even really trying to get him,” Lowe said. “It was just a matter of `Maybe you can.’ It happens sometimes. Maybe he should’ve been paying attention more.”
6. June 13
Ray Day
Ray Durham’s home run leading off the 10th inning launches the Sox to a 4-3 victory over Cleveland, giving them the first two games of the crucial series. A controversial call by umpire Chuck Meriwether robbed Magglio Ordonez of a two-run home run in the fourth inning, but the Sox shrugged it off. “To be a successful team, you’re going to have to overcome some adversity,” Durham said. “A lot of teams would’ve folded up when they didn’t call the home run call, but that’s the character of this team. We’re going to fight until the end.” The Sox went on to sweep, letting the Indians know they were for real.
7. June 18
Lucky Number 7
After winning their first six games against the Indians and Yankees, the Sox couldn’t be blamed if they relaxed on Sunday in Yankee Stadium. Instead, they sent 12 men to the plate in a nine-run first, en route to a stunning 17-4 victory to cap a 7-0 road trip.
8. June 23
The comeback
The Yankees had a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth and untouchable closer Mariano Rivera on the hill. But Carlos Lee homered to tie the game leading off the ninth, Herbert Perry singled and was bunted over and Jose Valentin knocked a broken bat single over first to win it. “Half the bat went farther than the ball,” Valentin said. “But it was a hit, and I’ll take it.”
9. July 23
The big towel
Pedro Martinez beats the Sox 1-0 in Fenway Park, with Sox hitting coach Joshua ejected for waving a white towel. Joshua’s move was for his players, as if to say to the plate umpire: “If you give us a fair zone, we can beat Pedro Martinez. Since you are not playing fair, we surrender.” It was the White Flag redefined as the White Towel.
10. Sept. 1
Cruise control
Trailing Anaheim 8-2 in the sixth inning at Comiskey, the Sox looked as though their once comfortable lead in the Central would be sliced to six over Cleveland. But they scored one in the sixth and six in the seventh to beat the Angels 9-8, cruising to the finish.
