1. 48-22
With the major league’s best record after Monday, they enjoy a 9-game lead on Minnesota in the AL Central.
2. 46-24
The 1915 Sox were 46-24 and in first place, 3 1/2 games ahead of Ty Cobb’s Tigers and 4 1/2 up on Babe Ruth’s Red Sox on July 4. But the Sox couldn’t hang on and finished 93-61, a distant third to Boston.
Two years later the Sox again were 46-24 on July 4 and in first place. They would not to be denied. They finished 100-54 to win the pennant and then defeated the New York Giants in the World Series for Chicago’s last baseball world championship.
3. 45-25
The 1901, 1907, 1919, 1954, 1990 and 2000 White Sox all were 45-25 after 70 games. The ’01 and 1919 teams won American League titles; the 2000 team was AL Central champion. The ’07 and ’54 Sox finished third and the ’90 team’s 94-68 record was good only for second in the AL West.
Best White Sox records after 80 games:
4. 52-28
It has been done three times, by the 1901 and 1919 AL champions and by the ’07 team that fell short. All three teams were in first at the 80-game mark.
5. 51-29
With this record, the 1915 Sox had the league lead on July 15, a game ahead of Boston. The 2000 Sox led Cleveland by 10 1/2 games in the AL Central after their 7-2 victory over Boston on July 1 put them 22 games over .500.
6. 50-30
The 1917 champs-to-be were 20 games over .500 and in first place, and the 1920 Sox were third, 3 1/2 games back at the 80-game marker. Also 20 over after 80 were the ’54 team and the ’57 Sox. Only problem in 1954 was that Cleveland was 55-23 at that same time (July 7). The 1957 Sox were second, three games back of the Yankees, on July 13. They finished second, eight back.
