Another White Sox Dynasty Attempt: Aka The Glory Of My Times

[batted balls]

Yes, it's another attempt by another disgruntled White Sox fan (is there any other kind?) to turn this South Side franchise into a winner! My attempt will take place via the newly purchased OOTP 6.10 (at a discount price, such a White Sox move). I will begin in the 1972 season. That's the first year I started following the Sox, thanks to my father's lifelong allegiance. I'll start with the White Sox roster as it was on Opening Day of the '72 season. That means I have a few good players . . . Dick Allen (the AL MVP that year), Wilbur Wood, an injury-riddled Bill Melton, Carlos May to name a few. I also have youngsters Rich Gossage and Terry Forster to build around. We'll see where it goes. By the way, I'm calling my league The Glory of My Times in honor of one of the best oral histories ever written about the game.

[batted balls]

Well, the '72 season is off and running . . . the Sox opened April by going 12-13. Dick Allen is in a bit of a hitting slump, but he's not my main concern. This is a team that really lacks a short stop, catcher, outfielders, and pitching depth. Third base may also be a problem if Bill Melton's injury problems continue. Since we're a few years away from free agency, trades and draft picks seem to be my options for improving this team. With May and the warm summer months approaching, that's my mission as general manager.

P.S. We DO have a quality Harry Caray in the booth, not the cartoon-character figure that won over the masses on the North Side. Remember, before Harry was a Bud man, he was a Falstaff drinker.

[batted balls]

Well, it's happened again. After completing the 1972 season I clicked on the "Proceed to Next Season" button and low and behold . . . got this message:

Ootp6 has caused an error in OOTP5.EXE
Ootp6 will now close

I have an HP computer that runs Windows ME. I have updated my drivers recently. This marks the third time this has happened with the third different version of Out of the Park Baseball. I guess it's my computer, but it's very disappointing. I love playing this game . . . some would say I'm addicted. I'm out of answers. I guess I'll ask Viatech for a refund (since I've owned 6.10 for less than a week) and break out the old Strat-O-Matic board game . . .

[Jestor]

Is there any chance you could upgrade to Windows XP?

[batted balls]

After several days and several different methods I have my Chicago White Sox franchise back up and running. To review, I'm starting in 1972 (the year I first started following baseball and the Sox). My goal as general manager is to build for the future around the few quality players the Sox possess. I plan to be active in the trade market. It may get ugly before it gets good. We'll see . . .

[batted balls]

My reign as general manager is off and . . . stumbling. It's the middle of June; the White Sox have quickly fallen back into fourth place, 15 games behind AL West front-runners Oakland. Promising youngster Rich "Goose" Gossage is out for the season with a shoulder injury. All of the Sox pitchers are struggling with the exception of lefty starter Dave Lemonds (7-1, 3.42 ERA). The Sox hitters are also in a funk. Real-life '72 MVP Dick Allen has been hitting in the .250s with only a handful of homers. Third baseman Bill Melton has been even worse, hitting in the .230s with just four homers. There are many holes on this team and the farm system appears to be lacking. I'll be working the phone lines for possible trades to improve this club. I have made one minor deal (the first of my regime). On June 2, I traded outfielder Walt "No Neck" Williams to the Dodgers for catching prospect Steve Yeager. Yeager will start at Triple-A Iowa, but most likely will see action at the big league level later this season.

[batted balls]

Well, it's now June 21. Yes, the day that traditionally sees more sunlight than any other day of the year. For White Sox fans, however, darkness has taken over. The team is now 17 games behind Oakland, but has managed to overtake struggling California for third place. Since this team is going nowhere, it's time to build for the future. It's the old battle of "you have to give up something to get something." Thus, I have traded my best pitcher to date left-handed starter Dave Lemonds to Baltimore for hot prospect Bobby Grich. Lemonds was 8-2 with a 3.46 ERA with the Sox, but Grich could be the solution to our problem at short stop. Our current short stops are Rich Morales and Luis Alvarado; frankly, these guys are awful. You can't win without a solid short stop so that's why I've traded for Grich. As with all trades, time will tell.

[batted balls]

Finished my first season as general manager. The White Sox finished 77-85 (third place in the AL West), 22.5 games out. Oakland won the West with a 100-62 record. The New York Yankees took the AL East at 91-71. The Yankees were led by MVP Bobby Murcer (.320-35 homers-100 RBIs). Paul Splittorff of Kansas City won the Cy Young Award (22-6, 2.29 ERA). In the National League, Cincinnati took the West (102-60), while Pittsburgh won the East (90-72). Billy Williams of the Cubs was MVP (.325-47-131) and the Pirates' Dock Ellis won the Cy Young Award (20-6, 2.66 ERA, four shutouts). In the playoffs, the Yankees swept Oakland and the Reds edged the Pirates 3-2. Bobby Murcer led the Yankees to the World Series title, 4-2 over the Reds. Other highlights included Boston's Lynn McGlothen tossing a perfect game and Hank Aaron leading the NL with 51 home runs. As far as the White Sox go, Dick Allen was the offensive bright spot. The veteran first baseman hit just .260, but led the AL in walks (101) while swatting 37 home runs, knocking in 99 and stealing 12 bases. No Sox starter posted a winning record. Terry Forster bolstered the bullpen with a 10-3 record and 26 saves. The Hot Stove League awaits . . .

[batted balls]

The draft was held prior to the season (about the same time that Pink Floyd released "Dark Side of the Moon"). Unfortunately, by the time the White Sox picked, the stars of the draft were all picked (Yount, Brett, Rice, Lynn to name a few). The Sox took catcher John Stearns with their first round selection. As the season unfolded, I realize we must continue to overhaul the team for the future. On April 1, outfielder and flake Jay Johnstone was dealt to Houston for promising flamethrower J.R. Richard. The Sox again stumbled out of the gate by posting a 9-17 record in April. Last season brought catcher Steve Yeager from the Dodgers. Unfornately, Yeager broke his foot and is out for the year. Dick Allen is hitting just .235 by month's end, but did hit 14 home runs in the season's first month. The pitching staff is struggling, especially the starters.

[batted balls]

With the Sox continuing their early season struggles, something had to be done. Starting pitchers Stan Bahnsen and Tom Bradley are both down with injuries. The offense lacks punch, other than Dick Allen who continues to pound the long ball. Short stop Bobby Grich shows promise, but third baseman Bill Melton hasn't performed up to expectations . . . so on the last day of May Melton has been shipped to Philadelphia for a promising third baseman named Mike Schmidt. I was shocked the computer AI went for the deal. Melton appears to be well past his prime while the upside on Schmidt both in the field and at bat could make our franchise. Hopefully, the 3-4 batting order combination of Allen and Schmidt will lead the Sox to future glory.

[batted balls]

Even with the euphoria brought about by the acquistion of Mike Schmidt, the Sox continue to flounder in the AL West. Dick Allen continues to smash home runs (28 as of June 14th) while Bobby Grich and rookie Jorge Orta have shown promise for the future. The rest of the team has been an underachieving bunch. Schmidt has struggled at the plate but has managed to field his position well. The pitchers have been inconsistent; one outing they look great, the next they give up more runs than Ex Lax. Trade offers have come in from other teams, but I'm not willing to deal the young players they want (Schmidt, Grich, Gossage, Forster, Orta). I've tried to pry aces Tom Seaver, Jim Palmer and Steve Carlton with trade offers, but none of their teams are willing to deal. Guess we'll ride out the storm and hope things get better. Otherwise all Sox fans have to look forward to is the home run total of Allen.

[batted balls]

CHICAGO (AP)--Dick Allen ended his season Sunday by hitting his 58th and final home run as the Chicago White Sox posted a 5-3 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals. The total set a Glory of My Times League record.

It was a bittersweet record for Allen as the White Sox lerched to a disappointing 71-91 record. Chicago finished in fifth place in the AL West, 26 games behind the first-place Royals.

"I've had a good season swinging the power stick," Allen said while enjoying a post-game beverage, "but it wasn't much fun to be out of the race so soon and soon long. I want things to be different next year."

Allen, the Sox MVP for a second straight season, batted .275 while driving in 125 runs and stealing 15 bases. Yet, other than Allen's lofty numbers, Sox fans had little to cheer for in '73. Promising youngster Bobby Grich did manage 20 homers and a .249 average while playing a competent short stop. Second baseman Jorge Orta was named AL Rookie of the Year (.208-10 homers-42 RBIs). Only two pitchers Wilbur Wood (15-17) and Stan Bahnsen (15-18) posted double-digit win totals. Closer Terry Forster (4-1, 25 saves) was a bright spot.

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AL East Champion--New York Yankees (93-69)
AL West Champion--Kansas City Royals (97-65)
NL East Champion--Pittsburgh Pirates (86-77)
NL West Champion--Houston Astros (92-70)

AL Playoffs--Kansas City 3, New York 0
NL Playoffs--Pittsburgh 3, Houston 1

World Series--Kansas City 4, Pittsburgh 0

AL Cy Young Award--Monte Montgomery, Kansas City (18-6, 3.13 ERA)
NL Cy Young Award--Jerry Reuss, Houston (21-9, 2.30 ERA)
AL MVP--Bobby Murcer, New York (.330-57 HRs-156 RBIs) his second straight
NL MVP--Cesar Cedeno, Houston (.364-52 HRs-131 RBIs)

Note: Ray Lamb of Cleveland tossed a perfect game!

[batted balls]

With the 1973 season in the books, the Chicago White Sox face a number of challenges for the upcoming season. First, there are rumors that free agency may go into effect as soon as next season. This is a major concern for Sox fans because team owners Arthur and John Allyn have been hinting at selling the franchise. With ownership up in the air, team finances are shaky at best. Free agency would no doubt be difficult for the franchise. While the Sox have been slowly adding younger players to their roster, veterans such as Dick Allen, Wilbur Wood, Pat Kelly and Carlos May may be difficult to resign under a free agency system. Then again, this is a team that lost 91 games last season. Perhaps a major roster shakeup would be the best thing for the future. As the winter months pass, the Sox front office prepares for the upcoming draft . . .

[batted balls]

Here's the way the White Sox look heading into the 1974 season:

Catchers--Ed Herrmann, Tom Egan, John Stearns; Steve Yeager lost to Philadelphia in the Rule 5 Draft; although Herrmann has some pop in his bat (15 homers in '73) this is an area in need of a upgrade if Stearns isn't ready

First Base--Dick Allen; his tremendous numbers of the past two seasons speak volumes

Second Base--Jorge Orta, Mike Andrews; Orta may be dealt for some pitching help while Andrews appears at the end of his career

Short Stop--Bobby Grich, Rich Morales, Luis Alvarado; Grich is the future but may be moved to second if minor leaguer Bucky Dent develops

Third Base--Mike Schmidt; his number for '73 (.239-one home run-7 RBIs) were modest but this guy will be the franchise for years to come

Outfield--Carlos May, Rick Reichardt, Pat Kelly, Jimmy Qualls, Jim Lyttle; this is a mixed bag with no true superstar material; Kelly and/or May might be dealt for pitching help

Starting Pitchers--J.R. Richard, Wilbur Wood, Stan Bahnsen, Tom Bradley; this is a group that needs to be upgraded; Richard needs to fulfill his promise

Relief Pitchers--Cy Acosta, Rich Gossage, Dan Neumeier, Terry Forster, Vincte Romo, Jim Geddes; a solid group that features two quality arms for the eighth and ninth innings in Gossage and Forster; one of the two may be moved for offensive help in the outfield

[batted balls]

The past two Aprils have been unkind to the White Sox. This season the team at least went .500 by going 13-13 in the opening month. For Sox third baseman Mike Schmidt the month proved to be so much more. Schmidt earned AL Player of the Month by batting .390 with a record 25 home runs and 42 RBIs. Schmidt, acquired by the Sox in a trade last season for veteran Bill Melton, enjoyed a three-homer, five-RBI day in a 17-6 rout of Baltimore on April 12. His first two homers came off ex-Sox lefty Dave Lemonds.

"Things definitely went my way," Schmidt said. "The ball looked huge to me at the plate. Hopefully, we'll get on a roll as a team."

[batted balls]

As the team hit an early May tailspin, the White Sox made two separate trades in an effort to bolster the pitching staff. After Chicago lost seven of nine games to begin May, the team traded 1973 AL Rookie of the Year Jorge Orta to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league pitching prospect Kent Tekulve. The former Pirate was assigned to Class-A Appleton. Luis Alvarado was recalled from AAA to take Orta's spot on the big league roster. Five days later, the Sox traded starting catcher Ed Herrmann and catching prospect Pete Varney to the St. Louis Cardinals for veteran Bob Gibson. Gibson will make his first start for the Sox on Saturday against Boston. J.R. Richard, struggling with a 1-4 record and 6.85 ERA, was sent to AAA Iowa. Gibson, who many feel is well past his prime, was struggling himself with a 2-5 record with St. Louis.

"We're glad to get someone of Bob's caliber," Sox manager Chuck Tanner said. "I confident he will light a fire into our team."

[batted balls]

Mike Schmidt has cooled off to glacial proportions. As hot as he has in April, the Sox third baseman has hit a major-league slump in May. Schmidt hit just .234 with only one home run for the month. This is an unbelievable change of events. Maybe the league has caught onto him, maybe the winds were blowing against him, maybe it's just the law of averages evening out . . . whatever it is he and his Sox teammates aren't hitting (or pitching or fielding).

"I'm cofident Mike and the team will bounce back," said the always optimistic Chuck Tanner. "We'll get this beast turned around."

In an effort to begin that turnaround, the Sox made three trades in June to bolster the team for not only this season but with an eye on the future. On June 1 the Sox reacquired minor league catching prospect Pete Varney from St. Louis for short stop Rich Morales.

"He's a guy we hated to part with back in May," Tanner said.

There is some speculation that St. Louis was expected to return Varney to the Sox if Bob Gibson didn't pitch well in Chicago (he hasn't).

On June 11, Chicago traded pitcher Steve Kealey to Atlanta for highly regarded first baseman Cecil Cooper. Just three days later, the Sox sent starting left fielder (and one of the few bright spots on the roster) Carlos May to Boston for power-hitting prospect Jim Rice. Rice was Boston's top draft pick and has been tearing up Class-A pitching.

"We hated to part with Steve and Carlos," Tanner said, "but Cecil and Jimmy give us some real upside for the future."

There was no comment from Sox star first baseman Dick Allen on the acquistion of Cooper, a prospect at first.

[batted balls]

CHICAGO (AP)-For the Chicago White Sox and their fans, the 1974 season has turned into one to forget. The Sox hold baseball's worst record at 34-72 as of August 2.

"I can't believe we're in this position," said eternal optimist and team manager Chuck Tanner. "I look at our roster and can't understand why."

Perhaps Tanner needs to visit the local eye doctor. The Sox are 37 out of first place and feature only one player--third baseman Mike Schmidt--hitting above .300. Veteran left-hander Wilbur Wood leads the staff in wins with a paltry eight victories. Early season acquistion Bob Gibson has been a bust (4-4, 4.44 ERA). Sox closer Terry Forster has 11 saves--but a 6.23 ERA.

"Everything that can go wrong has," said Wood. "We've invented ways to lose games this season."

Schmidt started the season with a whopping 25 home runs in the first 32 games. He has just six long balls since May 1. Yet, his .329 average has been something to smile about.

"I'm not hitting with power the way I was early on," Schmidt said. "We've got to get back to basics and get on a win streak that will carry over to next season."

Aging veteran first baseman Dick Allen has turned things on of late. Allen is batting .273 with a league-high 35 homers, 79 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. Some are speculating his numbers are an effort to force an off-season trade or perhaps cash in on the immending free agency that will begin with the '76 season.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Allen said recently.

[batted balls]

CHICAGO (AP)-White Sox fans were mercifully put out of their collective misery when the team lost its record 115th game Sunday to close out the 1974 season.

"It's been a long year," said Sox pitcher Wibur Wood. "I'm looking forward to some hunting and fishing to get my mind off it."

Chicago, 47-115 this season, ended the year with a 10-3 loss to Texas. It was a year that started with the promise of third baseman's Mike Schmidt winning the April Player of the Month Award and ended with first baseman Dick Allen winning the AL home run title with 55. Everything in between was pure disaster.

"We pretty much sucked all year long," said Allen, who was selected as team MVP for the third straight year.

How bad were the Sox? Well, Chicago finished an incredible 52 games behind division champion Kansas City. The Sox were a putrid 18-63 on the road. Wood led the pitching staff in victories with just nine. J.R. Ricard was an unbelievable 2-20 with a 7.71 ERA! Schmidt was the lone Sox hitter to bat higher than .300 (at .301 no less). Baltimore's Jim Palmer no-hit Chicago on August 14.

So what's in store for 1975?

"Well, we've got the No. 1 pick in the draft!" exclaimed eternal optimistic Chuck Tanner.

If only Sox fans could be so excited . . .

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1974 Division Winners

AL East--New York Yankees (89-73)
AL West--Kansas City Royals (99-63)
NL East--New York Mets (98-64)
NL West--Cincinnati Reds (93-69)

ALCS--New York 3, Kansas City 2 (Yanks rally from 2-0 deficit)
NLCS--New York 3, Cincinnati 1

World Series--New York Mets 4, New York Yankees 0

1974 Awards

AL Cy Young Award--Bert Blyleven, Minnesota (20-8, 2.95 ERA, 189 Ks, 2 shutouts)
NL Cy Young Award--Rick Reuschel, Chicago (23-9, 3.20 ERA, 1 shutout)

AL MVP--Bobby Murcer, New York (.352-46 home runs-137 RBIs)-his third straight MVP!
NL MVP--Johnny Bench, Cincinnati (.338-64 home runs-163 RBIs)

Notes: Bench broke Allen's MLB record with 64 homers; his 163 RBIs are also a new mark . . . five players hit 50 or more homers--Bench, Nate Colbert (61), Willie Stargell (58), Allen (55) and Reggie Jackson (50) .

[batted balls]

CHICAGO (AP)-Following the train wreck that was the 1974 season, White Sox manager Chuck Tanner is confident his team will rebound.

"We've got some solid players here," Tanner said as the team prepared for the amateur draft. "Believe me, we're not that far off."

Sox fans may disagree after the team posted the worst record in baseball last season at 47-115. That poor performance gave Chicago the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Insiders say the pitching-poor Sox will use the pick to draft on either Dennis Eckersley or John Candelaria. There is also a rumored trade for either a top of the rotation starter or a quality catcher.

"We've got to get out of the gate quickly this year," said three-time team MVP Dick Allen. "I raises horses on my farm in Pennsylvania and if we don't play well this season I may wind up there permanently."

There is speculation that Allen may have to be traded during the season if things don't go well. With the recent court decision bringing free agency into baseball, Allen is in the final year of his contract. If the Sox continue to flounder, Allen may choose to change teams next season. That could also spell the end of Tanner's reign as Sox manager. Allen and Tanner have had a solid relationship during the slugger's time in Chicago. Insiders say Tanner would have been fired if team officials weren't concerned with the negative effect it would have had on Allen.

Rumors also continue to circulate that team owners Arthur and John Allyn may sell the team. One wonders who would be interested in a team this poor. The Allyns refused comment on the situation.

The team announced Monday that veteran pitcher Bob Gibson has retired. The right-hander who enjoyed his glory years with St. Louis was 7-11 with a 4.40 ERA last season in Chicago.

Here's a breakdown of the team's remaining roster:

First Base--Allen; the team's star with a .278 average, an AL-leading 55 homers, 125 RBIs, 114 runs scored and 19 steals

Second Base--A hole the Sox need to fill; veteran Mike Andrews has little left

Short Stop--Bobby Grich; .258-14-76; may move to second if prospects Robin Yount or Bucky Dent are ready

Third Base--Mike Schmidt; started out the year on fire but was inconsistent much of the remainder of the season; his numbers were still promising (.301-35-105) and Chicago should look to sign him to a long-term contract

Outfield--Midsummer trade of Carlos May for prospect Jim Rice leaves a hole, but if Rice pans out Chicago will boast a solid power lineup; Rick Reichardt hopes to bounce back from injuries that slowed him in '73; veteran Pat Kelly must produce in the lead-off spot

Catcher--John Stearns (.229-2-27-team leader with 26 steals) needs to improve; minor leaguer Pete Varney is a possibility; rumored deal for Montreal prospect Gary Carter may happen soon

Starting Pitchers--The team's biggest challenge: Gibson has retired, Tom Bradley (111 strikeouts and a Gold Glove winner) and Stan Bahnsen both are attempting to recover from season-ending injuries; Wilbur Wood (9-18, 5.61 ERA) needs to be far more consistent; one-time prospect J.R. Richard (2-20, 7.71 ERA) has fallen out of favor and may be dealt; there appears to be little help from the minors in the near future

Relief Pitchers--Cy Acosta (4-6, 3.01, 6 saves) was the most solid of the bunch and is the one Sox player most desired by other teams in trade talks; former wonderboys Terry Forster (3-5, 4.10, 16 saves) and Rich Gossage (0-8, 8.02) took steps backward