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

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BOSTON (AP)-Houston Astros hitters found Fenway Park to their liking. The Astros captured the 1975 World Series by bashing five home runs en route to a 9-5 game seven victory and their first baseball championship.

"This is some kind of place to hit," said Series MVP Lee May, who batted .356 with three homers and 11 RBIs in the seventh game triumph.

"It's sure not the Astrodome," echoed teammate Jimmy Wynn, who batted .301 with four homers and 14 RBIs.

May, Bob Watson, and Tito Fuentes each homered in game seven. Doug Rader blasted two home runs in the game.

May, playing against his brother Carlos, said the title was sweet.

"Sure it was," May said. "Maybe Carlos and I can win one together some day."

Boston rallied from a three-games-to-one deficit to force the game seven at Fenway. Carlos May won game five with a two-run homer into the screen above Fenway's fabled Green Monster. May hit just .206 in the Series.

"It was a special moment," May said. "To think I was in last place just a few months ago (with the White Sox) . . . "

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1975 Division Winners

AL East--Boston (103-79)
AL West--Kansas City (94-68)
NL East--New York Mets (92-70)
NL West--Houston (91-71)

ALCS--Boston 3, Kansas City 0
NLCS--Houston 3, New York 2

Award Winners

AL Cy Young--Bert Blyleven, Minnesota (22-7, 2.94, 221 strikeouts)
NL Cy Young--Ray Corbin, Houston (22-10, 2.74, 196 strikeouts)

AL MVP--Bobby Murcer, New York Yankees (.334-51 home runs-152 RBIs)
NL MVP--Johnny Bench, Cincinnati (.308-59 home runs-149 RBIs)

AL ROY--Dwight Evans, Boston (.351-32 home runs-154 RBIs)
NL ROY--Ray Knight, New York Mets (.348-23 home runs-105 RBIs)

Notes . . . Murcer won his fourth straight MVP while Bench won his second in a row . . . Blyleven's Cy Young was his second consecutive . . . Evans became the first rookie to lead the league in RBIs . . . Minnesota's Rod Carew (.379) and Los Angeles's Steve Garvey (.377) led their leagues in hitting and established single-season records . . . Three NL players hit more than 50 homers (Bench, 59; Nate Colbert, 55; Dave Kingman, 53) . . . Gary Gentry of Texas tossed the only no-hitter of the season . . . Steve Carlton and Nolan Ryan (twice) each came within an out of a no-hitter . . . Kansas City's Dave Nelson (55) and Montreal's Ron LeFlore (69) set league records in stolen bases.

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CHICAGO (AP)-The 1975 edition of the Chicago White Sox is better . . . two games better than the '62 New York Mets anyway.

The White Sox finished the season with a 42-120 record. Casey Stengel's '62 Mets won just 40 games.

"That's not a record we wanted," said Sox manager Chuck Tanner. "It (avoiding the Mets' win total) did give us something to play for at the end."

Chicago finished 52 games behind American League West champion Kansas City. The Sox were 33 games behind fifth-place Texas. Chicago posted the worst record in the majors for the second straight year.

Rumors continue to fly concerning the sale of the team. Owners Arthur and John Allyn have the team up for sale. Speculation continues that the team will be sold and moved to either Seattle or Denver.

"We won't comment further than the team is for sale and there are interested parties out there," John Allyn said.

Chicago won just 19 games at home and only 23 on the road. The team was last in the majors in several categories including batting average (.236) and ERA (6.12).

All-Stars Dick Allen and Mike Schmidt were the team's bright spots. Allen was voted as the team MVP for the fourth straight season. The veteran first baseman hit .301 with 47 home runs, 113 RBIs and 19 steals. Allen could be lost if free agency is granted and the Sox can't outbid other teams for his services.

"We'll see what happens," said Allen as he cleaned out his locker Monday.

Schmidt batted .349, socked 34 homers and drove in 108. In addition, Schmidt led the AL in OPS (1.149) and doubles (55). His doubles total set an AL record.

Although mid-season call-up Cecil Cooper showed promise with a .282 average, seven homers and 34 RBIs in limited action, the Sox need upgrades at nearly all positions. Help may be on the way in the form of minor league stars George Brett, Jack Clark, Jim Rice, Gary Carter and Robin Yount. All will get serious looks in spring training, yet most agree counting on rookies is a long shot for team success.

Pitching still is the major question. Former All-Star Tom Seaver came over from the New York Mets in a 4-for-1 trade at mid-season. Seaver was a huge disappointment, going just 4-12 with Chicago. The veteran right-hander was just 1-9 over the course of the season's final two months.

Hard-throwing righty Tom Bradley (9-19, 5.57 ERA) and rookie Kent Tekulve (9-18, 5.26 ERA) tied for the team lead in wins. Rookie Ron Guidry (6-12, 5.61) was acquired in a trade deadline deal. Trades of Rich Gossage and Terry Forster left a gaping hole in the Chicago bullpen. Former set-up man Cy Acosta (4-9, 11 saves, 5.08) attempted to take over the closer role.

The White Sox own the No. 1 overall pick in the amateur draft for the second straight season. Last year experts predicted Chicago would take a pitcher with the pick. The Sox surprised those experts by instead choosing slugger Jack Clark.

This season's top amateurs include pitchers Rick Sutcliffe, Mark Fidrych, Randy Jones. Scott McGregor and Bruce Sutter. Top-rated hitters include Dale Murphy, Andre Dawson, Jim Gantner and Dave Parker.

"We've got several quality players to choose from," said Sox general manager Gardner Barnes.

Picking after Chicago will be Atlanta, Montreal, St. Louis and Cleveland.

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NEW YORK (AP)-Following the dramatic World Series victory by the Houston Astros, baseball has entered a new era. A federal judge has upheld arbitrator Peter Seitz's ruling that pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally should be declared free agents. Thus, team owners face a whole new challenge to business.

"It's one of the reasons we're getting out," said Chicago White Sox owner John Allyn whose team is currently for sale.

"This is a great day for the players," said Marvin Miller, the head of the players' union.

"This case will also set up arbitration (for the players)," said baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn.

"Things will never be the same," Miller said.

Kuhn only nodded in agreement.

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CHICAGO (AP)-The Chicago White Sox aren't packing for Seattle or Denver after all. A group headed by baseball maverick Bill Veeck has agreed to purchase the team from former owners John and Arthur Allyn.

"It's a great day for all of Chicago and all of baseball," said John Allyn. "The Sox will be on the South Side for years to come."

Veeck, who previously owned the White Sox from 1959-61, has been considered an outcast by baseball owners for years. Turned off by his crazy publicity stunts and by his 1962 autobiography "Veeck as in Wreck," few believed he would ever own a major league team again. Yet, it was in that same book that poked fun of the baseball establishment that Veeck also vowed to one day buy a team no one else wanted. The White Sox certainly seem to fit the bill. Veeck and his backers now own the worst team in baseball. Moreover, the Sox play in an aging stadium before an erdoing fan base.

"I've faced challenges before," said Veeck. "We're going to have fun, and we'll win a few games along the way."

League owners first attempted to turn the Veeck group's offer away. In fact, one owner said on Dec. 3, that the Veeck's initial offer was "very, very weak." The American League owners demanded the offer be increased by $1.2 million. Former Chicago Bear and current TV sports anchor Johnny Morris came up the idea to raise the needed money. Morris pointed out that if six million Sox fans across the Chicago metropolitan area each contributed 20 cents each, the money would be raised.

"We got the $1.2 million and a little more," said Veeck with a grin.

Veeck has a history with Chicago baseball. He worked for the crosstown Cubs for eight years during the 1930s and '40s. Veeck's father was the Cubs' general manager for several years. In addition, Veeck owned the St. Louis Browns and Cleveland Indians.

"Having owned the Browns I know a little something about being the worst team in baseball," Veeck added. "I also know what it's like to compete as a city's step child."

One of Veeck's first decisions was to return the name of Comiskey Park to the team's South Side venue. The park, which was named after Sox owner and Hall of Famer Charles Comiskey, opened in 1910. It has been called White Sox Park in recent seasons.

Veeck's first major decision will be whether to retain Chuck Tanner as Sox manager. Veeck already indicated that general manager Gardner Barnes will return.

"I like the kid's enthusiasm," Veeck said. "He's got us headed in the right direction."

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CHICAGO (AP)-Bill Veeck's first time around the Chicago White Sox resulted in an American League pennant in 1959. South Side fans are hoping there's still some magic remaining as the '76 season approaches.

"It's great to be back where you're wanted," said Veeck, who recently purchased the lacklustser franchise from Arthur and John Allyn.

Veeck inherits a team that has posted the worst record in baseball the past two seasons. In addition, it's a franchise that few free agents take seriously.

"It may be hard to get them (free agents) to look in our direction at first," said Veeck. "But if we can get a few wins and turn things in the right direction, the pretty girls may wake up and realize the boy next door isn't so bad after all."

Veeck's "boys next door" do possess baseball's top ranked minor league system. Many of those players will get long looks from the organization in spring training. Veeck also indicated a decision on Sox manager Chuck Tanner "will be made soon."

"I need to sit down with Chuck over a drink or two," Veeck said. "Things will happen quickly because time stands still for no one, as the old saying goes."

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CHICAGO (AP)-Chuck Tanner had a big cigar in his hand and an even bigger smile on his face.

"It's a bit of a relief really," said Tanner, ever the optimist.

That was Tanner's reaction Monday to being relieved of his duties by new Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck.

"Bill Veeck was honest and fair with me. That's all one can ask," said Tanner.

Tanner, Veeck, a handful of team officials and members of the news media gathered to greet Tanner's replacement, 67-year-old Paul Richards.

"I'm sure there are people surprised by my hiring someone Paul's age," Veeck said. "Make no mistake, Paul Richards knows his baseball."

Richards was indeed a surprising hiring. The former major league catcher previously managed the White Sox from 1951-54.

"Sure the game has changed some," Richards said, "but so have I."

Change is something the White Sox are hoping for in the victory column. Chicago has the worst record in baseball over the past two season. Last year alone, the Sox lost 120 games.

"Chuck has assured me there are some real winners on this team," Richards said. "I'm out to prove him right."

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CHICAGO (AP)-White Sox fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Would-be free agent Dick Allen has agreed to return for another season on the South Side.

Team officials announced late Monday that the four-time All-Star has signed a one-year contract at $9,610,000. That figure is the same amount he earned in recent years.

"I wanted to give it another year in Chicago," Allen said. "I like playing here, but I also want to play for a winner. My career is nearing a close, and I'd love to play in the Series."

Allen, who will turn 34 during spring training, has been one of the best players in the game the past four years. In that span, Allen has averaged hitting .278, 49 home runs, 116 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. His finest season came in 1973 when he set an American League record with 58 homers. This past season the Wampun, PA native hit .301 with 47 long balls, 114 RBIs and 19 steals.

Many believed Allen would shun the White Sox because of their recent losing ways. In addition, Allen was very close to recently fired manager Chuck Tanner.

"Chuck and I are very close," Allen said. "But I enjoy my teammates in Chicago. I'd like to be part of a winner here."

Should the Sox fall out of the race early as they have done the past few years, Chicago may well trade or sell off Allen sometime this summer.

"We're happy to have Dick Allen here," said Sox owner Bill Veeck said. "He's the kind of player you build around and win with."

Sox Notes . . . the team also announced the signing of its first free agent since the recent court decision opened up that avenue to major league baseball . . . the player is pitcher Buzz Capra . . . Capra, a Chicago native and Illinois State University product, signed a one-year, $648,000 contract . . . Capra was 16-11 with a 5.03 ERA for Milwaukee in 1975 . . . Capra, likely Chicago's No. 5 starter, has a career record of 25-24 . . . Capra previously pitched for the Mets, Rangers and Brewers.

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MIAMI (AP)-For the second straight year the Chicago White Sox held the first pick in the amateur draft. A year ago the pitching-poor Sox raised more than a few eyebrows when they chose slugger Jack Clark. This year, there were no surprises. Chicago took promising relief ace Bruce Sutter Tuesday.

"He was clearly at the top of our charts," said newly appointed manager Paul Richards. "A player like Bruce doesn't come along every year."

Sutter, 23, was signed to a $166,250 bonus. The Lancaster, PA native is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. Richards indicated that Sutter may break spring training camp at the major league level.

"The closer role is Bruce's to lose," Richards said. "That may be a lot to ask of a rookie, but he was the No. 1 pick for many reasons."

The Sox may also be placing Sutter in that role out of need. Veteran closer Terry Forster was traded to Kansas City last season and Cy Acosta is more suited to the setup role.

Rounding out the top 10 draft pick were:

Atlanta--Jason Thompson
Montreal--Gary Roenicke
St. Louis--Dale Murphy
Cleveland--Lee Mazzilli
Texas--Ruppert Jones
Los Angeles--Wayne Gross
California--Andre Dawson
Detroit--Ernie Whitt
Chicago (N)--Len Barker


Notes: The White Sox took first baseman Benny White with their second pick and pitcher Scott McGregor in the third round . . . Oakland choose pitcher Mark "The Bird" Fidrych 17th overall.

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SARASOTA, Fla. (AP)--After being at the bottom of baseball's barrel for two seasons, the Chicago White Sox have hope.

"There's a new spirit here," said third baseman Mike Schmidt from the team's spring training site. "We're excited to start the season."

Optimists say there is reason for the Sox to shine this season. Pessimists say the only direction to go is up after two seasons as baseball's worst team. Last year Chicago lost 120 games.

"We were out of it by Memorial Day," said pitcher Tom Bradley. "We can't be in that boat again this year."

Chicago has much to be excited about. First, there's the return of maverick owner Bill Veeck.

"Bill's going to make things fun, but he also expects us to bust our butts," said first baseman Dick Allen. "It was tough last year not knowing where the team could wind up. We're all glad to be back on the South Side."

Veeck, field manager Paul Richards and general manager Gardner Barnes have infused the likely Sox Opening Day roster with youth. Those additions carry the promise of minor league success and a ranking as the top minor league system the past two seasons.

Chicago could break camp with five rookies--short stop Robin Yount (20), catcher Gary Carter (21), relief pitcher Bruce Sutter (23), infielder Bucky Dent (24) and left fielder Jim Rice (23). Last season's top draft pick Jack Clark will likely stay in the minors. The slugger missed much of last year with injuries and is being converted from third base to the outfield.

The remaining roster is a mix of young players and veterans. Likely starters include Allen (34) at first, Dent or Sam Ewing (26) at second, Yount or Ewing at short, Schmidt (26) at third, Rice in left, Rick Reichardt (33) in center and Lyman Bostock (25) in right. Allen and Cecil Cooper (26) will likely split time at first and DH. Carter will open the season behind the plate while John Stearns (24) recovers from off-season surgery.

"They're young, but then everyone is young to me," cracked the 67-year-old Richards.

The Sox starting rotation appears to be former All-Star Tom Seaver, second-year hurlers Ron Guidry and Jack Kucek along with veteran Bradley and free agent signee Buzz Capra. The bullpen will likely consist of Sutter, Cy Acosta, Kent Tekulve, Dan Neumeier and Ken Frailing. Tekulve was forced into a starter role last season.

"I'm glad to be back in the pen," Tekulve said. "My arm was really worn out by the end of last year."

The Sox are hoping Tekulve's buggy whip motion will be tougher in the reliever role.

"Hitters will find him tough to figure out in one at-bat," said Richards. "Last year they saw him three or four times a game. Believe you me, there's a huge difference when you get that many looks at a guy like Kent."

Chicago is hoping to get positive looks at Tekulve and teammates this season.

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KANSAS CITY (AP)-The past two years have been miserable for the Chicago White Sox. Wednesday's 1976 season opener was no different.

White Sox starter Tom Seaver lasted just one inning as the defending American League West champion Kansas City Royals defeated Chicago 8-6. Seaver, a former three-time All-Star with the New York Mets, allowed six hits and six earned runs in his 31-pitch inning.

"Nothing went right out there today," Seaver said. "Everything I threw was hit hard somewhere. Even the outs were pounded."

Kansas City's six-run first inning was highlighted by John Mayberry's three-run homer into the water fountain in left-center field.

"I don't know if I've ever hit one that hard before," Mayberry said later.

Ken Frailing relieved Seaver. The Sox left-hander gave up a solo home run to Lee Lacy to make the deficit 7-0 after two innings.

Chicago did manage a rally in the late innings. Designated hitter Cecil Cooper blasted a three-run homer in the eighth, but former Sox closer Terry Forster came on to nail down the save for Kansas City. Rookie Pat Zachary recorded his first career win for the Royals.

"We battled back, which was nice," said White Sox manager Paul Richards. "We can't put ourselves in a hole like we did today, but there's 161 games left. I saw some good, some bad and some ugly out there today."

Chicago started three rookies Wednesday--Robin Yount at short, Gary Carter behind the plate and Jim Rice in left field. They went a combined 1-for-12 with only Carter getting a hit. Rick Reichardt led the Sox with two hits and two RBIs. Chicago's No. 3 and No. 4 hitters--Dick Allen and Mike Schmidt--each walked three times.

"We just didn't get the key hit when men were on base," said Richards. "The good news is we're ready to play tomorrow."

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OAKLAND (AP)-April showers have again fallen on the first month of the Chicago White Sox season.

Through the first 18 games of the year, the White Sox record stood at .500 (9-9). From that point, however, Chicago has gone 1-9 and fallen 10 games behind first-place Kansas City.

"It's amazing how quickly it happened," said manager Paul Richards of his 10-18 ballclub.

Veteran Sox players and fans have seen these events in previous years.

"We're certainly not used to it, and we don't enjoy it," said right-handed pitcher Tom Bradley, 2-4 with a 7.47 ERA.

Fellow starter Tom Seaver (3-3, 5.40 ERA) added, "We've got to put together a winning streak and move back up (in the standings). We can't have those prolonged losing strings like last season."

Chicago's woes are again found in all phases of the game. The White Sox are batting .256 (ranked 21st among MLB teams) and the team ERA is 5.45 (16th).

"To a certain degree you can say that we're a young team," Seaver said, "but we've got quality veterans to lead the way. We need to start (playing well) today."

Rookie short stop Robin Yount has struggled at the plate. Yount is batting .214 with two home runs. His playing time has been reduced as Sam Ewing (.302-two homers) is getting more action.

"Robin will come around," Richards said. "But in the interim Sam is playing well."

Two of the Sox playing well are All-Stars Dick Allen and Mike Schmidt. Allen, playing on a one-year contract, leads the league with 13 home runs and is third in runs scored (29). He is batting .327 with 28 RBIs. Schmidt, meanwhile, is hitting .333 with seven homers and 25 runs driven home.

"It's no secret that we need people on base for Dick and Mike," said Richards. "If we can do that we'll win our share of games."

That means that Yount, Ewing or whoever is in the leadoff spot will need to get on base. The number two hitter-usually Ewing, Bucky Dent or Cecil Cooper-needs to either move the runner along or get on base as well.

"We need to increase our on-base percentages," said general manager Gardner Barnes. "We need to use our outs more productively because right now people are pitching around Dick and Mike."

Both Allen and Schmidt are also among the league leaders in walks.

"Those two are the only guys I fear in the lineup," said an opposing pitcher who wished not to be identified. "That's what most of the league thinks from what I'm hearing."

On the mound, the Sox have improved since last season. Seaver and free agent right-hander Buzz Capra top the team with three wins. Capra, a Chicago native, sports a 3.00 ERA.

"Coming home to pitch has been a dream come true," Capra said. "Good things are bound to happen."

Rookie and No. 1 draft pick Bruce Sutter has split time in the closer role with veteran Cy Acosta. Both relievers have two saves.

News and Notes . . . Chicago lost its home opener April 7 to Milwaukee 9-4 before 44,958 fans . . . owner Bill Veeck, manager Paul Richards and general manager Gardner Barnes dressed as American Revolutionary characters and marched before the game to honor the upcoming Bicentennial. . . Veeck also walked through the crowd two hours before the game talking with fans about their ideas for the Sox . . . The home opener featured Guidry's career high in strikeouts with 12 and Carter's first career home run . . . Seaver and Guidry rank third and fourth respectively in strikeouts in the AL . . . George Brett is hitting a robust .382 with a whopping 15 homers in 30 games at AAA Iowa . . . Minnesota's Larry Biittner has hit in 29 straight games . . . Kansas City leads the AL West, Boston leads the AL East . . . New York and Houston lead the National League divisions.

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NEW YORK (AP)-April's showers have brought May flowers for the Chicago White Sox.

Baseball's worst team the past two seasons actually produced a winning record for the second month of the 1976 season. The White Sox were 15-13 in May, leaving their record at 25-31 overall. Despite the improvement, Chicago still trails American League West leader Kansas City by 11 games.

"We can't worry about the Royals or anyone else right now," said manager Paul Richards of his fourth-place White Sox. "We need to keep improving as a ballclub."

Veteran first baseman Dick Allen continues to pound the ball for Chicago. The four-time All-Star leads the AL with 19 home runs. In addition, he has scored 41 runs and driven home another 42. While Allen's average has dropped to .283, his manager isn't concerned.

"We're paying him to produce runs and that's what he's doing," Richards said.

Other Sox offensive leaders include third baseman Mike Schmidt (.298-12 homers-44 RBIs), right fielder Lyman Bostock (.257 but with a 12-game hitting streak), infielder Bucky Dent (.299-three homers) and catcher Gary Carter (.237-11 homers-31 RBIs).

"Our younger players are really starting to produce," Richards said.

One change that Richards made to the Chicago lineup in May was platooning Sam Ewing and rookie Robin Yount at short. Yount, the Opening Day starter, has struggled. Ewing, who hit 10 homers in a late-season callup last year, is batting .291 with seven long balls and 30 RBIs.

Another change Richards made was with the bullpen. Kent Tekulve, pressed into a starting role last season, has been moved into the set-up role. The lanky right-hander's numbers are solid: 1-2 record, 2.67 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched.

Rookie closer and No. 1 overall draft pick Bruce Sutter has registered eight saves with a 1.59 ERA. Sutter has struck out nine batters in 11.1 innings.

Jack Kucek has been the surprise of the starters. The right-hander is 6-3 despite a 5.12 ERA. Tom Seaver has five wins, while Ron Guidry and Buzz Capra each have four victories.

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CHICAGO (AP)-For nearly two months the Chicago White Sox have looked for a way to get highly touted prospect George Brett into the lineup. Tuesday, general manager Gardner Barnes found a solution by trading first baseman Cecil Cooper to the St. Louis Cardinals for catcher Dale Murphy.

Cooper, a solid performer for Chicago, has been caught behind veteran slugger Dick Allen in the Sox lineup. The left-handed first baseman was batting .228 with three home runs and 11 RBIs this season. Last year Cooper hit .282 with seven homers and 34 RBIs.

Murphy, the No. 4 pick overall in this year's amateur draft, has been assigned to AAA Iowa in the American Association. The 20-year-old hit .306 with four homers and 25 RBIs in 42 games in the minors for St. Louis. Barnes indicated that Murphy, known as a talented athlete, may be converted into an outfielder.

The trade allowed Chicago to promote Brett to the major league roster. Brett will see action at third base, first base and designated hitter.

"He'll play on a regular basis," manager Paul Richards said. "He can give (Mike) Schmidt and (Dick) Allen a day off once in awhile as well as being our DH."

Brett, acquired from Kansas City last season for closer Terry Forster, was tearing up AAA. The left-handed hitter's minor league numbers were: a .361 average, 22 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .422 slugging percentage.

Brett, 23, will make his major league debut when the Sox play at Yankee Stadium.

"It's something you dream about," Brett said. "I'll be ready to play."

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NEW YORK (AP)-A few months ago no one wanted pitcher Buzz Capra. The Chicago White Sox signed the veteran free agent to a one-year, $648,000 contract. Now, two months and four wins later, Capra wants more.

"Mr. Capra would like a contract extension," said his agent Lotta Cash. "He's proven himself to be a success at the big-league level and would like to be compensated accordingly."

Capra, a Chicago native, is 4-5 with a 5.09 ERA this season with the Sox. His career record is 29-29. He has also pitched for the Mets, Rangers and Brewers.

"We're asking for at least a three-year deal at around four million per," said Cash.

Chicago officials declined comment, but insiders say the Sox are offering a two-year deal for $860,000.

"We've got a long season to go," said White Sox manager Paul Richards. "I'll leave the contract talks to Mr. Veeck, Mr. Barnes and Ms. Cash."

Capra's only comment was, "My agent speaks for me in negotiations. My pitching speaks for me on the mound."

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CHICAGO (AP)-It was a far cry from the celebration that accompanies the final out of the World Series, yet the Chicago White Sox and their fans had something to express joy over June 18. The Sox rallied past the Texas Rangers 3-2 to move to the .500 mark for the first time since early April of last season.

"We're glad to be back at .500, but now we need to continue to climb the ladder of winning," said first-year manager Paul Richards. "We don't want to slide back down the laundry shoot to the basement."

Chicago, 37-37 on the season, has now won 12 of its last 18 games. The White Sox are tied with California for third in the American League West, nine games back behind front-running Minnesota.

"We're finally hitting our stride and playing well," said center fielder Rick Reichardt who drove home the eventual winning run with a sixth-inning sacrifice fly.

Texas took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when catcher George Quiros hit his 23rd home run off Sox starter Buzz Capra. Chicago tied the game in the second when third baseman Mike Schmidt blasted a solo homer to left, his 17th of the year.

Texas took a 2-1 lead in the fourth before the White Sox rallied in their half of the sixth. After designated hitter George Brett (3-for-4) opened the frame with a single, left fielder Jim Rice delivered a one-out double to tie the score. Catcher Pete Varney (2-for-3) singled to left sharply, but Rice was held at third. One batter later, Reichardt plated the winning run with a deep fly to center off losing pitcher Chuck Seelbach.

"I was just looking for a pitch up that I could drive somewhere," Reichardt said. "I didn't want to hit into a double play and ruin our rally."

Capra, 6-5, pitched eight innings of six-hit ball before Kent Tekulve came on to record his fourth save in the ninth. He finished the game by striking out the final two batters. The lanky right-hander has now fanned 37 hitters in 35.2 innings.

"Kent was warm and ready in the pen," said Richards. "Bruce (Sutter) is a little sore from throwing two of the last three days, so we went with Kent."

A robust crowd of 33,744 was on hand to cheer the Sox victory.

"The crowds have been great this season," said Tekulve. "Bill Veeck has a lot to do with that. Believe me, it helps our club."

News and Notes: The White Sox signed Schmidt and catcher Gary Carter to contract extensions. Schmidt's deal is for $13,850,000 over four years, while Carter will get $2,370,000 for two years . . . Carter is on the 15-day DL with blurred vision . . . Dick Allen continues to lead the AL with 27 home runs . . . Sutter leads the AL in saves with 16 . . . the Sox 37-37 mark is certainly illustrated by the records of their starters--Tom Seaver (8-7), Ron Guidry (7-5), Tom Bradley (7-7), Jack Kucek (6-6) and Capra (6-5) . . . Minnesota leads the AL West by one game over Kansas City . . . Boston leads the AL East by nine games over New York and Baltimore . . . the New York Mets are atop the NL East by nine games over the Chicago Cubs while Houston enjoys a 10-game bulge over second-place Los Angeles.

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NEW YORK (AP)-It's two hours before the New York Mets will take the field against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium. Two players-one dressed in the home white uniform of the Mets and the other clad in the powder blue of the Cardinals-are chatting by the batting cage.

"It's a totally different scene here," says the one in white.

"I imagine winning does that," replies the other in blue.

Indeed. For the man in white is Mets' short stop and cleanup hitter Bobby Grich. Life is good as New York boasts baseball's best record at 50-24. For Grich and Cecil Cooper, his powder-blue opponent, it's a far cry from life on baseball's worst team. You see both players once toiled for the Chicago White Sox, consistent losers during the 1974 and '75 seasons. Both were traded out of the Windy City.

"I still talk to some of the guys over there," Grich says. "How is Dick (Allen) doing?"

Cooper, who served mostly as a backup to Allen, responds, "He's still crushing the ball. They (the White Sox) seem to be turning things around."

Cooper's new life as the starting first baseman for St. Louis means more playing time. It also means re-adjusting to the National League, where he played a few seasons before in Atlanta.

"We've both been traded twice now, that's three teams in just a few years," said Cooper. "It can wear on a guy, but it beats what most people do for a living."

Grich, hitting .297 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs, at least had company in his deal. Rich "Goose" Gossage and Pat Kelly joined the short stop in last season's trade that sent All-Star pitcher Tom Seaver to Chicago. Together, the trio helped lead the Mets to the NL East title. Gossage was hit hard in a game seven loss of the NLCS to eventual World Series champion Houston.

"That one still stings," said Gossage. "We hope to get the ring this year."

Gossage, seemingly fully recovered from a series of injuries that plagued him the past few years, is 5-2 this season. Kelly, batting in the leadoff spot, is hitting .250 with a team-high 13 stolen bases.

"It looks like the Mets got the better part of that deal," Kelly said.

Cooper, hitting .259 with seven homers and 20 RBIs, added, "I wish the White Sox all the best. There's some good people over there, but for me, I'm glad to be starting and not looking up at the rest of the league like I did for the past two years."

One player in home white, the other in visiting powder blue--yet both colored by the effects of playing two years in the game's netherland. Both wiser for having played there; both glad to be the hell out.

Notes: Other White Sox trade castoffs enjoying success include Kansas City closer Terry Forster (15 saves, 1.42 ERA, 27 strikeouts in 25 innings) and Boston's Carlos May (.306 with four home runs and 28 RBIs while splitting time with youngster Jose Cruz).

[batted balls]

CINCINNATI (AP)-For Chicago White Sox stars Dick Allen and Mike Schmidt being named to the All-Star team is old hat. Sitting on the bench is something new.

"Hey, it's no big deal," said Allen following the American League's 11-4 rout of the National League. The five-time All-Star did not get into the game. Schmidt, his White Sox teammate, also saw no action.

"It's still an honor just to be named to the team," Schmidt said of his third straight All-Star appearance. "Just to be around the other stars in the league . . . you pick up so much."

AL manager Darrell Johnson of Boston said after the game, "It's tough to get everybody in the game and still play to win. Allen, Schmidt and others were all deserving. Things just didn't work out."

Two former White Sox players did get into the game. Jorge Orta, traded away a few seasons ago for pitcher Kent Tekulve, was the NL starter at short stop. Relief pitcher Terry Forster, traded away for prospect George Brett, was one of six AL hurlers called into game action. Forster leads the AL with 17 saves.

Boston's Carlton Fisk was named the game's MVP for one swing of the bat. Fisk hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the seventh inning off Cincinnati's Jim McGlothin. Minnesota's Bert Blyleven was the winning pitcher for the AL.

"Guess I made the right call on that one," Johnson joked.

Allen leads the AL with 27 home runs. He is hitting .284 and has driven home 62 runs. Schmidt, meanwhile, is hitting .320 with 24 homers and 73 RBIs (third in the AL).

The AL starters at first base was New York's George "Boomer" Scott (.322-14-62). Minnesota's Steve Braun (.342-9-48) was the starter at third base. Scott was 2-for-5 in the game, while Braun went 2-for-4.

"Both those guys did well and their teams are ahead of us in the standings," said Allen. "What can you say?"

Notes . . . Minnesota leads the AL West with a 50-31 record; Kansas City is second, two games out; California is third, eight back; Chicago is fourth at 39-42, 11 games behind the leader. Sox rookie closer Bruce Sutter (16 saves, second in the AL) did not make the All-Star team. Boston (51-30) leads the AL East by nine over Detroit . . . the New York Mets (53-28) lead the NL East by seven games over Montreal . . . defending World Champion Houston (48-33) leads the NL West by nine games over San Francisco.

[batted balls]

CHICAGO (AP)-Seeking to strengthen its pitching staff, the Chicago White Sox traded away catcher John Stearns Monday to the Los Angeles Dodgers for 23-year-old Rick Rhoden.

Rhoden, the Dodgers' second-round draft pick in 1974, will be used as a spot starter for the White Sox. Rhoden was 3-4 with a 5.48 ERA in 26 relief appearances for Los Angeles.

Stearns, 24, has been a disappointment since Chicago drafted him with the third overall pick in the 1973 draft. The speedy catcher has been slowed by injuries and lost playing time to gifted rookie Gary Carter and veteran Pete Varney.

"We wish John the best," said Sox general manager Gardner Barnes, "but we feel Rick can really help us out on the mound."

Stearns is a career .228 hitter with 35 stolen bases in 49 attempts. His best season came in 1974 when he batted .229 with two home runs, 22 RBIs and 26 steals.

Rhoden is a career 4-10 pitcher with a 5.49 ERA.

"We're hoping the move to being a starter will bring out his best," said Barnes.

To make room for Rhoden, rookie Scott McGregor (0-3) was optioned to AAA Iowa. Varney, sent to AAA briefly when Carter returned from the disabled list, was recalled.

"I'm ready for whatever comes my way," said Varney. "If they want me to back up Gary or split time . . . whatever. I'm just glad to be back up."

[batted balls]

CHICAGO (AP)-Just when things were looking up for the Chicago White Sox, veteran All-Star first baseman Dick Allen delivered the gloomy news.

"I want to play for a winner," Allen said before Monday's game with the California Angels. "I am not interesting in resigning with the White Sox."

Allen, who last off-season signed a one-year, $9,610,000 deal to return to Chicago, said the wear and tear of playing for a perennial loser has taken its toll.

"I don't have much time left," said the 34-year-old, three-time All-Star selection. "I've given the Sox a fair amount of time to win . . . it hasn't happened."

Allen has given the Sox more than just time. The two-time American League home run champion has hit more than forty homers the past three seasons, including an AL-record 55 in 1973. Allen has three times hit three home runs in one game--the most recent being June 4.

The news was not good for the White Sox front office.

"We'll certainly talk to Dick further," said general manager Gardner Barnes. "We won't conduct business through the media."

Allen, who was closely tied to former manager Chuck Tanner, may wind up being dealt before the trading deadline.

"Dick's proclamation about becoming a free agent doesn't help the Sox cause when it comes to a trade," said veteran Chicago baseball writer Jerome Holtzman. "Then again, if a team is in a pennant race, it may just be willing to deal."

Allen is a seven-time Player of the Week winner and has twice been named Player of the Month. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder has been the White Sox MVP the past four seasons.

"He's been the Chicago White Sox since 1972," Barnes said. "Fans have gotten used to No. 15 being the star on the South Side."

Barring a miracle finish by the hapless White Sox, fans will face an adjustment in 1977.

[batted balls]

KANSAS CITY (AP)-If Tuesday's 14-1 loss wasn't enough for the Chicago White Sox to stomach, then losing third baseman Mike Schmidt is. The All-Star suffered a torn groin muscle while rounding second base during the third inning and will likely miss at least five weeks.

"It hurt like the dickens," Schmidt said afterward. "I felt like I'd been shot."

The loss severely hurts Chicago's chances of getting back into the American League West race. The White Sox, 45-48, trail first-place Minnesota by 12 games. Kansas City, the defending AL West champions, are two games back.

Schmidt was hitting .310 at the time of the injury. His 25 home runs were good for sixth in the league, while his 79 RBIs were third among the AL leaders.

"He will certainly be missed in our lineup," said manager Paul Richards.

George Brett, batting .307 since being called up from the minors, will take Schmidt's spot at third. Tony Muser, a left-handed hitting first baseman, was brought up from AAA Iowa.