These were the heroes who owned the summers of the 1960s. Luis Aparicio and Gary Peters. Floyd Robinson and Joe Horlen. Juan Pizarro and Pete Ward. Tommy McCraw and Hoyt Wilhelm.
During the summers of the 1960s, the heroes of the South Side wore White Sox uniforms. On their best days (which were, admittedly, too few), they were entertaining and inspiring. They smote hated rivals and sent their best to the All-Star game, in the decade when that mid-summer classic moved under the lights ... and into prime time.
On their worst days, these White Sox heroes broke our hearts, squandering precious leads and pre-season hopes ... but they never lost our devotion.
They were the heroes of our youth. Now their stories are collected in White Sox Heroes: Remembering the Chicago White Sox Who Helped Make the 1960s Baseball's Real Golden Age. The book profiles the best (and a few of the worst) of the Chicago White Sox of the 1960s. In all, there are 72 profiles of the infielders, outfielders, catchers and pitchers who played for the Chicago White Sox in the 1960s.
Do you remember ...
The hard-throwing left-hander who led the American League in strikeouts per inning in 1961? (page 120)
The Gold Glove second baseman who was a 12-time All-Star (and one-time Most Valuable Player)? (page 20)
The shortstop who led the American League in stolen bases 9 consecutive years? (page 10)
The All-Star center fielder who won 5 Gold Gloves in the 1960s? (page 56)
The southpaw who led the American League in wins in 1964 (and posted the league's lowest ERA in 1963 and 1966)? (page 116)
The slugging first baseman who averaged 93 RBIs per season with the White Sox? (page 32)
The right-hander who never posted an ERA higher that 2.88 between 1964 and 1968 ... but managed a winning record only twice in those 5 seasons? (page 98)
The third baseman who was 1963 Rookie of the Year and the team's only consistent home run threat ... until an auto accident dampened his power and shortened his career? (page 36)
The knuckleballer (not named Hoyt) who led the American League in appearances and games finished in 1965? (page 93)
The outfielder who drove in 109 runs in 1962 while hitting only 11 home runs? (page 61)
Their stories are here. Enjoy the memories.
