June 4

2010 National Chicle #258 - Gordon Beckham

On this day in 2009, Gordon Beckham made his debut with the Chicago White Sox, 364 days after he was drafted.

Gordon would go 0 for 3 in his MLB debut, but he would get his first hit in his fifth game, off of Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis at U.S. Cellular Field. After that first hit Beckham would go on a tear, where he would hit .270 with fourteen home runs, forty-one walks, sixty-three RBI and seven stolen bases; all career highs as of June 2012.

While Gordon has been great defensively, his batting hasn't lived up to the draft day hype... yet. In Beckham's fourth season, he seems to be turning a corner at the plate with improved discipline. A healthy Gordon Beckham in the White Sox lineup can only strengthen an already lethal batting order.

June 3

1963 Post #35 - Joe Cunningham

On this day in 1963, Joe Cunningham broke his collarbone on a freak play that signaled the first blow to the 1963 team.

Joe saw a resurgence as a member of the White Sox in 1962, after a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals the previous year for Minnie Minoso. While running out a ground ball in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels, Cunningham twisted his foot and tripped over first base trying to avoid stepping on Angels first baseman Charlie Dees. Joe fell to the ground and broke his collarbone. He never returned to the level of play that he enjoyed in 1962, although he hung around the majors until 1966.

Cunningham never again played in a hundred games a season after the injury. He would be traded to the Washngton Senators for Moose Skowron in July 1964. The 1963 White Sox team would go on to win ninety-four games, but finish second, ten and a half games behind the New York Yankees. The Sox would improve to ninety-eight wins in 1964, but still finish second, one game behind the Yankees.

June 2

1997 EX-2000 #12 - Albert Belle

On this day in 1997, Albert Belle ended his twenty-seven game hitting streak, which tied the longest hitting streak (to that point) in Chicago White Sox history.

Albert certainly gave it his all trying to extend his hitting streak. He walked twice, hit two flyballs to center field and hit a screaming liner to left field, but nothing dropped in for a hit. The previous game, Belle had tied Luke Appling for the longest hitting streak in White Sox history. In 2004, Carlos Lee would eclipse both Appling and Albert "Don't Call Me Joey" Belle by hitting in twenty-eight straight games.

Belle would get hits in his next four games after ending the streak. If luck had been with him on June 2, 1997, he might have ended up with a thirty-two game hitting streak, which would still be the club's longest. Alas, Albert will have to settle for the White Sox single season record for home runs with forty-nine dingers.

June 1

1992 Conlon #366 - Bill Dietrich

On this day in 1937, Bill Dietrich threw a no-hitter against the St. Louis Browns at Comiskey Park, by the score 8-0.

Bill was in his first full season with the White Sox (second overall) when he pitched this gem. Dietrich spent eleven seasons with the Pale Hose from 1936 until 1946. While compiling an 80-91 record over those eleven seasons, he threw sixty-eight complete games out of the one hundred ninety-nine he started. Bill's ERA was usually above 4.00, but he usually stayed around .500 each season.

Dietrich wasn't blessed with the most impressive roster behind him, but did have Luke Appling on his defense. These were mostly lean years for the White Sox and it definitely showed on pitchers' numbers. If one were making more recent comparisons, one might think of Greg Hibbard or Mark Buehrle as pitching contemporaries; mostly staying around .500 record-wise, but showing determination and a moderate amount of success, giving quality starts. Bill only walked two batters and struck out five in his no-hitter. While, no Buehrle, Dietrich was no slouch either.

May 31

1916 H801-9 Globe Clothing Store #14 - Joe Benz

On this day in 1914, Joe Benz delivered a no-hitter at Comiskey Park against the Cleveland Naps, winning 6-1.

Throwing primarily spitballs and knuckleballs, Joe became the fourth pitcher with the White Sox to throw a no-hitter. It would be the fifth overall no-hitter for the Pale Hose (Frank Smith had thrown two). The feat was a bright spot in a horrible season which saw the White Sox finish thirty games back of the Philadelphia Athletics and win only seventy games. For the Naps, this would be the nadir for their dismal season. They would eventually finish forty-eight 1/2 games behind the A's, winning only fifty-one games.

This would be the only American League no-hitter thrown in 1914. Interestingly enough, each of the three leagues had one no-hitter that year. George Davis would accomplish the feat for the Boston Braves (against the Philadelphia Phillies) in the National League and Ed Lafitte would have the honors for the Brooklyn Tip-Tops (against the Kansas City Packers) of the Federal League.

Benz, who was born in Chicago, would have his MLB debut in 1911 for the White Sox. The South Siders would be Joe's only team during his major league tenure. His last appearance was on May 2nd for the ill-fated 1919 Sox team. The two innings of relief to finish the game against the St. Louis Browns at Comiskey Park, in a 11-4 loss, was his only appearance that season.

Joe hasn't strayed far from his hometown, even after death. He currently resides in Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Worth, Illinois.

May 30

1966 Topps #577 - Jack Lamabe

On this day in 1966, Jack Lamabe threw a one-hitter in the second game of a double header against the Boston Red Sox at Comiskey Park, resulting in a sweep for the Chicago White Sox for the day's games.

Jack didn't allow a hit until the eighth inning when Boston third baseman Joe Foy hit a leadoff single to break up the no-hit bid. It wasn't a one-hitter of great beauty. Lamabe loaded the bases in the top of the seventh. Shortstop George Smith reached on an error by his counterpart Lee Elia. Lenny Green flew out to center. Tony Conigliaro struck out for the second out, but Jack then hit George Scott with a pitch and walked Carl Yastrzemski to load the bases. ChiSox shortstop Lee Elia made up for his previous error by catching Dalton Jones' fly ball for the final out of Boston's half of the seventh inning.

Lamabe went 7-9 in 1966 for the White Sox making seventeen appearances as a starting pitcher and seventeen appearances as a relief pitcher. He was 1-0 in three games in April 1967, when he was sent to the New York Mets, where he went 0-3 before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in July 1967. Jack spent 1968 with the Chicago Cubs before being traded to the Montreal Expos in 1969, but Lamabe never played in the majors past 1968.

May 29

2001 Topps Heritage #99 - Greg Norton

On this day in 1999, Greg Norton hit two home runs in a game for the second consecutive game.

Greg would hit one fourth of his home runs for 1999 in those two days. Those sixteen home runs were also Norton's highest season total. Pegged with replacing Robin Ventura at third base in 1999, Norton performed admirably for such a momentous task. He raised his average from .237 in 1998 to .255 in 1999. Although he had career highs in runs, hits, home runs, stolen bases, RBI and walks, Greg had 180 more plate appearances than the previous season to accomplish those totals.

The Sox parted ways with Norton through free agency after the 2000 season, after parts of five seasons. The ChiSox decided to give the third base job to Herbert Perry full time for the 2001 season. Greg stuck around in the majors, except for the 2005 season, until 2009.

WSC Birth Years: Dylan Axelrod

Card #106 - Dylan Axelrod

Born: July 30, 1985

Dylan made his debut on September 7, 2011 for the White Sox, in relief of John Danks. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Minnesota Twins for his first taste of the majors. Axelrod then took Jake Peavy's place in the rotation shortly after, making his starting debut against the Detroit Tigers on September 14th.

Axelrod has been shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors in the 2012 season. Dylan has a good dirty slider which is hard for the parent club to ignore, but fitting into an already crowded rotation and bullpen is a tricky balancing act. Axelrod has been effective in both long relief and as a spot starter. If Dylan keeps being effective, he may find himself a permanent role with the parent club in 2013.

May 28

1987 Donruss #552 - Joe Cowley

On this day in 1986, White Sox pitcher Joe Cowley strikes out the first seven batters he faces, setting a new American League record.

Luck wasn't with Joe that day, as he only lasted four plus innings and took the loss. Although Cowley pitched in five different seasons, his one season with the Chicago White Sox might be his most memorable.

After setting a new AL record for consecutive strikeouts to start a game in May, Joe threw a no-hitter on September 19th. The pinnacle of his career came with a sharp decline. Cowley played the rest of the season with the White Sox and the beginning of 1987 with the Philadelphia Phillies and never recorded another MLB win. Joe is the only player to have his last MLB win as a no-hitter.

May 27

1990 Bowman #320 - Frank Thomas

On this day in 1968, first baseman and designated hitter Frank Thomas was born.

Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1989, Frank made his debut in August 1990 and immediately made an impact as an upgrade to Carlos Martinez. Thomas quickly established himself as one of the premier hitters in the majors, earning him the nickname of the Big Hurt.

Currently, Frank stands above all White Sox players with 448 home runs in a White Sox uniform, but Paul Konerko may eventually surpass that mark. Thomas hit .307 with 2.136 hits, 1,465 RBI, 1.466 walks and 1.327 runs scored in a Sox uniform. Back to back MVP seasons, four Silver Sluggers, five straight All-Star selections, one batting title and the 2000 AL Comeback Player of the Year all suggest that Big Frank just might be a first ballot Hall of Famer.

May 26

1996 Leaf Signature EXT - Chad Kreuter

On this day in 1996, the White Sox hit four home runs in one inning for the first time.

While at Comiskey Park against the Milwaukee Brewers in the eighth inning, Darren Lewis was at first base when Frank Thomas connected on a ball to deep left field for his fifteenth home run. Harold Baines followed with his eleventh home run, also to left. Robin Ventura then jacked a homer to right field for his ninth. Lyle Mouton singled to center field, knocking Milwaukee pitcher Mike Potts out of the game. Former White Sox pitcher Ramon Garcia replaced Potts and his first pitch to Chad Kreuter goes to right field for a home run. It was Chad's first home run in a Sox uniform and a brand new team record.

May 25

1952 Hawthorn-Mellody - Joe Dobson

On this day in 1952, Joe Dobson and Marv Grissom both threw complete game shutouts in a double header against the Detroit Tigers at Comiskey Park.

Joe was in the middle of a three year stretch with the ChiSox. He came to the South Side in a trade with the Boston Red Sox on December 10, 1950. Dobson was mostly a starter, who would occasionally throw out of the bullpen.

Burrhead, as Joe was nicknamed, went 26-21 for the Pale Hose over three seasons. He completed twenty games, had four shutouts and saved five games, all while keeping a 3.13 ERA.

May 24

1934 Batter Up #29 - Jimmy Dykes

On this day in 1946, Jimmy Dykes leaves the Chicago White Sox organization after twelve years and thirteen days, which is the longest tenure of a manager in White Sox history.

Jimmy came to the White Sox in 1933, along with Mule Haas and Al Simmons, when the Pale Hose bought the three players from the Philadelphia Athletics for $100,000. Dykes took over the reigns from Lew Fonseca in 1934. He started to drastically decrease his playing time in 1937. Jimmy ended his playing career in 1939 and just focused on the managerial part of his career.

Dykes had a .272 average over seven seasons with the South Siders.He had 551 hits and 307 RBI over that span. As a manager, Jimmy had a 899-940 record with the Sox and never finished higher than third place.

Trade With All The Way To The Backstop

It's been awhile since I've posted any trade posts. I've gotten so far behind in my cards this year, it borders on the ridiculous. Yes, I'm still collecting. Yes, I'm still interested in trading. My time has been a little more limited, since going back to work and school last October, but it's paying off. I only have two classes left before I get my Associates degree and the classes that I've taken since last year, I have aced. I couldn't have asked for a better work situation. I thoroughly enjoy the work and the people there and that makes all the difference.

So, when an opportunity to make a trade with Marcus from All The Way To The Backstop... arose, I couldn't pass up the offer. It was a small trade, but took care of some pesky 90s needs, which is always a welcome sight. Let's see what Marcus sent over.

1991 Score Rising Stars
35 - Craig Grebeck
48 - Robin Ventura
66 - Alex Fernandez
94 - Adam Peterson

1992 Leaf
517 - Kirk McCaskill

1995 Upper Deck
202 - Jason Bere

1996 Select
89 - Ray Durham

1996 Upper Deck
112 - Harold Baines (Young At Heart)

1997 UD3
23 - Robin Ventura

1998 Collector's Choice
116 - Mario Valdez

It's funny seeing cards of Robin Ventura during his playing career, now that he's the manager. As Orel Hershiser has mentioned, Robin Ventura is no stranger anywhere he goes in the world and lights up a room when he enters it. I've never met Robin and I've certainly never been in a room when he lights it up by his mere appearance. I guess I'll chalk that up to Orel's vast knowledge as a broadcaster? Ventura is certainly a change from the previous regime under Fidel Castro disciple Ozzie Guillen.

Thanks, Marcus! There should be a return package in the mail for you by the end of the week.

May 23

1938 Goudey #285 - Rip Radcliff

On this day in 1962, outfielder and first baseman Rip Radcliff died.

Rip played for the White Sox from 1934 until 1939, which was his first taste of the majors. It also turned out to be his longest tenure with a team. Radcliff was mainly known for his contact. He struck out once every twenty-nine at-bats on average during his MLB career, which was good enough for a .310 average while with the South Siders.

His best season with the Sox was 1934. Radcliff hit .335 with 207 hits and 82 RBI. The 207 hits and 82 RBI were career highs. Rip was also named to the American League All-Star team in 1936. He finished his career in 1943, after stops with the St. Louis Browns and the Detroit Tigers.