Today in White Sox History: January 6
1920
White Sox legend Early Wynn was born in Hartford, Alabama. Wynn, a slow starter, made his debut in 1939 with the Washington Senators but truly shined as a pitching star post-World War II, primarily with the Cleveland Indians. In 1959, he was a workhorse for the White Sox, winning the inaugural Cy Young Award, which was a combined AL/NL honor. He was the fourth overall and the first Chicago winner of the award. Only LaMarr Hoyt (1983) and Jack McDowell (1993) have since claimed the Cy Young for the Sox.
Wynn was 39 years and 267 days old when he won the Cy Young, making him the oldest winner at the time. He remains the third-oldest Cy Young winner ever, after Roger Clemens (2004, 42 years old) and Gaylord Perry (1978, 40 years old).
1964
The White Sox unveiled their new road uniforms, a bold powder-blue that broke away from the traditional gray. This design kick-started a road uni look that would dominate MLB for two decades.
1995
The White Sox acquired relief pitcher Tim Fortugno off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. Fortugno, who had seen action in 39 games combined for the Angels and Reds in 1992 and 1994, nearly doubled that output with the White Sox in 1995, appearing in 37 games. He was later traded to the Angels for McKay Christensen and three pitchers, never returning to the majors.
1997
Former White Sox pitcher Dick Donovan passed away in Weymouth, Massachusetts, at 69. After a subpar start with the Detroit and Boston Braves, Donovan found his stride in 1955 with the White Sox, winning 15 games in his first year and earning All-Star honors. He had an even better 1957, leading the AL with a .727 winning percentage and 16 complete games, despite an emergency appendectomy that cost him a month of the season.
2005
White Sox GM Ken Williams took a risk by signing catcher A.J. Pierzynski, known as a 'clubhouse cancer,' to a free agent contract. Pierzynski proved to be a model teammate and made invaluable contributions to the 2005 World Series champions. Two memorable moments from 2005 include a walk-off home run against the Dodgers and a controversial play in the ALCS against the Angels, where Pierzynski was safe at first base due to a misplay by Angels catcher Josh Paul.
Pierzynski's impact continued in 2006, during a Crosstown game at U.S. Cellular Field, where he plowed over Cubs catcher Michael Barrett to score the first run in a 7-0 Sox win. Barrett responded with a sucker-punch, leading to ejections for four players.
