The Chicago White Sox have a rich history of memorable moments on May 2, from early league drama to standout pitching performances. Let's take a look back at some of the most significant events on this date in White Sox history.
1901: A Rainy Forfeit
The White Sox found themselves at the center of the first forfeit in American League history. After the Detroit Tigers took a 7-2 lead with five runs in the top of the ninth inning, rain began to fall. The White Sox players started stalling, hoping the game would be washed out and called based on the last full inning—the eighth—which would have given Chicago the win. Umpire Tom Connolly saw through the scheme and forfeited the game to Detroit, final score 7-5. As frustrated Sox fans stormed the field in protest, Connolly needed a police escort to safely leave the ballpark.
1907: Defending Champs Take First Place
The defending World Champion White Sox knocked off the Tigers in Detroit, 4-2, to move into first place—a spot they would hold until August 6. Pitcher Nick Altrock threw a complete game for the win and also starred at the plate, collecting two singles and a walk. Chicago flirted with first place through the rest of August but ultimately finished the season in third place with an 87-64-6 record, 5½ games out.
1919: A Historic Home Opener
In what remains the latest non-pandemic home opener in White Sox history, the 6-1 South Siders dropped their first game at Comiskey Park, losing 11-4 to the 1-5 St. Louis Browns. The Browns built a 6-0 lead through just six batting outs and never looked back. Despite the loss, the White Sox remained in first place and went on to win the American League pennant that truncated 140-game season. The delayed start was largely due to World War I ending just the previous November, giving returning servicemen more time to prepare, as well as MLB's anticipation of poor attendance.
1984: Hoyt's One-Hit Masterpiece
LaMarr Hoyt delivered the finest regular season performance of his career, one-hitting the New York Yankees in a 3-0 win at Comiskey Park. The reigning Cy Young Award winner lost his no-hit bid with one out in the seventh inning when first baseman Don Mattingly dropped a wind-aided bloop single that fell between shortstop Jerry Dybzinski and left fielder Ron Kittle. Hoyt needed just 101 pitches to complete the gem, showcasing the dominance that made him one of baseball's most feared pitchers.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the South Side, these moments remind us why White Sox history is worth celebrating—and why wearing your team's colors with pride never goes out of style.