Some trades are won not by what you get, but by what you get rid of. That's the story behind a forgettable May transaction in White Sox history—one that, in hindsight, cleared the way for a future star.
1927: A Grand Opening
The Comiskey Park upper deck officially opened on this day, and 37,000 fans packed the ballpark to witness history—even if it wasn't for the home team. The New York Yankees crushed the White Sox 8-0, but the real drama came in the ninth inning. With the game already in hand, Lou Gehrig launched a grand slam that became the first home run to reach the new upper deck, christening the seats in style. The attendance set a new White Sox and Chicago city record, though it wouldn't stand for long.
1941: Ted Williams Goes Rooftop
For the sixth time in Comiskey Park history, a player homered over the roof. And for the sixth time, it was an opponent. Ted Williams did the honors, launching a one-out, 11th-inning blast that gave the Boston Red Sox a 4-3 lead and an eventual win. Unlike some of the previous roof-clearing shots, this one actually decided the game.
1949: Addition by Subtraction
The White Sox sent Don Kolloway to the Tigers for Earl Rapp. On paper, it looked like a swap of mediocre players—and it was. Kolloway had spent eight seasons on the South Side, missing two years for military service, but never once reached the 2.0 WAR mark of an MLB regular despite three full seasons at second base. He finished his Chicago tenure with just 2.8 WAR over 683 games. Rapp was even worse in a brief White Sox stint, posting -0.1 WAR in right field before being shipped to Oakland of the Pacific Coast League.
But here's the thing: getting Kolloway off the roster was a win in itself. Nellie Fox was waiting in the wings to take over second base in 1950, and the White Sox were better off clearing the way. Sometimes, the best move is the one that opens the door for someone else.
1975: The Dick Allen Saga Continues
After Dick Allen refused to report to Atlanta following a trade, the Braves flipped him to Philadelphia along with Johnny Oates. The return included Jim Essian, Barry Bonnell, and cash. Eight days later, without playing a game for Atlanta, Allen was gone—and the White Sox could finally move on from one of the most talented, yet complicated, players in franchise history.