15 years ago, the Chicago White Sox were able to slam the door on an 88-year World Series drought––one of the most dominant postseason showings in recent memory. They were able to accomplish this feat all while being managed by a second-year skipper, and former pale hose Gold Glove shortstop, Ozzie Guillen.
It all started with their regular-season showing, in which the team posted a 99-63 record and won the American League Central title.
Their postseason run started with a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox in the Divisional Series. Next, the White Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, in the American League Championship Series, four games to one (their only loss in the postseason). They completed their ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ (the team’s theme song through it all) postseason run by sweeping the Houston Astros in the World Series.
Here’s a look back at that team offensively and their impact on the team during the 2005 season.
Check back next week for Part 2, where the 2005 White Sox pitching staff will be showcased.
Left Fielder – Scott Podsednik
The leadoff hitter was an all-star selection in his first season with the Sox. The speedster stole 59 bases and hit .290.
Second Base – Tadahito Iguchi
The 30-year-old rookie, who previously played in Japan, tallied 145 hits, including 25 doubles and 15 home runs.
Designated Hitter – Carl Everett
In his 13th major league season, Everett hit 23 home runs and drove in 87 runs.
First Base – Paul Konerko
He was selected to his second of six all-star teams. He tallied 40 home runs, 100 RBI, and posted a .283 batting average. He was also named the ALCS MVP.
Center Field – Aaron Rowand
Posted 156 hits, including 30 doubles and a .270 average.
Right Fielder – Jermaine Dye
In Dye’s first season in Chicago, he belted 31 home runs and drove in 86 runs. He was named World Series MVP.
Catcher – A.J. Pierzynski
Although he only hit .257 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI, his personality translated to his teammates and he also was the backstop for the pitching staff that will be covered next week.
Third Base – Joe Crede
He contributed 22 home runs and 62 RBI for his team during the regular season.
Shortstop – Juan Uribe
Uribe drove in 71 runs and belted 16 home runs.
The bench and role players included:
Chris Widger, Geoff Blum, Willie Harris, Pablo Ozuna, Timo Perez, and future Hall of Fame inductee Frank Thomas. Thomas was limited to 34 games in the 2005 season due to injury.
While one or two of these guys were household names outside of the Southside of Chicago at the time, the entire lineup played a role in ending the franchise’s 88-year World Series Championship drought.
