In a pivotal game at Guaranteed Rate Field, the Chicago White Sox secured a narrow victory against the Los Angeles Angels, scoring three runs in the eighth inning. Despite the win, the team is on the brink of tying the modern-era record for the most single-season losses, currently shared with the infamous 1962 Mets.
More than 17,000 fans, along with 375 dogs for the annual Dog Day promotion, witnessed the historic moment, as many were keen to claim a piece of baseball history. Outfielder/first baseman Gavin Sheets expressed the players’ frustration with the attention surrounding their losses, stating, “This isn’t the kind of attention we want.”
Despite the win, the White Sox’s situation remains dire, with their record now standing at 1-94 when trailing after seven innings. The crowd’s mixed reactions during the game reflected their complicated feelings, alternating between cheers for the home team’s successes and boos in response to poor performance, as fans chanted “Sell the team!” at various points.
The White Sox’s struggles have been evident throughout the season, having amassed 120 losses in a campaign marked by injuries, ineffective management, and underperformance from key players. General manager Chris Getz acknowledged the unanticipated depth of their failures, noting, “This is the cards that we’ve been dealt at this point.”
Once a division champion, the team has faced a staggering decline. Injuries to pivotal players like Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez have severely impacted the roster, which already lacked depth. Over the past season, the White Sox have not only failed to win series but have also encountered a toxic clubhouse atmosphere and a management team fumbling for solutions.
Grifol, in his second season as manager, has struggled with a team plagued by negativity and discontent. His tenure, marked by a disconnect with players and inconsistency in performance, has left many speculating about his future with the team, especially following a record-setting 14-game losing streak.
As the season draws to a close, the White Sox appear poised to become the worst team in modern history unless they can find an unforeseen late-season surge. With the pressure mounting and a bleak outlook for the future, Getz and his staff are preparing for a significant overhaul of the coaching staff and roster in hopes of turning the franchise around.