An Unstructured Blog that Goes Nowhere

 In an incident that could only be described as a masterclass in irony, the self-styled illustrious former President Donald Trump (after all, there’s never been anyone like him) graced the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago with his presence, in a performance so charged with self-congratulation that it nearly broke the sarcasm meter. During this unforgettable engagement, Trump delivered the punchline of the century, proclaiming himself "the best president for the Black population since Abraham Lincoln." The crowd must have been stifling laughs, as Trump, with his well-documented and nuanced understanding of racial dynamics, bestowed upon them this nugget of historical revisionism. The show didn't stop there. Trump ventured into the realms of identity politics, offering his take on Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity with the expertise of someone who has clearly spent years studying the complex tapestry of race in Americ...

 Jerry Reinsdorf and his team never stop giving, because what we all really love is watching the Chicago White Sox redefine failure in such innovative ways, I'm practically giddy. Established in 1901, this team has been breaking hearts and dreams for over a century, but this year? Pure, unadulterated disaster artistry. All those years of my childhood, zealously soaking up White Sox history, now seem like a masterclass in masochistic nostalgia. And just when you thought the Black Sox scandal was the franchise’s rock bottom, surprise! They’ve managed to dig a whole new sub-basement of disgrace. Last night’s game against the Kansas City Royals was a particular treat. For seven blissful innings, they dangled the sweet, naïve hope of victory in front of us, only to yank it away in the eighth with the finesse of a professional dream crusher. Ah, John Brebbia, a so-called reliever, giving anything but relief after serving up a grand slam to Bobby Witt Jr. Watching our three-run lead eva...

Reflecting upon the dire straits in which the Chicago White Sox find themselves, as evidenced by their performances and clubhouse atmosphere, it becomes all the more intriguing when considering the rumored desires of the team's ownership.  Rumblings suggest that there's an inclination towards relocating the team out of Illinois, a prospect that, given the current state of affairs, might not be as alarming to the local populace as one might expect.  In fact, with the team's recent track record and the palpable disappointment resonating from both the players and the fans, the idea of waving goodbye to the franchise could oddly seem like a reasonable, if not enticing, proposal to some Illinois citizens.  This sentiment isn't rooted in a lack of love for the game or the team itself, but rather in a sense of frustration that has been brewing over seasons marred by underperformance, operational mishaps, and a history that has seen the team clinch the World Series title only t...

In this examination, we delve into the peculiar yet fascinating phenomenon within American baseball, distinguished notably by the Chicago White Sox’s recent foray into what could generously be described as an unparalleled demonstration of athletic futility. Amidst the grand narrative of Major League Baseball (MLB), where the specter of relegation is notably absent—a stark contrast to the cutthroat relegation regimes of European sports leagues such as the English Premier League—the White Sox have embarked on an expedition through the abyss of defeat, accruing an impressive 10-game losing streak. Notably, during this tumultuous period, the team's ownership, seemingly indifferent to the club's abysmal performance on the field, appears primarily focused on maximizing revenue streams, revealing a disquieting disconnect between monetary motivations and athletic excellence. This intriguing scenario posits a theoretical inquiry: were MLB to adopt a relegation mechanism, the White Sox...

The South Side of Chicago, a district historically no stranger to pervasive odors, finds itself enveloped in a miasma far removed from the residual scents of its long-defunct stockyards. This current olfactory assault emanates from Guaranteed Rate Field, yet it is not the aroma of concessions or the vestiges of industry, but rather the acrid stench of a baseball team deeply ensconced in a quagmire of its own creation. This malodorous cloud is a concoction of ineptitude, apathy, and a front office demeanor that appears strikingly contemptuous towards the very supporters who animate the turnstiles. The recent 3-2 loss conducted against the Texas Rangers symbolizes the Chicago White Sox's ninth sequential defeat, epitomizing a season precariously teetering toward utter disarray. Garrett Crochet, a youthful pitcher once heralded as a cornerstone for future campaigns, found himself beleaguered from the outset. This episode is a microcosm for a squad seemingly ensnared in amnesia, havi...

In a season shadowed by historic lows and a seemingly insurmountable tide of despair, the Chicago White Sox have trudged through their schedule, each game a further testament to their profound struggles. Among this backdrop of continual disheartenment, Erick Fedde emerged as a solitary beacon of competence and, perhaps, hope. The right-hander, amid swirling trade speculation, showcased his skills on a humid Monday against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, pitching commendably into the seventh inning. However, his solid performance became but a footnote in the season's narrative as the Sox succumbed to yet another harrowing loss, this time a 4-3 defeat in 10 innings, witnessed by a crowd of 30,832. The game's late innings unfolded with a cruel twist of fate for the Sox. Paul DeJong ignited a fleeting spark with a go-ahead solo home run in the ninth, only for the Rangers to extinguish it in the subsequent frame against reliever John Brebbia. The final blow was delivered by W...

 The current trajectory of the Republican Party increasingly appears to be emulating Russia's approach to governance, characterized by authoritarian and oligarchical principles. This trend is alarming, not only for the future of American democracy but also for the foundational values upon which our nation was built. Historically, the United States has prided itself on being a beacon of democracy, with a governance system designed to prevent the concentration of power and to ensure the protection of individual freedoms. However, recent actions and rhetoric from the Republican Party signal a departure from these principles, moving towards a model where power, wealth, and influence are the ultimate goals, regardless of the means to achieve them. The admiration expressed by some Republican leaders for the authoritarian leadership style of Vladimir Putin is indicative of this shift. Putin's Russia is characterized by a suppression of dissent, control over the media, and the mani...

I write today as a lifelong White Sox fan, but one deeply troubled by the current state and direction of our beloved team. Since 1981, we've experienced one championship and endured many losing seasons, always with the hope of better things to come. However, it has become increasingly clear that the stewardship of our team leaves much to be desired. It is with a heavy heart that I call on my fellow fans to reconsider our support for the team under the current ownership's direction (or lack thereof). The lack of willingness to invest in quality players is a glaring issue that cannot be overlooked any longer. We've watched as our rivals have strengthened their rosters, making bold moves to compete at the highest level, while our team's commitment to building a championship-caliber squad seems tepid by comparison. This has not only impacted the team’s performance on the field but has dampened the spirit and passion of a fan base eager for success. Equally concerning is...

There have been recent discussions surrounding the potential allocation of Illinois taxpayer money for the construction of a new stadium for the Chicago White Sox.  Such a decision requires thoroughly evaluating the implications and justification for such an investment.  There key are several reasons why utilizing public funds for this purpose may not serve the best interest of Illinois taxpayers. With respect to economic considerations, there would be a limited return on investment for Taxpayers.  Historical data from similar projects across the nation suggests that the promised economic returns, in terms of local job creation and increased economic activity, often fall short of projections.  The direct benefits tend to favor the team and its owners disproportionately, leaving taxpayers to bear the financial burden with minimal returns. In looking at the opportunity cost, allocating substantial public funds towards a stadium diverts critical resources from other...

During the off-season of 1971, the White Sox added a controversial first baseman after dealing pitcher Tommy John for “Richie” Allen.  Tommy John was a good pitcher, but he was best known for a surgical procedure that saved his baseball career.  Why do I care about Dick Allen?  He was an anti-hero, and I seemed to like these kinds of individuals as they are more interesting than regular heroes.  In my view, Richard Anthony Allen was cut from the same cloth as Holden Caulfield, Jay Gatsby, Hamlet, MacBeth, Han Solo, and Keith Mallory.  Allen exceeded them in my estimate because he was a ball player. A few years before, the Philadelphia Phillies recognized Allen’s talents, signing him to a contract with a large bonus for the time in 1960.  Allen worked his way up through the Phillies’ farm system, and in 1963, he would play in Little Rock, Arkansas, where its highest-level minor-league team played. ...

Red Faber was a Hall of Fame pitcher with the White Sox for 20 years.  He pitched with one of the best teams in Sox history, winning three games in the 1917 World Series.  He also pitched for poor teams in the aftermath of the Black Sox Scandal.  Faber wore two numbers with the Sox, eighteen and nineteen.  The Sox have not yet retired his number, and the organization should do so, to honor his accomplishments as a member of the Sox.  In writing my summary, I drew from Brian Cooper’s magnificent biography on Red, as well as Baseball Reference and Cooper’s article on Red for SABR.  Urban Clarence Faber was born on September 6, 1888, on his parents’, Nicholas and Margaret, family farm near Cascade, Iowa.  Five years later, the Faber family relocated to the town of Cascade.  Eventually, the Fabers became one of the town’s wealthier families.  Nicholas Faber operated a tavern before running the Hotel Faber.  The family’s wealth afforded the...