Here’s a look at what happened on this date (Jan. 28th) in White Sox history:
*1901, THE A.L.’S DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: The American League declared itself a second Major League in a closed-door meeting in Chicago.
The White Sox are joined by the Baltimore Orioles, the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Somersets, Washington Nationals, Cleveland Blues, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers as charter franchises.
The league drafted a 140-game schedule and put Charles Comiskey rival Ban Johnson in charge of the circuit.
The Sox hosted and won the inaugural American League game on April 29, 1901.
*1902: STRANG OBTAINED: The White Sox acquired infielder Sam Strang from the New York Giants.
Strang was released by the Sox on Sept. 29 and joined the Cubs two days later, making him the first player to appear in a game for both Chicago teams in the same season.
*1913, THORPE RUMOR: White Sox manager Nixey Callahan told the Chicago Tribune he would be willing to give Olympic legend Jim Thorpe a tryout.
History says that didn’t happen.
Thorpe eventually played for the New York Giants among others. He played in one game vs. the Sox in the 1917 World Series.
*1953, SAVE FERRIS: The White Sox traded first baseman Eddie Robinson, infielder Joe DeMaestri and outfielder Ed McGhee to Philadelphia for first baseman Ferris Fain and minor leaguer Bob Wilson.
Fain was the reigning A.L. batting champion but he could not keep up that pace with the Sox, hitting .256 and.302 in his two years with the club.
*1985, NEW PACT FOR HEMOND : Roland Hemond agreed to three-year contract to stay on as Sox executive vice president and general manager.
The deal came shortly after his previous three-year deal expired.
Hemond, 55, was hired by the Sox in 1970. He built winners for owners Art Allyn (1972), Bill Veeck (1977) and the current group.
“There was never any question that I would return,” Hemond told the Tribune. “(Co- owners) Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn made it evident from the start they would want me back, and I’m real happy. The organization is strong enough to be a contender, and we can go beyond the division championship we had in 1983.”
Hemond was replaced by Hawk Harrelson after the season. He later rejoined the organization as an advisor during the Ken Williams regime.