A total of 12 jersey numbers have been retired by the Chicago White Sox, including Jackie Robinson’s 42 that was retired by all of baseball.
There is an eight-person operations group that includes White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, according to a team official. There are no set guidelines for retiring a number, and the honor is based on what feels appropriate. Because of the player’s perseverance and success during his or her career, supporters were able to form bonds with him or her.
To put it another way, the final say on this matter will rest with Reinsdorf. There are a few notable exceptions to this rule, such as the players listed below, all of whom played for the White Sox at one point or another.
Nellie Fox, 2B: No. 2
With 2,470 hits and 2,115 games, he ranks second in White Sox history. From 1956 through 1962, Fox and Aparicio were the White Sox’s middle infielders. A stadium sculpture of the duo was installed in 2006, depicting a double play they made.
Harold Baines, OF/DH: No. 3
After his first tenure with the White Sox from 1980-89, his number was retired. However, he wore it again during his second spell from 1996-97 and again from 2000-01, when he returned to the team. With 221 home runs and 981 RBIs, the left-handed batter stands third in club history.
Luke Appling, SS: No. 4
As a 75-year-old in an old-game timer’s in 1982, Appling might be most remembered for his home run against Warren Spahn. However, the 1964 inductee to the Baseball Hall of Fame played his entire 20-year career with the White Sox, compiling a batting average of.310 and 2,749 hits.
Minnie Minoso, OF, No. 9
Over the course of five seasons, Minoso spent 12 years with the White Sox. A four-time 100-run scorer and four-time 100-RBI producer with the White Sox, he was the first player of color to break the color barrier in the major leagues in 1951. In 2004, a sculpture by Minoso was placed.
Luis Aparicio, SS: No. 11
His nickname was “Little Louie,” and he played with the White Sox for ten seasons, spanning two tours. The American League Rookie of the Year Award was given to him in 1956, and he placed second in the vote for the American League MVP Award in 1959.
Paul Konerko, 1B: No. 14
During his 16-year career, he has accumulated 4,010 total bases and is second on the team with 432 home runs, 1,383 RBIs, and 2,268 games. In 2014, a statue of Konerko was installed at the ballpark in his honor.
Ted Lyons, RHP: No. 16
As a player and manager for the White Sox, Lyons racked up 185 victories in his 21-year tenure with the club. With 260 wins, 484 starts, and 356 complete games, Lyons, who was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1955, is the White Sox’s all-time leader with a career-best 30 in ’27.
Billy Pierce, LHP: No. 19
Even though he was just acquired from Detroit prior to the 1949 season and played with the White Sox for 13 seasons, Pierce’s friendly demeanor at the stadium made him seem like a lifetime part of the team.
Frank Thomas, 1B: No. 35
Ken “Hawk” Harrelson, the legendary White Sox television play-by-play announcer for 33 years, dubbed Thomas “The Big Hurt” for his erratic performance. His 16-year career with the Chicago White Sox earned him the nickname “Big Thomas.”
Mark Buehrle, LHP: No. 56
There’s a good chance that White Sox fan favorite Mark Buehrle will be the longest serving player to have his jersey number retired. At least 200 innings pitched, 30 starts, and at least 10 wins in each of his 11 seasons as a starting pitcher for the Cubs, the southpaw was a picture of consistency.
Carlton Fisk, C: No. 72
Even though he is most known for his time with the Red Sox, Fisk played two more seasons (13 total) in Chicago than he did in Boston. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, with 2,226 games caught and 376 home runs to his credit.
Jackie Robinson No. 42
On April 15, 1997, every team in MLB retired No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.
