Today in White Sox History: April 30
Pitching perfection is achieved, from an unlikely source
1922
White Sox pitcher Charlie Robertson fired a perfect game, beating the Tigers, 2-0, in Detroit. Robertson never had a winning record in eight seasons in Chicago, compiling a White Sox career of 49-80 and 4.44 ERA.
Robertson’s perfect game only took one hour and 55 minutes to complete. He struck out six. Earl Sheely drove in both Sox runs in the second inning with a single.
1951
Orestes“Minnie” Miñoso was acquired by the White Sox as part of a three-team deal involving Kansas City and Cleveland. The seven-player deal resulted in Miñoso becoming the team’s first Black ballplayer.
Miñoso used his blinding speed and power to become the American League Rookie of the Year for 1951 (from The Sporting News, but not the baseball writers) by hitting .324 with 10 home runs, 76 RBIs and 31 stolen bases. He’d be named to the All-Star team six times in his career representing the Sox. His No. 9 would be retired by the club in 1983.
1962
White Sox shortstop Luis Aparicio was shown sliding into a base on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The headline read, “The Players With Magic. Luis Aparicio of the White Sox.”
The Hall of Fame player would lead the American League in steals nine consecutive years while playing remarkable defense.