Recently, MLB teams and players have been eager to break modern records. Whether it is Aaron Judge breaking the American League home run record or Ronald Acuna Jr. having the first 40 home run and 70 stolen base season in history, players are always eager to add to their resumes with explosive plays.
This summer, the Chicago White Sox have found themselves caught up on the wrong side of history. While the front office clarified that the team would not compete for a playoff spot this season, their record is still shocking. Even with Garrett Crochet, one of the best pitchers in the AL, Chicago’s 28-89 record is by far the worst record in MLB behind a Miami Marlins team that began selling in April and an Oakland Athletics team that is struggling to find their identity.
Between May and June, the White Sox found themselves in their first struggle of the season, when the team endured their first extended losing streak of 14 games. Most of these losses included the lineup putting together a reasonable amount of runs, but the pitching fell flat each time. On June 13, the team finally won, but that was only the beginning of their struggles.
Between July and August, the White Sox began their longest losing streak this year. While the team is not particularly known for winning, going 21 games without a win is unheard of. Only two other teams in MLB history have lost that many games in a row: the 1988 Baltimore Orioles and the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies. On August 6, the White Sox had the chance to break the American League record for most consecutive losses during a game in Oakland.
During lineup exchanges, the Athletics found a way to poke fun at the streak, playing Taylor Swift’s “22” throughout the stadium. While many thought the White Sox would be on the verge of breaking history with the most consecutive losses, rookie pitcher Jonathan Cannon had a great game. The White Sox were able to finally secure a victory after 27 days and take the lead for most of the game for the first time in five games.
Only four teams in the modern era of MLB have lost 14 consecutive games twice in one season: the 2024 White Sox, 2021 Orioles, 1935 Boston Braves, and 1911 Boston Rustlers. The White Sox also have the chance to make history this season with the most losses. The current record is held by the 1962 New York Mets, who had 119 losses. For the team to avoid this fate, they would have to go 15-31 in their last 46 games. While this record is below .500, it is still a much higher winning percentage than the .241 the team has put together so far this season.
If the White Sox want to avoid this fate, they will have to do it without their previous manager, Pedro Grifol. On August 8, the manager was dismissed from his job, with the front office noting that they were fully looking for someone to better the future of the team. Grifol had a career record of 89-190 in his first two seasons managing the White Sox.
Former player and previous coach in the organization, Grady Sizemore, has been named interim manager for the rest of the season. The White Sox plan to announce the next full time manager after the season ends.
Edited by: Emma Habel
Comments