Jerry Reinsdorf took the reins of the Chicago White Sox in January 1981, purchasing the club from Bill Veeck for a cool $20 million. Now, more than four decades later, his legacy is fraught with ups and downs, marked by championship triumphs and unsettling controversies.
A Mixed Legacy
Under Reinsdorf’s ownership, which now spans over 40 years, the White Sox have enjoyed moments of glory, the pinnacle being their 2005 World Series victory. Despite that success, postseason appearances have been sparse, with only seven berths in 44 seasons.
One lingering frustration among fans is the team’s notorious 21 consecutive losses, a clear indicator of their struggles. Most concerning is the projection for the 2024 season, where they are expected to end with a dismal record of 38-124. Should this come to pass, it would see the White Sox surpass the modern record of 120 losses set by the 1962 New York Mets.
Front Office Turmoil
Internal shakeups have defined recent years. In August of last year, Reinsdorf dismissed vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn. Williams had been with the organization since 2000, and Hahn had served as general manager for over a decade. This decision marked the beginning of a new era for the front office.
Manager Pedro Grifol, who compiled a 89-192 record, was also shown the door, making way for Chris Getz to step in as the new general manager. What raised eyebrows was the absence of an external search, leading one veteran baseball evaluator to remark, "The fanbase should be up in arms. They have zero chance to be successful with these changes."
Financial Realities
Turning to finances, the White Sox have one of the lowest financial commitments to player salaries in the league. Neither the White Sox nor the Oakland A’s have ever signed a player to a contract worth at least $100 million. Even their home, Guaranteed Rate Field, opened in 1991, was funded by Illinois taxpayers at a cost of $137 million. The state continues to pay the White Sox $5 million annually for stadium repairs and maintenance.
Despite these public investments, Reinsdorf has expressed a desire for a new, largely publicly funded ballpark. His past threats to move the team to St. Petersburg, Florida, highlight his leverage tactics. "A savvy negotiator creates leverage. People had to think we were going to leave Chicago," Reinsdorf once said.
Passing the Baton
With Jerry Reinsdorf now 88 years old, discussions about the future of the White Sox have naturally arisen. Reinsdorf has openly stated that his son, Michael, might have an obligation to sell the team after his passing. "When I'm gone, (son Michael) will have an obligation to do what's best (for the other investors). That likely means putting the team up for sale … The team will be worth more out of town," he candidly admitted.
A Trusted Steward?
Reinsdorf has always viewed his ownership role through a unique lens. "I've always looked at the ownership of a baseball franchise as a public trust, maybe even a charitable thing. I'm serious about that," he once stated. However, not all are convinced of his altruistic motives.
Looking Ahead
As the White Sox transition to a new era, fans and analysts alike remain watchful. The recent decision to appoint Chris Getz as general manager without an extensive search process has placed the team under a microscope. Reinsdorf's long tenure, marked by both dedication and controversy, leaves a complex legacy that will be difficult to disentangle.
In what could be one of his final moves as the owner, Reinsdorf attended the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville in late 2023. In a world where the success of a baseball franchise is often seen as a charitable endeavor, the White Sox's future, uncertain and precarious, keeps fans and stakeholders on tenterhooks.
As they look forward to the upcoming season, Nashville-based Standard Media Group will broadcast White Sox games, ushering in a new chapter of visibility and perhaps renewed hope for the beleaguered franchise.