The 2024 Chicago White Sox are facing an unprecedented struggle on the field, posting a dismal record of 41-121, which not only shattered the previous MLB record for most losses in a season but also left fans searching for reasons to hope. After the season wrapped up, the team made a bold move by hiring Will Venable as their new manager, parting ways with Pedro Grifol. However, as of late April, Venable’s squad languished at 7-22, seemingly stuck in the same rut that has plagued the franchise for years.
At this juncture, the alarming trajectory suggests that the team is on pace for a woeful 39-win season, a performance that simply won’t suffice for any manager eager to maintain their position. What the White Sox desperately need is a figure with gravitas—someone who can reignite passion in the fan base and instill a sense of urgency in the players. That figure could very well be Frank Thomas.
An iconic name in White Sox history, Frank Thomas is not just a former player; he is a Hall of Famer who embodies the spirit of Chicago baseball. His deep-rooted frustration with the current state of the organization was evident just last year when he stated, “It’s time to snap. That’s the only way through the players right now.” Thomas’s call to action emphasized a hard-nosed approach, one that contrasts sharply with the more lenient methods of contemporary coaching. In a league where competition is fierce and the margin for error slim, it’s clear that a shift in mentality is needed for the White Sox to find their footing again.
The challenges the White Sox face don’t solely rest on the shoulders of their manager or players. Owner Jerry Reinsdorf has received his share of criticism for his apparent reluctance to invest adequately in the team. With only seven playoff appearances since 1981 and a solitary World Series title in 2005, the franchise seems trapped in a cycle of mediocrity. The belief is that Reinsdorf wants the team to provide just enough excitement to keep fans coming to the ballpark, yet not enough to challenge for a championship.
Interestingly, ownership dynamics could be shifting. Recent developments have seen Justin and Mat Ishbia, who currently own the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, pivot from pursuing the Minnesota Twins to focusing on acquiring a majority stake in the White Sox. Such a transition could herald the kind of financial commitment that White Sox fans have yearned for. However, Reinsdorf—despite his age of 89—has expressed a desire to remain at the helm, indicating that the franchise’s revival will still take time.
Ultimately, whether through bringing in Frank Thomas or ushering in fresh ownership, the White Sox must prioritize a culture of competitiveness to shake off the specter of their recent past. The urgency for change is palpable, and for a beleaguered fan base, it’s about time they witnessed a significant turnaround on the South Side.
