Enduring Legacy of Jerry Reinsdorf: The Highs and Lows of Chicago White Sox Ownership
In January 1981, Jerry Reinsdorf stepped into the realm of Major League Baseball ownership by purchasing the Chicago White Sox for $20 million from Bill Veeck. Over four decades later, Reinsdorf's tenure is characterized by notable peaks and troughs, from World Series glory to record-low seasons.
Reinsdorf, now 88 years old, has been a prominent and often controversial figure. His stewardship of the White Sox spans more than 40 years and includes seven postseason berths. The pinnacle of his ownership came in 2005 when the White Sox triumphed in the World Series, fulfilling a quest that eluded the franchise since 1917. Despite this high point, the team's performance in recent seasons has raised concerns.
The current outlook for the White Sox is grim. The team is projected to close the 2024 season with a dismal 38-124 record, poised to break the 1962 New York Mets' modern record of 120 losses. This bleak projection follows a staggering 21 consecutive losses, a new low for the franchise.
Reinsdorf recently made significant changes in the front office. In August of last year, he dismissed Vice President Ken Williams and General Manager Rick Hahn. Williams, who joined the White Sox in 2000, and Hahn, who served as general manager for over a decade, were integral parts of the team's administration. In their place, Reinsdorf appointed Chris Getz as the new general manager without conducting an external search, a move that has sparked criticism. A veteran baseball evaluator candidly commented, "The fanbase should be up in arms. They have zero chance to be successful with these changes."
The managerial changes extended to the dugout as well. Manager Pedro Grifol was relieved of his duties after compiling an 89-192 record. Under Reinsdorf's ownership, the White Sox have experienced only intermittent success, underscoring the challenges of building a consistent contender.
Guaranteed Rate Field, the home of the White Sox since 1991, was constructed at a cost of $137 million, funded by Illinois taxpayers. Notably, taxpayers continue to bear an annual $5 million expense for the stadium's repairs and maintenance. In a bid to keep pace with modern baseball economics, Reinsdorf has expressed interest in constructing a new, largely publicly funded ballpark. It's not his first brush with relocation threats; at one point, Reinsdorf hinted at moving the team to St. Petersburg, Florida to gain leverage in negotiations. "A savvy negotiator creates leverage. People had to think we were going to leave Chicago," he remarked.
Despite the financial challenges and the disappointments on the field, Reinsdorf has maintained a unique perspective on owning the White Sox. "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 stated. His commitment to the team and the city of Chicago has never been purely profit-driven. "I didn't get into baseball to make money. Baseball is my religion. I'm happy to break even," he professed.
Looking to the future, Reinsdorf has made it clear that his son, Michael, will face significant decisions upon 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 revealed, hinting at a potential relocation to maximize the franchise's value for future stakeholders.
As the White Sox brace for another challenging season, their partnership with Nashville-based Standard Media Group to broadcast games demonstrates a shift in engagement strategies. The forthcoming season promises to be one of introspection and adaptation for a franchise in need of revitalization.
Jerry Reinsdorf's legacy as owner of the Chicago White Sox is marked by a blend of steadfast loyalty, historical achievements, and contentious decisions. As the franchise navigates through turbulent waters, the impact of his ownership continues to be a subject of both admiration and debate among fans and analysts alike.