Go-Go Sox

Lore & Background

The team won its first pennant in 40 years, thanks to several eventual Hall of Famers – manager Al López, Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox (the league MVP), and pitcher Early Wynn, who won the Cy Young Award. Veteran catcher Sherm Lollar led the team in home runs and RBIs. The White Sox acquired slugger Ted Kluszewski in August from the Pittsburgh Pirates; he hit nearly .300 in the final month. After the pennant-clinching victory, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley ordered the city's air raid sirens set off, causing fear and confusion during the Cold War until people realized it was a celebration.

The Sox won Game 1 of the World Series 11–0 on Kluszewski's two home runs, their last postseason home win until 2005. The Los Angeles Dodgers won three of the next four games and captured their first World Series championship since moving to the west coast in 1958. 92,706 fans witnessed Game 5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the most ever to attend a World Series game or any non-exhibition major league baseball game. The White Sox won that game 1–0 over Sandy Koufax, but the Dodgers clinched the series 9–3 two days later at Comiskey Park.

Reader's Guide

The 1959 White Sox are remembered as the 'Go-Go Sox' for their speed and defense. Key players included Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, Early Wynn, Sherm Lollar, and Ted Kluszewski. The team's Opening Day lineup featured Luis Aparicio (SS), Nellie Fox (2B), Jim Landis (CF), Sherm Lollar (C), Norm Cash (1B), Al Smith (RF), Johnny Callison (LF), Bubba Phillips (3B), and Billy Pierce (P). Notable transactions included the trade for Ted Kluszewski on August 25, 1959, from Pittsburgh for Harry Simpson and minor league pitcher Bob Sagers.