1972 White Sox make emotional return
From SABR member David Fletcher at the Chicago Baseball Museum on August 15, 2012:
The 1972 White Sox had a rare team unity about it, and the more times have changed over the years, the more they have remained the same, it seems.
More than 300 enthusiastic fans packed the Stadium Club for the event [on June 24-25], which was part of the Chicago Baseball Museum’s season-long tribute to Allen and The Team That Saved Our Sox.
“It was a well-deserved pat on the back to a significant team that did so much for baseball in the Chicago area,” said Dr. David Fletcher, museum president. “Our organization was honored and privileged to get this group together again.”
Former players Hank Allen, Tom Bradley, Carlos May, Bill Melton and Ed Spiezio, player personnel director Roland Hemond and organist Nancy Faust were all in attendance.
Gossage and Allen drew loud responses in particular.
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The most emotional moment came shortly after Hemond was asked about the whereabouts of his 1972 Executive of the Year Award. “I don’t recall that I ever got one,” Hemond replied.
Hemond went on to say that the experience was enough of a reward for him.
At that point, Ladewski stepped in to present Hemond with a plaque in recognition of outstanding achievement that season. The surprise gesture overwhelmed him.
“Wow!” Hemond said. “I didn’t expect this. Just as the 1972 season was a memorable one for our organization, this is a special moment for me.”
Read more and view photos of the event here: http://chicagobaseballmuseum.org/CBM-1972-White-Sox-Dick-Allen-Event-2012.php
Learn more: For more information about the Chicago Baseball Museum, visit ChicagoBaseballMuseum.org.
Originally published: August 16, 2012. Last Updated: August 16, 2012.