When Jerry Reinsdorf took over as owner of the Chicago White Sox in January 1981, purchasing the team from Bill Veeck for $20 million, he infused the franchise with new hope and ambition. Over four decades later, that hope seems to have dissipated into a series of unmet expectations and a fanbase growing increasingly restless.
At 88 years old, Reinsdorf's tenure as the owner of the White Sox has been a long journey marked by occasional highs but numerous lows. The White Sox's lone World Series title during his ownership came in 2005, a shining moment in an otherwise turbulent era. But those rare high points have not been enough to sustain a fanbase now confronting the grim reality of a team projected to finish the 2024 season with a disheartening record of 38-124. This would not only result in the worst season in franchise history but also surpass the infamous 1962 New York Mets' modern record of 120 losses.
One glimpse of this tumultuous period came last August when Reinsdorf dismissed vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn. Williams had been with the organization since 2000, while Hahn served as GM for over a decade. Amid this upheaval, manager Pedro Grifol was also shown the door after compiling a 89-192 record. Chris Getz was promptly appointed as the new general manager, bypassing any external search, a move that left many questioning the direction and ambition of the franchise.
Inside the organization, Reinsdorf's decisions have sparked debate and concern. "The fanbase should be up in arms. They have zero chance to be successful with these changes," remarked a veteran baseball evaluator, highlighting the skepticism and frustration shared by analysts and fans alike.
Over the past 44 seasons under Reinsdorf's ownership, the White Sox have managed just seven postseason berths. Amid these struggles, Reinsdorf has openly shared his views on the economics and philosophy of team ownership. "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," Reinsdorf once stated. These words stand in stark contrast to the current state of the White Sox, a team that continues to grapple with deep-seated issues both on and off the field.
Further complicating the scenario is the team's current home, Guaranteed Rate Field, which opened in 1991 and cost Illinois taxpayers $137 million. The stadium's maintenance remains a burden on taxpayers, who pay the White Sox $5 million annually for repairs and upkeep. Despite this, Reinsdorf has expressed a desire for a new, largely publicly funded ballpark, stirring memories of past threats to relocate the team to St. Petersburg, Florida.
In a candid admission, Reinsdorf acknowledged the leverage such threats created. "a savvy negotiator creates leverage. People had to think we were going to leave Chicago," he said. Such admissions reveal the calculated business acumen behind his moves but do little to mollify a weary fanbase.
Beyond his lifetime, Reinsdorf envisions a different future for the franchise. "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," Reinsdorf has stated, igniting fears about the long-term stability and location of the White Sox.
Despite the business acumen, Reinsdorf insists that his relationship with baseball is driven by passion rather than profit. "I didn't get into baseball to make money. Baseball is my religion. I'm happy to break even," he has said. Yet, the current state of the team suggests that the balance between passion and practical success has been elusive.
As the White Sox continue to navigate these troubled waters, they will now be broadcasted by the Nashville-based Standard Media Group, ensuring their trials and tribulations remain in the public eye. Jerry Reinsdorf's presence at the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville in late 2023 showcases his ongoing involvement in the league's affairs, but the questions surrounding the White Sox's future and their path to reclaiming former glory remain unanswered.
The fans, the city, and the franchise itself linger at a crossroads, one that will define the legacy of Jerry Reinsdorf and the future of the Chicago White Sox.