Reinsdorf: Thompson 'legendary' for helping keep Sox in Chicago
James Thompson, who died at age 84 Friday, is being remembered as the former Illinois governor who got things done during his record four terms in office.
Just ask the White Sox.
Without Thompson's 11th-hour push on July 2, 1988, the Sox would have left Chicago and relocated to St. Petersburg, Fla.
"Governor James Thompson was a tremendous friend to many, a visionary for our state's future and a remarkable leader for all of Illinois," White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement Saturday. "He loved Chicago, and his role and commitment to keeping the White Sox in Chicago is legendary. Only someone with Big Jim's passion and outsized character could make projects happen on such a grand scale across Illinois.
"Throughout his life, Gov. Thompson remained a fan of Illinois, a fan of the little guy, and his mark on this state will be long lasting to the benefit of us all."
Daily Herald sports writer Orrin Schwarz was in the press area for the Daily Illini the night the state house passed the White Sox bill.
"Thompson was on the floor, getting in the ear of several legislators," Schwarz recalled. "As the clock neared the midnight deadline for passage, many Black Chicago legislators sang 'Nah, Nah, Goodbye.' They wanted the money for schools. When Thompson finally got the final vote for passage, the clock on the chamber wall read 12:03 a.m. The man in the speaker's chair announced passage at 11:59 p.m., and the Chicago legislators booed."
Garcia shelved:
Leury Garcia, the Sox's most versatile player, was moved to the 45-day injured list Saturday with a serious left thumb injury that needs surgery.
Garcia hurt himself in an Aug. 10 game at Detroit sliding headfirst into first base trying to get an infield hit. If the White Sox make the playoffs, Garcia could return to the roster.
"The MRI showed the complete severing of that (thumb) ligament, so he's going to have to have a corrective procedure," manager Rick Renteria said. "Looks like October would be the potential return for him. We'll have to manage the situation. It's a big loss for us because he was so flexible and capable of doing so much. But it's just one of those things we're going to have to deal with and continue to move forward."
Roster moves:
The Sox placed relief pitcher Ian Hamilton on the 10-day injured list with soreness in his throwing (right) shoulder.
Hamilton gave up 2 runs over 4 innings in 4 appearances out of the bullpen.
Needing infield depth with Leury Garcia being transferred to the 45-day IL, the White Sox purchased Cheslor Cuthbert's contract from their Schaumburg training facility.
The Sox also recalled left-handed pitcher Bernardo Flores from Schaumburg Saturday. He was the 29th man for today's doubleheader.