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Chicago White Sox legend Minnie Minoso dead at age 92

By Ethan Finkelstein

Apr 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Fans sit under an umbrella as the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians is delayed because of weather at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Fans sit under an umbrella as the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians is delayed because of weather at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago White Sox legend Minnie Minoso has passed away. He was 92 years old, according to team officials.

Minnie Minoso, the first black Major League Baseball player in Chicago, has passed away. The White Sox legend was 92 years old.

Minoso, known for his absolute devotion to the game, even in his later years, was one of the most beloved players in franchise history. The Cuban born trailblazer played the game at a major league level in five different decades, one of only a handful in history to do so.

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A man considered by many to be a borderline hall of fame candidate, Minoso’s career is one that goes somewhat unrecognized in the current era of the game. When he was in his peak in the 1950’s, Minoso was one of the sport’s best five tool players. From 1953-1960, he hit drove in 100+ RBI four times, led the league in steals in 1953, total bases in 1954, batted .307 over that span, and finished inside the top ten of AL MVP voting four times.

“He did everything. He could run, he could field, he could hit with power, he could bunt and steal bases. He was one of the most exciting players I have ever seen,” said White Sox team owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

To his credit, he also collected three gold gloves in left field, and was selected to seven all-star teams in total. His careers totals might not have the most impressive heights compared to enshrined players at his position, however, the left fielder put up some pretty respectable totals; consider the fact that he only had 6,579 career at bats.

For his career, he produced 1,963 hits, 186 HR, 1,023 RBI, 1,136 runs scored, 205 SB, and had a slash line of .298/.389/.459. His production at the plate was considered 30 percent higher than league average throughout his time in the majors (130 OPS+).

But perhaps the most impressive thing about Minoso’s career was his longevity within the game. Despite retiring from the MLB after the 1964 season, Minoso continued to play, and even managed while he was in Mexico from 1965 to 1973.

In 1976, he came back to Chicago, this time serving as a base coach for the White Sox. He was even given 8 at bats during that season, connecting on one of them. He was over 50 years old at the time.

In 1980, Minoso played in two final games as an active player, then finally called it a career. In 1983, the White Sox retired his number 9 jersery, and in 2004, the team honored him with a statue at US Cellular Field.

Minoso’s impact was felt around the sport as a whole, not just in Major League Baseball. He is a member of the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.

H/T ESPN

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