Reinsdorf's Legacy Under Scrutiny: White Sox Set for Historical Low
Jerry Reinsdorf's tenure with the Chicago White Sox has spanned more than four decades since he took control of the team in January 1981, purchasing the franchise from Bill Veeck for $20 million. Now at 88 years old, Reinsdorf's leadership is facing perhaps its most trying period. The White Sox are projected to finish the 2024 season with a grim 38-124 record, setting them up to surpass the modern record of 120 losses held by the 1962 New York Mets.
The upcoming season's dismal outlook comes on the heels of a tumultuous 2023, marked by a record-setting 21 consecutive losses. The discontent within the organization was palpable last August when Reinsdorf dismissed vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn, both long-tenured executives with significant histories at the club. Williams had been with the White Sox since 2000, while Hahn served as general manager for over a decade.
Reinsdorf’s decision to appoint Chris Getz as the new general manager without conducting an external search has not sat well with many in the baseball community. "The fanbase should be up in arms. They have zero chance to be successful with these changes," a veteran baseball evaluator commented, reflecting a sentiment shared by many.
Last season also saw the dismissal of manager Pedro Grifol, who compiled a disappointing 89-192 record. These leadership upheavals add to the daunting challenges facing the White Sox as they look to rebuild yet again.
A Legacy of Mixed Results
Throughout Reinsdorf's ownership, the White Sox have secured seven postseason berths in 44 seasons, with the pinnacle being their 2005 World Series victory. However, this success has been few and far between, overshadowed by long stretches of mediocrity. The team’s inability to sign a player to a contract worth at least $100 million, a distinction they share only with the Oakland A's, underscores a cautious, if not frugal, approach to team-building that has often frustrated fans.
Guaranteed Rate Field, which opened in 1991 at a cost of $137 million borne by Illinois taxpayers, continues to be a focal point in the economic relationship between the team and its community. Illinois taxpayers also shell out $5 million annually for stadium repairs and maintenance. Despite this, Reinsdorf has expressed a desire for a new, largely publicly funded ballpark, stirring memories of his earlier threats to move the team to St. Petersburg, Florida. "A savvy negotiator creates leverage. People had to think we were going to leave Chicago," Reinsdorf once said, shedding light on his management philosophy.
Future Uncertain as Potential Sale Looms
Adding another layer of uncertainty, Reinsdorf has indicated that his son, Michael, may have an obligation to sell the team after his passing. "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 acknowledged, signaling that a potential relocation could maximize the franchise's value.
Even as Reinsdorf attended the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville in late 2023, there is a sense that the team's trajectory could see significant changes sooner than later. Interestingly, Nashville-based Standard Media Group will soon begin broadcasting White Sox games, perhaps foreshadowing another chapter in the team's storied and often convoluted history.
A Polarizing Figure
Jerry Reinsdorf’s tenure with the White Sox is a case study in contrasts. His own words paint a picture of a man divided between altruism and pragmatism. "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," he said, juxtaposed against his admission that "a savvy negotiator creates leverage" and that "the team will be worth more out of town."
"I didn't get into baseball to make money. Baseball is my religion. I'm happy to break even," Reinsdorf has remarked, providing a glimpse into his complex relationship with the sport and its economic realities.
As the White Sox gear up for what appears to be another challenging season, the scrutiny on Reinsdorf's management and legacy will only intensify. With 2024 poised to be a historic low for the franchise, the future remains uncertain—both for the team and its long-time owner. The coming months will reveal whether the changes enacted can reverse the current trajectory or if the franchise will continue to languish in its struggles.