Minnie was one of the most innovative baseball players to ever lace up the cleats. He opened a lot of doors for Black baseball players today
With just a month away from Opening Day in the MLB, some heartbreaking news were announced to the public, in which it devastated the baseball world today. Former Chicago White Sox great Minnie Minoso died from what sources assumed to be from a heart condition.
According to Chicago Tribune‘s writer Ed Sherman, Minoso had a pacemaker but the official word of the cause of death will not be announced until the beginning of the week. In case you are wondering who is Minnie and why is his legacy is so important to Major League Baseball, here’s a brief breakdown of the amazing career of this legendary outfielder.
Nicknamed the “Cuban Comet”, Minoso was an all star third basemen in the Negro Leagues for the New York Cubans from 1946-1947. Minnie got his first crack at the majors, suiting up for the Cleveland Indians, becoming the game’s first Cuban baseball player in big league history in 1949. A 9 time MLB All Star, Minnie played 17 MLB seasons for Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, and Washington. Minnie was a fan favorite in White Sox land, as he was dubbed “Mr. White Sox” for his pioneer like moments he created for the passionate play and classy humanitarian attributes he possessed. Minoso drove in more than 100 runs four times in his legendary career, stole at least 20 bases on four different occassions while consistently becoming amongst the league leaders in extra base hits. Despite being the first Black player to wear a White Sox uniform, Minoso showed that he never let age stop him from being able to jump back into the game whenever he felt like it. In 1976 and in 1980, he was able to jump back into the game he loved playing while being one of the few players in MLB history to record a hit after the age of 50. “Mr. White Sox” finished his career with a .298 batting average, 186 home runs and 1,023 RBI’s. In 1983, the White Sox decided to retire Minnie’s number 9 jersey, then in 2004, created a statue of him out of the U.S. Cellular Field to honor the outfielding great.
When of Minoso’s death got out to the public, many turned to Twitter to expressed their gratitude. Amongst them were the Chicago White Sox’s official twitter account and Chicago Bulls play-by-play announcer Chuck Swirsky.
Minnie Minoso — Mr. #WhiteSox — has died. Tears of sadness are falling for a great man. pic.twitter.com/zpi6WFuxH0
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 1, 2015
OMG. RIP. Minnie Minoso. What an extraordinary human being who happened to be a baseball player. — chuck swirsky (@swirsk054) March 1, 2015
I just don’t understand the Baseball Hall of Fame committee… Why isn’t Minoso in Cooperstown?
— chuck swirsky (@swirsk054) March 1, 2015
Describe as a extraordinary person, Minnie left a powerful legacy on the game of baseball. He represents the individuals who felt that anything they can set their eye on, it can be accomplished. As Minoso displayed decades of service for the game of baseball, the fans become a lot appreciative of what the Cuban Comet brought to the table. Even though there has been situations when Minoso fell a couple of votes short of joining the Baseball Hall Of Fame, it is safe to say that we will be able to see “Mr. White Sox” in Cooperstown sooner or later. Until then, prayers goes out to the family of the Chicago White Sox great. Thank you Minnie, your job here as a stand up guy and a trailblazing figure is finally done.
Omari White
When Omari is not lighting it up from 3 point land at your local gym, he is on Twitter talking about sports, music and life. Go follow him (@SmooveGuyO) and check his timeline out.
