White Sox History: Chris Sale Becomes Edward Scissorhands
Everyone is a critic these days. That extended to Chris Sale last season, as he had a rather demonstrative way of expressing his displeasure at the Chicago White Sox uniform choice.
The 2016 campaign began with controversy for the Chicago White Sox. After Ken Williams told Adam LaRoche to limit the visits from his son Drake, the first baseman/designated hitter walked away from the game, This decision caused a great deal of outrage in the White Sox clubhouse, as several players, including ace Chris Sale, were vocal in blasting team management for their actions.
That was not the only issue Sale had with the White Sox that year. He repetitively asked the team not to wear their 1970s throwback jerseys on days that he pitched, as he did not like the way they felt and was convinced it was causing him to pitch poorly on those days. Naturally, the White Sox ignored him, and on this day last season, had the throwback jerseys in the locker room.
As it was Sale’s day to pitch, he decided to take matters into his own hands. Grabbing a pair of scissors, he destroyed the 1970s throwbacks in a perhaps unintended bit of hilarious satire. Chicago responded by sending Sale home, with Matt Albers making an emergency start in his place.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Eventually, Sale was suspended for five games, missing just that one start. However, he certainly made his point with those scissors, even though the actions further cut into his relationship with the team. While the White Sox did not trade Sale at the deadline that season, it seemed inevitable that the two would part ways.
That happened during the offseason, when Sale changed his Sox, being traded to Boston on December 6. In return, Chicago got quite the prospect haul, receiving four minor leaguers, headlined by Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech. The rebuild was on in Chicago, while Boston had that ace they sorely needed. And Sale no longer had to worry about those infernal throwback jerseys.
Next: Remembering Jack Glasscock
On this day in 2016, Chris Sale became a fashion critic, destroying the White Sox throwback jerseys. Needless to say, Chicago was not amused.