It’s tough to give a party for someone who’s mad at you, but the Sox are going to try.
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The Sox are planning a celebration for Carlton Fisk when he breaks the major-league record for games caught. He needs just nine more games to pass Bob Boone’s record of 2,225.
“It’s a special moment that a lot of people-most of all Pudge-have worked hard to make possible,” said Rob Gallas, Sox senior vice president for marketing and broadcasting.
“It should be noted appropriately, and it will be. But we’re not ready to say anything yet (about the details) because we want it to be a surprise.”
One problem is when and where Fisk will break the record. He has played in only 16 of the first 44 games. “We don’t even know if it will happen at home or not,” said Gallas.
Fisk has had an increasingly ugly running feud with Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf for several years, and the tension has spilled over into his relationship with almost the entire Sox front office and management.
Playing time: Fisk is expected to play in at least two of the three games at New York this weekend-in part because the Yankees are less likely to try to steal on the 45-year-old catcher. The Yankees are last in the majors with nine stolen bases. Fisk has thrown out just one of five runners.
Lefties galore: The Sox are seeing more than their fair share of left-handed pitching. Kansas City’s Chris Haney was the 16th left-handed starter the Sox have faced in 44 games. And there are two more on the way. Jimmy Key and Jim Abbott are scheduled to pitch for the Yankees Friday and Saturday. The Sox started the season 0-5 against left-handers. They are 7-9 after Haney beat them Thursday.
Bring a blanket: Chicago White Sox Charities will hold its first “Picnic in the Park” at Comiskey Park on June 23, after that day’s game with Texas. Fans will get to mingle with Sox players and coaches on the field while dining on specially prepared picnic meals. A fireworks display and auction of sports memorabilia will highlight the activities. Tickets are a hefty $150, but proceeds go to charity. Fans are also asked to bring blankets to spread on the field for the picnic. The blankets will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago that serve the CHA dwellings near the ballpark.