MLB: Chicago White Sox fire VP Kenny Williams and GM Rick Hahn as franchise admits ‘very disappointing’ year
- The White Sox have a miserable 49-76 record so far in the 2023 campaign.
- President Jerry Reinsdorf says he had no choice but to fire Williams and Hahn
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The Chicago White Sox have fired executive vice president Kenny Williams and senior vice president/general manager Rick Hahn.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the White Sox spoke about what has been a “very disappointing” season for the franchise while announcing that Williams and Hahn have been relieved of their duties as a result.
“It’s an incredibly difficult decision for me to make,” chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said, “because they’re both talented individuals who have long-term relationships with the White Sox.
“Ken is like a son to me and I will always consider him part of my family. I want to personally thank Ken and Rick for all they did for the Chicago White Sox, winning the 2005 World Series and reaching the playoffs multiple times during their tenure.
“I have nothing but the utmost respect for them as people and appreciate the commitment and passion for the White Sox that they have shown over the years.
The Chicago White Sox have fired Vice President Kenny Williams (left) and General Manager Rick Hahn (right).
“At the end of the day, the well-known cliché that professional sport is results-oriented is correct. While we had successes as an organization and were optimistic heading into the competitive window of this rebuild, this year has proven to be very disappointing for all of us on many levels.
“It brought me to the conclusion that the best decision for the organization moving forward is to make a change in the leadership of our baseball department.”
Chicago is 49-76 in 2023, which leaves them fourth in the AL Central heading into the final stages of the campaign.
The organization is currently on course to record one of its worst 162-game seasons ever, despite adding Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez to its ranks.
The White Sox also promised to begin the search for a “single decision maker to lead the baseball operations department” and fill the position by the end of the season.
In a personal statement Tuesday night, Williams thanked the fans “who have done their best over the years to offer support and encouragement.”
He also added: “In my inaugural speech, I talked about winning multiple championships. It was my goal, our goal, and we failed.
“I’m a results guy, and in the end we didn’t get there. This is what happens as a result.
Chicago has a miserable 49-76 record so far in 2023, which leaves them fourth in the AL Central.
“There is a lot of talent in this club and I wish the players, Pedro and the coaching staff the best as they achieve their goals. I believe they will bounce back and give the baseball world a great 2024 campaign. . »
Williams was in his 11th season as executive vice president of the Sox after serving as general manager for 12 seasons, guiding them to the 2005 World Series championship and 2008 American League Central title as general manager.
The 59-year-old also worked as Chicago’s minor league operations manager from 1995 to 1996 and vice president of player development from 1997 to 2000.
Hahn, meanwhile, had 11 full seasons as general manager and led the Sox to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2020 as a wild card and in 2021 as AL Central champions. He previously held the position of Deputy General Manager for 12 years.
