If you’re a Chicago White Sox fan, you don’t face a potential record-breaking loss for your team without a self-deprecating sense of humor and a smoldering fury toward team owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Both of those things were on full display Tuesday.
As the White Sox played the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago fans embraced the surreality of a team on the brink of its 121st loss, which would break the MLB record set by the 1962 Mets. They were fully ready to watch their team go down in infamy, with cheers for the Angels, chants for Reinsdorf to sell the team, and finally boos as the White Sox staged an improbable comeback in a 3-2 victory.
They knew exactly what they were getting into.
A large banner reading “SELL THE TEAM” arrived at the park and was unfurled behind home plate.
And one daring fan even went as far as proposing to his girlfriend, according to the White Sox video. We don’t know how Veronica responded, but we’re rooting for her.
The most quintessential White Sox moment came in the fifth inning, when Mickey Moniak’s flyout to the infield led to the pitcher, catcher, first baseman and third baseman teaming up for an easy out. A Little League-style miscommunication resulted in the ball hitting the ground and the “sell the team” chant being repeated.
After the White Sox drop a fly ball into the infield in the fifth and steal a base, a “Sell the team” chant begins at Guaranteed Rate Field. photo.twitter.com/77n5e2ph0r
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) September 25, 2024
The crowd was so excited to lose control that when Angels second baseman Jack Lopez homered in the eighth inning to put Anaheim up 2-0, there were thunderous cheers, boos, chants, murmurs and who knows what else.
It was a strange night.
The reaction was much clearer when the game ended. After an eighth-inning comeback, the White Sox took the lead and kept it with a save by former Angel Justin Anderson.
The home crowd booed the home team.
So the White Sox avoided their 121st loss for one night, but that likely won’t change the mood for their final two home games against the Angels. Barring a miracle, the record is still coming, and Chicago fans will likely embrace it if it pushes Reinsdorf to sell his struggling franchise.