Looking back 17 years ago to 2005, The Chicago White Sox were the kings of Major League Baseball. Many would say that they are the best World Series Winning team since the year 2000. Some might say that it’s the 2004 Boston Red Sox or the 2016 Chicago Cubs. But after looking at this information you might believe that it’s indeed the 2005 White Sox.
They Had an 11-1 Post Season Record
The White Sox finished the 2005 regular season with a record of 99-63. The Sox started off the playoffs by sweeping the defending champion Boston Red Sox in ALDS. They then defeated the Los Angeles Angels four games to one.
They finally finished the postseason by sweeping the Houston Astros in the World Series. With that the White Sox won their first pennant since 1917.
The 11-1 record is tied for the second-best single postseason win percentage since 1969. The Sox also went undefeated on the road in the postseason. They also were the first team to clinch all three of their postseason series on the road.
They Had Excellent Regular Season Stats as well
The 2005 White Sox hit 200 home runs during the regular season. The team’s home run leader was 1st baseman Paul Konerko who hit 40 of those 200. Overall the White Sox finished fifth in total home runs.
The White Sox also stole 137 bases which is the second most of any world series winner in the 2000s. The stolen base leader for the White Sox was left fielder Scott Podsednik.
They Had a Record-Setting Start
The 2005 Chicago White Sox had a record-setting start to the season by holding a lead in each of the first 37 games. The White Sox were also wire to wire division leaders meaning they led the division the entire season.
On another note the White Sox had three eight-game winning streaks all before July 1. The White Sox had the league’s best road record at 52-29 during the regular season.
Star-Studded Roster
The 2005 Chicago White Sox had accumulated a great roster that featured four All-Stars during the 2005 season. These All-Stars include Pitchers Mark Buehrle and Jon Garland and the previously mentioned 1st baseman Paul Konerko and Outfielder Scott Podsednik.
The Sox had nine players with 10 or more home runs which tied a franchise record previously set in 1977. The White Sox made waves by having their manager Ozzie Guillen become the first Latino manager to win the World Series.
In addition during the ALCS against the Los Angeles Angels, White Sox pitchers pitched four complete games in a row to defeat the Angels.
Comparison To This Season
In conclusion to this article, White Sox fans were spoiled in 2005 compared to now. With a 23-24 record start to the 2022 season the White Sox definitely won’t break the many records set by the 2005 team, however, there is still and there always will be a chance.
