Toronto Raptors

Note: not all players or conditions are listed, only those affected the team most significantly will be shown. (years and records, minimum 750 games). None yet. * * First Latin player selected for the All-Star Game. None yet. * First black player signed by the Sox.
Record: 33 Wins - 49 Losses; 4th in Atlantic Division, 11th in Eastern Conference. See also: List of Chicago White Sox people.

Vince Carter's mother also made comments to the media about a "wrestling match" that took place in the locker room between the coach and her son prior to his trade. Since 2000, a heated feud has grown between the White Sox and their Central Division rivals, the Minnesota Twins, fueled in large part by the unchallenged Central Division dominance of the Twins in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 seasons. Later in the season, Alston was suspended two games for "conduct detrimental to the team" for reportedly walking out of a scrimmage practice. In addition, Eric Williams requested a trade, unhappy with the lack of minutes he was receiving. The advent of interleague play has intensified the rivalry. Of note, point guard Rafer Alston in a post-game interview contemplated retiring after a tough loss, as he continued to butt heads with Sam Mitchell. Most White Sox fans take joy in the in failures of their crosstown rival and the same is true for Cubs fans. Coach Mitchell was also mired in controversies off the court. The Chicago Cubs and the Sox are both in, respectively, the first and second longest championship droughts of any professional baseball teams; as such, a heated Sox-Cubs rivalry has developed.

However, the home fans were generally entertained as the team managed to thrive off the often well attended Air Canada Centre putting up a record of 22-19 at home. Finally, to complete the make-over, Williams signed Japanese second baseman Tadahito Iguchi to a contract. The Raptors inability to win on the road (11-30) and generally poor defense made Sam Mitchell's first year as head coach unimpressive. Pierzynski was signed to fill the catching spot; a spot which has not been adequately filled since the departure of Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk over 10 years earlier. Shooting from beyond the arc was a big part of the Raptor's game as Toronto had the second best three point percentage after the Phoenix Suns. Additionally, former member of the Minnesota Twins A.J. However, GM Babcock held on to Marshall, who eventually scored 12 three pointers in a game versus the Sixers on March 13, tying an NBA record. They also signed outfielder Jermaine Dye and former Yankee pitcher Orlando Hernandez to complete a rotation that includes Freddy Garcia and Mark Buehrle.

There was much speculation that Marshall would be traded before the trade deadline since he was up for free agency in the up coming season. They traded outfielder Carlos Lee for center fielder Scott Podsednik. Veterans Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall also shined on an otherwise lackluster team. In late 2004, general manager Ken Williams vowed to change the makeup of the team from one that relies on the home run to one that has good pitching and defense. After the trade that saw Carter leaving, Chris Bosh stepped up to take the helm of franchise player, and performed admirably in his sophomore campaign; he ranked 10th in defensive rebounds for the season. Apart from Bosh's emergence, the restructuring looked to take a bit of a hit with rookie 8th first round draft pick, Rafael Araujo, struggling to keep a spot in the line up during the Raptor's half-hearted run for a playoff spot during the last month of the season. In 2004, the Chicago White Sox hired former White Sox shortstop Ozzie Guillén as manager. The two Williams also saw few minutes, and were generally under utilized until the end of the season. This team, like 1983, also could not carry any success over into the postsesaon, getting swept by the wild-card Seattle Mariners in 3 games in the AL Division Series round.

Mourning did not show up to Toronto, forcing Babcock to buy out the remainder of his contract, leaving Mourning free to sign with the Miami Heat, where he had spent 7 years of his career prior. A big key for this team was that they seemed always to get the clutch hit whenever they needed it. From that deal, the Raptors received Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams and two future first-round draft picks from the New Jersey Nets. Frank Thomas nearly won the AL MVP award with his offensive output; he was helped by good offensive years from Magglio Ordóñez, Paul Konerko, Carlos Lee and Jose Valentin. The trading of the Raptors franchise player, Vince Carter finally came to fruition mid-season ending his 7 year tenure with the team. The team scored runs at a blistering pace, which enabled them to win all of these games despite a mediocre pitching staff led by Mike Sirotka. Thus, much of the 2004-2005 season's action played itself out off the court. This team, whose slogan was "The Kids can play," won 95 games en route to an AL Central division title.

Subsequently, their star player Vince Carter, demanded a trade during the off season. In the year 2000, the White Sox had one of their best teams since the 1983 club. With new general manager, Rob Babcock, and new head coach, Sam Mitchell, it was evident that restructuring of the organization was in operation. This trade did considerable harm to the already small White Sox fan base. Record: 33 Wins - 49 Losses. This trade was deemed as the "White Flag Trade" by the Chicago newspapers due to the perception that the White Sox organization essentially surrendered to the Indians without a fight that year. Rob Babcock was named GM on June 7, 2004. Many fans saw this as their ownership (led by Jerry Reinsdorf) betraying them and trading away their chance to win the division in exchange for next to nothing.

He was replaced with Sam Mitchell, a former NBA player who had been an assistant coach of the Milwaukee Bucks the previous two seasons. On July 31, 1997, with the White Sox only 3.5 games back of the Cleveland Indians for the division lead, they traded veteran pitchers Wilson Alvarez, Danny Darwin and Roberto Hernández to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for 6 minor leaguers, most notably Keith Foulke. Immediately following the season, on April 17, head coach Kevin O'Neill was fired after making some remarks which were taken to question the team's commitment to winning. Under manager Jerry Manuel, the White Sox fielded a talented but chronically under-achieving squad. The star individual performers were Carter, with 22.5 points per game, Donyell Marshall, who led the team with 10.7 rebounds per game, and rookie Chris Bosh, a 6-10 forward-center who averaged 11.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg and was named to the rookie all-star team. The team reached the ALCS in 1993 and the American League Division Series in 2000. The Raptors finished up the season 3 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. The 1990s teams also contended well, led by pitcher Jack McDowell and first baseman Frank Thomas.

Grunwald had been the GM since 1997. In anticipation of the move to the new ballpark, the White Sox of the 1990s adopted classic pinstriped uniforms and the occasional use of black jerseys, instantly jumping to the top of the league in merchandise sales. With eight games to go in the regular season, the Raptors fired Glen Grunwald, the general manager on April 1. The Renovation plan is a 5-phase plan and it will be complete next year with the 5th and final phase. The team then suffered through a nine-game losing streak in February, dealing them a serious blow in the standings. In addition, the top third of the upper deck was removed in 2004 and an overhang was placed over most of it. After 50 games, though, they were 25-25 and in position to make the playoffs. Most notable were the moving of the bullpens to be parallel to the field of play, extending the seats further to the field of play, renovating the concourse areas to establish a more friendly feel.

The Raptors were inconsistent throughout 03-04, partly due to injuries to key players Jalen Rose, Rod Strickland, Alvin Williams and Vince Carter, with Davis traded early in the season for Rose. In recent years there have been renovations made in order to make the park more fan friendly. Record: 24 Wins - 58 Losses. It is often criticized for its sterile appearance and nosebleed-inducing upper deck. if anyone can add to this please do. Cellular Field, opened in 1991 to rave reviews, but was soon outdone by the wave of "nostalgia" ballparks, beginning with Camden Yards. At the end of the disastrous season (a year marred by defensive breakdowns that still occur today), Wilkens was unceremoniously dumped, ending a three-year stint with the team that started with so much promise but ended with too much disappointment. In the late 1980s, the franchise was very nearly relocated to Tampa Bay, but frantic lobbying of the state legislature resulted in approval (by one vote) of public funding for a new stadium. New Comiskey Park, now known as U.S.

This was the year that Wilkens overtook Bill Fitch for the lead in most losses by a NBA coach, with his loss total getting dangerously close to his win total. While they had a great run in the regular season, they were not able to carry that over into the postseason as they lost to Baltimore 3 games to one in the AL Championship Series. Almost right from day one, the Toronto media went straight for the jugular when it came to Wilkens, chastizing him for his inability- or, perhaps, unwillingness- to really clamp down on his players when he had to (The Toronto Star's Dave Perkins once wrote that all Wilkens could do during a game where the Raptors self-destructed was sit and stand, instead of yelling at his players like Perkins says he should have been doing). A catchphrase of the team was "Winning Ugly" for the style of play, which reflected a tendency to win games through scrappy play rather than consistently strong hitting or pitching. However, right from the beginning of the season that optimism was lost: Carter went through a series of injuries, Davis started to express disinterest in Toronto (reportedly because his wife could not land a TV job in Toronto) and Wilkens' laissez-fair attitude created a team that lacked the motivation and spirit of the previous years' teams. Manager Tony La Russa also won the Manager of the Year award. The 2002-03 season began with the same optimisim that the Raptors furnished in three straight playoff appearances. This team was led by catcher Carlton Fisk, outfielder Harold Baines, eventual Rookie of the Year outfielder Ron Kittle, designated hitter Greg Luzinski, and pitchers LaMarr Hoyt (who won the Cy Young that year), Floyd Bannister and Richard Dotson.

Record: 42 Wins - 40 Losses; eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. They started the season very poorly, but still went on to win 99 games and the AL West title. Ben Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse's performances overwhelmed the offensively-limited Raptors. In 1983, the Chicago White Sox had a fantastic run. However, the injuries to Davis and Carter were highlighted in the 3-2 series loss to the Detroit Pistons. In 1967, the White Sox remained in contention for the American League pennant until the final weekend of the regular season. In spite of an injury to Antonio Davis in January and a subsequent injury to Carter, the team made a record comeback to clinch a playoff berth. In 1959, the team won its next (and, as of Spring 2005, last) pennant, thanks to the efforts of several eventual Hall of Famers -- manager Lopez, shortstop Luis Aparicio, second baseman Nellie Fox, and pitcher Early Wynn.

The first half of the season ran well with expected contributions from the starters and the improvement Morris Peterson and Keon Clark. The franchise would not win another American League pennant until 1959; in the meantime, the White Sox finished in the second division (fifth place or lower) 22 times, until the team rebuilt under managers Paul Richards, Marty Marion, and Al Lopez. Expiring contracts had also been traded away, so unless the Raptors succeeded with their 2001-2002 lineup, it was unlikely they would remain a very competitive team. The next four decades saw the White Sox lapse into mediocrity, particularly as the Yankees rose to become the American League's dominant team. Although the team was guaranteed a powerful starting line-up for one season, it was a dangerous gamble as overall player salary almost reached the cap, making significant free-agent signing impossible. The phrase has become famous. The Raptors' exciting playoff performance attracted even more fans and put unprecendented trust from the owners on Grunwald. In an attempt to satisfy Vince Carter so that he would resign with the team, long-term contracts were given to Alvin Williams, Jerome Williams and Davis, and former All-Star center Hakeem Olajuwon was signed, to provide Carter with a good supporting cast. As the players were leaving a hearing, a boy fan (said by some to have been a newsboy) is claimed to have yelled out to Shoeless Joe, "Say it ain't so, Joe!".

Record: 47 Wins - 35 Losses; eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Judge Landis, Commissioner of Baseball, banned all the accused nonetheless. The series came down to the last 4 seconds of Game 7, when Vince Carter missed a fadeaway jumper, losing the series by 1 point. The official evidence relating to participation in the 'fix' by the various accused players vanished mysteriously and none were ever tried. Philadelphia took full advantage of its mismatch at center whereas Toronto counteracted with a fast-break offense with their shorter but quicker players. The White Sox have never entirely overcome the stigma of being the only team to take a dive in the Fall Classic. Toronto's was much more balanced with Carter, Williams and Davis providing much of the offensive game and Chris Childs and Jerome Williams providing the defensive pressure. However, this was the year of the infamous Black Sox scandal, in which eight White Sox players, including Cicotte and Jackson, were barred from organized baseball for life for taking part in a plot by gamblers to "fix" the World Series.

The Sixers relied on Allen Iverson and Dikembe Mutombo for their respective offensive and defensive abilities, along with steady help from Aaron McKie and other teammates. After an off-year in the war-shortened season of 1918, the club bounced back to win the pennant in 1919 and entered the World Series heavily favored to defeat the Cincinnati Reds. The next series against the Philadelphia 76ers was a landmark of exciting, entertaining play, and the best playoff performance by the Raptors so far. Led by second baseman Eddie Collins and outfielder Shoeless Joe Jackson, the White Sox now had offense to go with the pitching of Eddie Cicotte and Red Faber. These, however, were non-factors, as it was abundantly clear that the Raptors were vastly superior to the overhyped, undertalented Knicks. The White Sox contended over the next decade, but did not bring home a pennant until 1917. The Raptors were also lucky, as Larry Johnson was shut down by a career-ending injury and Marcus Camby was plagued by his family kidnap. The Sox, dubbed the "Hitless Wonders" for having the lowest team batting average in the American League that year, nevertheless took the Series, and intercity bragging rights, in six games.

In addition, Charles Oakley's remarks incited Vince to "play it like a man", and steady contribution from Antonio Davis prevailed over the less-focused Knicks. Walsh, Doc White and Nick Altrock paced the White Sox to their 1906 pennant and their first World Series victory, a stunning upset over the Cubs who had won a record 116 regular-season games. Wilkens was credited for having Williams defend shooting guard Allan Houston and Carter defend small forward Latrell Sprewell, the two major offensive threats of the Knicks. The White Sox would continue to be built on pitching and defense in the following years, led by pitching workhorse Ed Walsh, who routinely pitched over 400 innings each season in his prime. Toronto beat New York in the first round . The club adopted the name "White Stockings", the original name of the Chicago Cubs, and acquired a number of stars from the National League, including pitcher and manager Clark Griffith, who paced the White Sox to the AL's first pennant in 1901. As predicted by analysts, the team clinched a playoff berth without much difficulty. Paul franchise was relocated to Chicago, to compete directly with the National League club in that city.

Therefore, Raptors management decided to trade McGrady to the Magic during the 2000 offseason for a first-round draft pick in a sign-and-trade deal. When the Western League changed its name to the American League in 1900, a year before claiming major league status, the St. Furthermore, McGrady's natural position is at shooting guard, the same position as Carter. Paul, Minnesota. Although McGrady and Carter showed impressive improvement at the same time, much of the media and fan attention was focused on Carter, who dunked more often and thus was more entertaining to fans. The Cornhuskers won the league pennant in 1894, then moved to St. The loss of former star small forawrd Tracy McGrady was also a factor in the Williamson trade. Comiskey originally founded the team in Sioux City, Iowa, as part of a minor league called the Western League.

As Vince familarized himself with the shooting guard position and played less time at small forward, Christie became expendable and was traded for small forward Corliss Williamson. However, he was a disappointment and was traded during the season for defensive workhorse Jerome Williams. Louis Browns in the 1880s. Jackson was later traded to give more minutes for Williams. The team was founded by Charles Comiskey, a former major-league ballplayer who starred with the St. He scored three quarters of his points in the 4th quarter during regular season. They are in the Central Division of the American League. The season marked the development of Alvin Williams as a clutch performer. The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois.

In addition, the team finally found a true point guard, when Grunwald signed veteran playmaker Mark Jackson to a 4-year deal with the team. Bristol White Sox
Great Falls White Sox. Playoff failures led Grunwald to replace Butch Carter with Lenny Wilkens, who was a Hall-of-Fame coach and player with more than 30 years of coaching experience. Winston-Salem Warthogs
Kannapolis Intimidators. Record: 45 Wins - 37 Losses; eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Birmingham Barons. This was also the first season at the Air Canada Centre, after four years of games at the cavernous SkyDome. Charlotte Knights.

Increased attendance and change of fan base also helped contribute to the decline of the Toronto Blue Jays. American League
. Progressive team improvements and the rise to fame of Vince Carter attracted many fans around Toronto, many of whom were not previously basketball fans. Pitching saves: Bobby Thigpen, 57 (1990, MLB record). However, without significant playoff experience, the Raptors were swept by the New York Knicks in the playoffs. Pitching strikeouts: Ed Walsh, 269 (1908). Rotation of Antonio, Oakley and Willis in the front court and the maturation of both Carter and McGrady helped the team make its first ever playoff appearance. Pitching wins: Ed Walsh, 40 (1908).

In the backcourt, Butch Carter rotated Carter, Christie, Williams and Dell Curry at the shooting guard position and Williams and Muggsy Bogues at point guard. Walks: Frank Thomas, 138 (1991). Thus, during the 1999 draft, he decided to trade first-round draft pick Jonathan Bender for veteran power forward Antonio Davis from the Indiana Pacers, who had been forced to play off the bench behind teammate Dale Davis. Strikeouts: Dave Nicholson, 175 (1963). He also knew that the aging Willis and Oakley would eventually have to play fewer minutes or risk injury. Hitting streak: Luke Appling and Albert Belle, 27 games (1936 and 1997). Grunwald decided that the solution to the Raptors' lack of a true point guard and a strong front court presence would have to come from mature veteran players. Stolen bases: Rudy Law, 77 (1983).

Record: 23 Wins - 27 Losses (a shortened 50-game schedule). Triples: Shoeless Joe Jackson, 21 (1916). Although the team did not make the playoffs, many were optimistic with the brilliant performances from the Rookie of the Year Vince Carter and a much improved McGrady. Doubles: Albert Belle, 48 (1998). The new coach Butch Carter, besides doing an excellent coaching job, also helped develop the young players on the team, especially future All-Star Tracy McGrady. Hits: Eddie Collins, 222 (1920). With those two holes temporarily filled, the team won more games than ever before. Runs: Johnny Mostil, 135 (1925).

Kevin Willis, another veteran acquired from trade, solidified the center position. Runs batted In: Albert Belle, 152 (1998). Alvin also showed improvement, on the offensive end. Home runs: Albert Belle, 49 (1998). This was an excellent move, as Christie greatly refined his defensive game and became one of the elite defenders in NBA. Batting average: Luke Appling, .388 (1936). The coaching staff temporarily solved the lack of a true point guard by rotating Dee Brown, Alvin Williams and Doug Christie to play the position. Jerry Reinsdorf (1981-present).

However, Oakley's leadership proved crucial to the success of the 1998-1999 Raptors. John Allyn (1969-1975). Many thought the trade would hurt the team, since he was trading away a promising prospect for an aging veteran. Arthur Allyn, Jr. (1961-1969). Grunwald showed his better management ability than his predecessor by trading Camby to the Knicks for proven veteran Charles Oakley, whose tough mentality and playoff experience helped the maturity of the young players. Bill Veeck (1959-1961, 1975-1981). Record: 16 Wins - 66 Losses. Dorothy Comiskey Rigney (1956-1959).

However, the players reacted by playing harder and Marcus Camby earned the first two triple doubles of his career in the last four games of the season. Grace Comiskey (1940-1956). When Glen Grunwald was named to succeed Thomas in 1998, virtually nobody thought he could turn the team around, demonstrated by the booing from the crowd when he made his first appearance to Air Canada Centre for a speech. Louis Comiskey (1931-1939). Thomas, a brilliant player and skilled evaluator of talent but lacking in management skills, failed to stop the downfall of the team which led to the dismantling of the core players and resignations of the head coach Darrell Walker and eventually of Thomas himself. J. All optimism evaporated when the team was hit by numerous injuries in early 1997-1998 season. Charles Comiskey (1900-1931).

Record: 30 Wins - 52 Losses. Jerry Manuel (1998-2003) (500-471). Marcus Camby who was drafted 2nd overall in the 1996 draft by the Raptors had a season to forget in his first season as a Raptor. Tony La Russa (1979-1986) (522-510). Analysts predicted a playoff-contending or even a championship caliber team in a matter of a few seasons. Al Lopez (1957-1965, 1968-1969) (840-650). The team record improved by 9 games from its inaugural season and attendance was rising. Paul Richards (1951-1954, 1976) (406-392).

Record: 21 Wins - 61 Losses. Jimmy Dykes (1935-1946) (899-940). However, Stoudamire proved to be the one bright point in a terrible first season as he won Rookie of the Year honors by averaging 19 points and 9.3 assists per game. Kid Gleason (1919-1923) (392-364). The Raptors' pick of Stoudamire was greeted with boos from those present at the NBA Draft at the SkyDome in Toronto, many of whom bought into the hype surrounding UCLA star Ed O'Bannon. 72 Carlton Fisk. Isiah chose to build the franchise around Damon Stoudamire, a point guard out of Arizona. 42 Jackie Robinson (retired throughout baseball).

After Isiah Thomas was named the general manager in 1995, he quickly staffed the management with his own personnel, including the first head coach Brandon Malone (who was later reunited with Thomas in the Knicks organization in 2003). 19 Billy Pierce. They are currently the only NBA team based outside of the United States. 16 Ted Lyons. The Toronto Raptors are a National Basketball Association team based in Toronto, Ontario. 11 Luis Aparicio. (December 17, 2004.).   9 Minnie Miñoso.

2004- 2005 season: traded Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams, and two future first round draft picks.   4 Luke Appling. 2004 offseason: signed Rafer Alston.   3 Harold Baines. 2003-2004 season: traded Jerome Williams and Antonio Davis to the Bulls for Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall.   2 Nellie Fox. 2002 offseason: lost Keon Clark through free agency to the Kings. Magglio Ordóñez (2002).

2002 offseason: lost Chris Childs through free agency to the Nets. Albert Belle (1998). 2000-2001 season: traded Mark Jackson to the Knicks for Chris Childs. Outfielders