Key Highlights
- Leon, on the other hand, played in just one inning in New York, as a defensive replacement, with no official plate appearances. Both players were out of the majors by 1976.1977 Chalk this one up to White Sox owner Bill Veeck. Knowing he needed a drawing card and a big bat to replace Richie Zisk and Oscar Gamble, Veeck dealt future All-Star Brian Downing and pitchers Chris Knapp and Dave Frost to California.
- He got back Bobby Bonds and two youngsters, Thad Bosley and Richard Dotson.
- Bonds would play in only 26 games for the White Sox, with two home runs and eight RBIs, before he was flipped to Texas in May.
- Chicago’s record was a dismal 9-20 at the time, and Veeck understood there was no way he was going to be able to re-sign Bonds as a free agent after the 1978 season. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt least Dotson turned out to be of value in the 80’s, winning in double-figures six times, headed up by a 22-7 year in 1983.
- He also made the All-Star team in 1984.1986 The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation allowing funds to be given to the White Sox in connection with the construction of a new stadium across the street from the original Comiskey Park.2021 It took a while, but he finally got his due: Minnie Miñoso was voted into the Hall of Fame by the Golden Days Era Committee.