Today in White Sox History: September 2

Buck Weaver, Lou Berger and Mike Kreevich rap out big hits, Roland rolls into town, and Tim Raines is cut down.

Best day ever: Buck Weaver could hardly make an out, 101 years ago today. (Wikipedia)

Sept. 2, 1918 — In a season-ending (the 1918 season ended early because of World War I) doubleheader at Detroit, George “Buck” Weaver rapped out eight hits in 10 at-bats. The Sox would lose to the Tigers, 11-5 and 7-3. Weaver went 5-for-5 in the first game and 3-for-5 in the nightcap.

Sept. 2, 1937 — In a game at Comiskey Park, Sox third baseman Lou “Boze” Berger and outfielder Mike Kreevich led off the bottom of the first with back-to-back home runs. It was the first time that ever happened in team history. The Sox beat the Boston Red Sox, 4-2.

Sept. 2, 1970 — One of the key dates in franchise history marks Roland Hemond being hired as player personnel director to rebuild the White Sox. The club would go on to lose a team-record 106 games in 1970. The very next year, the South Siders improved by 23 games, from 56 to 79 wins, and by 1972 would be a legitimate title contender. Hemond would eventually become GM, staying with the team through 1985. Hemond brought along, as new field manager, Chuck Tanner. Tanner would be named Manager of the Year in 1972.

Sept. 2, 1995 — Tim Raines had his American League record of 40 consecutive steals snapped when he was thrown out in the third inning. Toronto’s Randy Knorr was the catcher who ended the streak, during the 10-4 White Sox win over the Blue Jays.