Comiskey Park’s Exploding Scoreboard Was a Spectacle Like No Other in Baseball

One of the showcases of this Chicago ballpark was a  scoreboard that put on a show of its own whenever the White Sox homered.

by Rich Watson

In 1948, James Cagney made a movie called The Time of Your Life, about the customers of a saloon. Cagney’s character played a pinball machine. At one point, he hit the jackpot and the game lit up, making all kinds of noise.

Bill Veeck saw the film. He was one of baseball’s great raconteurs and iconoclasts during his four decades as an owner for three different teams, including the White Sox. He looked for innovative ways to sell the game, from night baseball to integration to wacky fan promotions and more.

Seeing Cagney with his pinball machine inspired Veeck to commission the creation of something that would enliven the experience of coming to Chicago’s Comiskey Park.

Elaine and Tony La Russa Go To Bat for Pets with Animal Rescue Foundation

One of baseball’s greatest managers teams up with his wife to rescue animals in need.

by Rich Watson

Tony La Russa is one of the winningest managers in baseball history; third on the all-time list. He led the Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals to six pennants and three World Series championships. 

After nine years, he has recently come out of retirement to once again manage the White Sox, the first team he led, from 1979-86. He’ll likely move up to number two this summer, passing John McGraw and trailing only Connie Mack.

La Russa’s on-field accomplishments are many, but almost as well-known is his work with his wife Elaine in providing homes for abandoned and injured animals.