The Chicago White Sox entered the 2005 season merely hoping to earn their first playoff appearance since 2000, but by winning the franchise's first World Series in 88 years, the Chicago White Sox shocked the baseball world. Led by an effective small-ball offense and dominant postseason pitching, the Chicago White Sox reached its peak in October, taking just one loss throughout the playoffs. After sweeping the Boston Red Sox in the American League Division Series, the Chicago White Sox handled the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in a five-game ALCS and swept the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic.
Critical to the Chicago White Sox's championship run were the moves of general manager Ken Williams, who signed catcher A.J. Pierzynski and versatile right-hander Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez in January before adding Japanese second baseman Tadahito Iguchi.
The Chicago White Sox were led to an American League-high 99 regular-season wins by their starting staff, which received win totals of 18, 16, 15 and 14 from Jon Garland, Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras and Freddy Garcia, respectively. Carrying the Chicago White Sox's offense was Paul Konerko, who hit .283 with 40 homers and 100 RBIs before re-signing with the Sox for five years in November. For guiding his club through its magical season, Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was named the American League Manager of the Year.
While the expectation of a World Series repeat in 2006 may be ambitious, the Chicago White Sox closed 2005 as active as ever in their pursuit of success, acquiring veteran slugger Jim Thome from the Phillies before adding right-handed starter Javier Vazquez in a trade with the Diamondbacks.
Make sure you get your Chicago White Sox tickets early, as the Chicago White Sox tickets will undoubtably sell fast. Chicago White Sox fans are eager to catch the action as the Chicago White Sox try for a second World Series Championship.