1978 Chicago White Sox

BR Team Page

Record: 71-90, Finished 5th in AL Western Division (1978 AL)

Managed by Bob Lemon (34-40) and Larry Doby (37-50)

Coaches: Larry Doby, Bobby Knoop, Tony LaRussa, Minnie Minoso and Stan Williams

Ballpark: Comiskey Park

History, Comments, Contributions

On June 30th, the 1978 Chicago White Sox fired Bob Lemon and made coach Larry Doby the second black manager in major league history. A few days later, Tony LaRussa was promoted from managing the AA Knoxville Sox to take over the coaching position vacated by Doby. It was LaRussa's first coaching assignment in the majors, and a prelude to a Hall of Fame managing career which would start the following year.

Awards and Honors

• All-Star: Chet Lemon
• Topps All-Star Rookie Team: Bob Molinaro (OF) and Bill Nahorodny (C)

1978 Opening Day Lineup

Ralph Garr, lf

Jorge Orta, 2b

Lamar Johnson, 1b

Bobby Bonds, rf

Ron Blomberg, dh

Chet Lemon, cf

Eric Soderholm, 3b

Wayne Nordhagen, c

Don Kessinger, ss

Steve Stone, p

Further Reading

• Dan Helpingstine: "Bill Veeck: The Second Time Around", The National Pastime, SABR, 51, 2023, pp. 106-109.