Good morning!
Originally, I was going to develop a quiz which tested your knowledge of White Sox tormentors --namely, those batting opponents who have hit a ton of dingers against Sox pitching-- this in light of Buxton's 20th homer against the franchise the other evening. Buxton's success against the Sox really is remarkable: among players to have at least 20 homers versus Chicago over the past 30 years, the oft-injured Minnesota outfielder has done so with the second-fewest PAs, 299. (Troy Glaus is the leader with 21 dingers in 282 PAs)
Then I realized we're already dealing with a level of suck that doesn't necessarily need to extend (at least every week) to Sporcle Saturday. Thus, today's Sporcle deals in MLB players to hit for the cycle. For it was on this date in 2000 one Jose Valentin hit for the cycle in a 13-4 romp over the Baltimore Orioles. Here's how the Chicago Tribune opened their recap:
Jose Valentin received a brand new set of wheels after hitting for the cycle Thursday in the White Sox's 13-4 thrashing of the Baltimore Orioles at Comiskey Park.
It wasn't exactly what Valentin was hoping for, but a Big Wheel is better than nothing.
"In Milwaukee when you hit for the cycle, you get a Harley [motorcycle]," Valentin said. "Here they put a little bike in my locker."
Chicago Tribune, April 28, 2000
I, unfortunately, do not have a Harley to give anyone who aces this quiz, thus the admiration and respect of your fellow Sporclers will have to make-do. Since 2000, there are 98 names (just two White Sox): how many can you get? Good luck!
Quiz Parameters
- I’ve allotted 25 minutes for completion attempts.
- For hints, I’ve provided the team, position of the player for that game, and date of the game.
Useless information to amaze, annoy, confuse, and/or confound your friends and family:
- The White Sox are 4-2 when a player hits for the cycle. Coincidentally, both losses have come against the Royals.
- Since 2000, teams are 83-15 when a player hits for the cycle.
- The other White Sox to hit for the cycle before 2000? Chris Singleton (1999), Carlton Fisk (1984), Jack Brohamer (1977), and Ray Schalk (1922).
All data from stathead.com
