Chicago White Sox Bob Locker Appeared in 77 Games during 1967

Much more has been said about the White Sox starting pitchers of 1967 compared to the relievers. The formidable bullpen that year was led by Bob Locker and Hoyt Wilhelm. Bob Locker, #23 appeared in 77 games that year and finished the season with a 2.09 ERA and 20 Saves. Although the Palehose came up shy of the World Series in 1967, at least 7 players from that team later experienced a World Series Championship (Can you name all 7 ?). Bob Locker and Joe Horlen tasted championship champagne while teammates with the Oakland A's in 1972.

In 1994, Bob Locker corresponded about teammates, managers, & more.

Al Lopez: Skilled judge of pitching & when to make a change

Eddie Stanky: Really knew the game, lost his cool too much.

Gary Peters: Consummate pro, all around athlete.

Joe Horlen: A "pitcher's" pitcher

Ron Hansen: Quiet professional

Don Buford: Student of the game, hard worker

Ken Berry: Good friend. Hustler, great jump on the ball. Mediocre speed but he always got there.

Ken Boyer: Quiet

Hoyt Wilhelm: The least physical talent, greatest "competitive heart" of anyone who ever played. HOF

J. C. Martin: "Elmer Gantry"

Pete Ward: Dirtiest uniform and nicest guy.

Mickey Mantle: Superman without good knees. Muscles too strong for ligaments & tendons.

Al Kaline: Consummate pro.

Toughest Hitters to face: Oliva and Carew

Thoughts on the strike (1994): Line them all up together and pull the plunger.

Ron Hansen's Walk Off Hit Plates Ken Berry in 11th, ChiSox Win 3-2

May 31, 1967 @ Comiskey Park (N) vs. Baltimore Orioles

Ron Hansen atoned for a critical error in the 7th inning leading to an unearned run by singling in Ken Berry off Ed Watt in the bottom of the 11th giving the Chicago White Sox a 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Nearly 14,000 watched the White Sox in their return home to Comiskey Park after an arduous 12 game road trip.

Jim O'Toole pitched brilliantly through 6 innings but ran into trouble in the 7th. A walk, an error and base hit allowed the Orioles to score their 1st run and cut Chicago's lead to 2-1. Bob Locker relieved O'Toole and with Baltimore runners at 2nd and 3rd with 0 outs, Locker induced consecutive grounders to the right side allowing back to back infielder assists to JC Martin cutting down two runners at the plate.

Tommie Agee led off Chicago's 1st inning with a solo homerun (7). Al Weis had 2 SB's, Don Buford 3 hits, and Ken Berry 2 hits and a RBI. Frank and Brooks Robinson were a combined 2 for 9 with 4 K's. Hoyt Wilhelm pitched the final 2 1/3 innings retiring all 7 hitters in order and captured his 2nd win.

White Sox Return To Comiskey Park Following 12 Game Road Trip

Baltimore Orioles Brooks and Frank Robinson Meet Chicago White Sox Jim O'Toole May 31, 1967.

Detroit Sweeps Doubleheader; White Sox Finish Road Trip 5 - 7

May 30, 1967 @ Tiger Stadium vs Detroit Tigers (2)

(Game 1)
Before 40,000+ daytime fans, the Detroit Tigers took two games from the Chicago White Sox 4-2 and 4-3 leaving the Palehose with a 5 - 7 record following the 12 game road swing. Tigers starter Earl Wilson (7-3) lasted 6 2/3 innings in the first game, picking up the win over Gary Peters (6-2), while Fred Gladding recorded his 9th save of the season. Peters served up a Jim Northrup solo shot in the 5th; later allowed a run scoring single to Willie Horton in the 6th scoring Al Kaline from second. Willie Horton attempting to stretch his hit into a double, was cut down at second base on a throw from catcher JC Martin to SS Ron Hansen, spiking Hansen and setting off a bench clearing ruhbarb.

Gary Peters pitched 7 innings allowing 6 hits, 3 ER's and 0 BB with 6 K's. J.C. Martin and Ronnie Hansen had RBIs for the White Sox.

(Game 2)

The Detroit Tigers came from hehind scoring 2 runs in the 8th inning off reliever Bruce Howard  (1-3) to defeat Chicago 4-3 and sweep the twinbill. Tommy John started for the Sox and left after 5 innings allowing 2 earned runs (2 solo homeruns by Dick Wert). The Chisox led 3-2 into the 8th on RBI's by Wayne Causey, Tommy McCraw and Ken Berry. Joe Sparma struggled with control and only lasted 2 1/3 innings as the Tigers starter allowed 5 walks, but Chicago could manage but one run through the first 3 innings. Dave Wickersham picked up the win in relief and Fred Gladding closed the game capturing his 10th save.The White Sox finished the 12 game road trip with a 5-7 record leaving them at 24-15 for the season.

Dinner with Joe Horlen

On March 25, 2013 at California Dreaming in Columbia, SC;  my wife, Linda and I were thrilled to dine with Joe, my brother Mike and his wife, Lisa, and Linda's best friend, Lora. 

     Mike          Lisa              Joe             Lora          Bob       Linda