The Ownership Saga of Jerry Reinsdorf and the Chicago White Sox
Jerry Reinsdorf’s ownership of the Chicago White Sox is a multifaceted saga that spans over four decades and paints a unique picture of long-term sports ownership, comprised of triumphs, challenges, and contentious decisions.
A Long Tenure Begins
Reinsdorf took over the reins of the Chicago White Sox in January 1981, purchasing the club from Bill Veeck for $20 million. His tenure, now more than 40 years long, makes him the longest-tenured owner in Major League Baseball. At 88, he also holds the title of the oldest owner in the major leagues.
From the outset, Reinsdorf viewed his role as more than just a business venture. “I've always looked at the ownership of a baseball franchise as a public trust, maybe even a charitable thing. I'm serious about that," he once told Dave Condon of the Chicago Tribune.
Struggles and Moves
In recent years, the White Sox have struggled to find success on the field. The team is projected to finish the 2024 season with a dismal record of 38-124, setting them on track for 124 losses, surpassing the 1962 New York Mets' modern record of 120 losses. This follows an already disappointing stretch, including a record-setting 21 consecutive losses, tying the American League record.
In August of last year, Reinsdorf dismissed long-time vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn. Both had lengthy tenures with the organization, with Williams joining in 2000 and Hahn serving as general manager for over a decade. Manager Pedro Grifol was also dismissed after compiling a 89-192 record across one full season and most of another. Chris Getz stepped in as the new general manager without an external search, a decision that has been met with skepticism. “The fanbase should be up in arms. They have zero chance to be successful with these changes,” commented a veteran baseball evaluator.
Highlights and Low Points
Despite these recent struggles, there have been bright moments under Reinsdorf's ownership. The White Sox have seven postseason berths in 44 seasons and a World Series victory in 2005. However, these successes have been overshadowed by periods of mediocrity, and the team's farm system is still not considered elite, making future competitiveness uncertain.
Reinsdorf has always been a hardline "hawk" in dealings with the Players Association, and his financial strategy has often been questioned. Both the White Sox and the Oakland A's have the notable distinction of never signing a player to a contract worth at least $100 million, despite sharing one of the largest markets in the United States with the Chicago Cubs.
Stadium Woes and Public Funding
One significant issue during Reinsdorf's tenure has been the stadium situation. Guaranteed Rate Field, which opened in 1991, became outmoded soon after its debut and cost Illinois taxpayers $137 million. Illinois taxpayers have continued to bear financial burdens for the stadium, paying the White Sox $5 million annually for repairs and maintenance.
Reinsdorf has been vocal about his desire for a new, largely publicly funded ballpark. “a savvy negotiator creates leverage. People had to think we were going to leave Chicago,” Reinsdorf noted in the past. He once threatened to move the team to St. Petersburg, Florida, to secure public funding for a new stadium, and this kind of leverage play might appear again.
The Future of the Franchise
As Reinsdorf starts contemplating the future, there's a looming question about the team's next chapter. Reinsdorf himself has stated that his son, Michael, may have an obligation to sell the team after he passes. “When I'm gone, (son Michael) will have an obligation to do what's best (for the other investors). That likely means putting the team up for sale … The team will be worth more out of town,” Reinsdorf revealed to Crain's Chicago Business earlier this year.
In late 2023, Reinsdorf's ventures brought him to the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville, where he met with the city's mayor. Nashville-based Standard Media Group will broadcast White Sox games, alongside games for the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, raising questions about the future geographical ties of the team.
A Complex Legacy
Jerry Reinsdorf's era as the controlling owner of the Chicago White Sox is a chapter marked by high ambitions and contentious decisions. While he claims, “I didn't get into baseball to make money. Baseball is my religion. I'm happy to break even,” his actions and strategies over the years have sparked debate among fans, economists, and baseball insiders alike. As the White Sox contend with another challenging season, the team's trajectory under Reinsdorf’s stewardship remains a compelling and polarizing saga in the annals of Major League Baseball.