Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964, Luke Appling — nicknamed “Old Aches and Pains” — was a stellar infielder who spent his entire MLB career with the Chicago White Sox.
WHITE SOX ALL-TIME ROSTER
Upon his retirement, Appling — a seven-time All Star — was MLB’s all-time leader for most games played and for double plays by a shortstop. These records were later broken by Luis Aparicio, who also spent the majority of his career with the White Sox.
In his 20 seasons with the White Sox, Appling amassed 74.4 wins above replacement — the highest total on the franchise’s all-time roster by WAR. We slotted him in at third base to make room for Aparicio at short. The team’s other biggest WAR contributions came from pitcher Red Faber (68.5) and designated hitter Frank Thomas (68.3).
UPDATED September 27, 2024
CATCHER: CARLTON FISK
Wins Above Replacement: 28.9
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FIRST BASE: ROBIN VENTURA
Wins Above Replacement: 39.4
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SECOND BASE: EDDIE COLLINS
Wins Above Replacement: 66.7
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THIRD BASE: LUKE APPLING
Wins Above Replacement: 74.4
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SHORTSTOP: LUIS APARICIO
Wins Above Replacement: 35.2
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OUTFIELD: MINNIE MINOSO
Wins Above Replacement: 41.7
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OUTFIELD: GEORGE DAVIS
Wins Above Replacement: 33.0
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OUTFIELD: FIELDER JONES
Wins Above Replacement: 31.8
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DESIGNATED HITTER: FRANK THOMAS
Wins Above Replacement: 68.3
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PITCHER: RED FABER
Wins Above Replacement: 68.5
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PITCHER: TED LYONS
Wins Above Replacement: 67.6
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PITCHER: ED WALSH
Wins Above Replacement: 64.0
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RELIEF PITCHER: HOYT WILHELM
Wins Above Replacement: 16.4
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The White Sox were fairly successful in the 19 and early 20, with 12 winning seasons from 1990–2005. First baseman Frank Thomas became the face of the franchise, ending his career as the White Sox’s all-time leader in runs, doubles, home runs, total bases, and walks.