As Jerry Reinsdorf enters his fifth decade of ownership of the Chicago White Sox, the state of the franchise paints a picture of both remarkable achievements and egregious disappointments. Reinsdorf, who took over the team in January 1981 by purchasing the club from Bill Veeck for $20 million, now presides over an organization projected to finish the 2024 season with a dismal record of 38-124, positioning them to surpass the 1962 New York Mets' modern record of 120 losses.
Reinsdorf, now 88 years old, has long seen the ownership of a baseball franchise as a "public trust" and even "a charitable thing." However, recent years have tested the patience of even the most loyal White Sox fans. The White Sox have undergone a record-setting 21 consecutive losses, a streak emblematic of deeper issues within the organization. Discontent reached a boiling point when Jerry Reinsdorf dismissed vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn in August of last year. Williams, who joined the White Sox in 2000, and Hahn, who served as general manager for over a decade, were mainstays in the team's leadership structure.
The shakeup did not stop there. Manager Pedro Grifol was relieved of his duties after compiling a 89-192 record, and Chris Getz was appointed as the new general manager without an external search. This decision sparked criticism from many quarters, including a veteran baseball evaluator who noted, "The fanbase should be up in arms. They have zero chance to be successful with these changes."
Despite the turmoil, Reinsdorf's tenure has not been devoid of success. The White Sox have secured seven postseason berths in 44 seasons under his ownership, with the pinnacle coming in 2005 when the team won the World Series. Yet, such moments of glory have been sporadic, and fans' frustrations have been amplified by consistent underperformance and lack of significant investments, as evidenced by the fact that neither the White Sox nor the Oakland A's have signed a player to a contract worth at least $100 million.
The financial aspects of Reinsdorf’s ownership also draw significant attention. Guaranteed Rate Field, which opened in 1991, cost Illinois taxpayers $137 million. Furthermore, taxpayers are responsible for an annual $5 million contribution for stadium repairs and maintenance. Reinsdorf has made clear his desire for a new, largely publicly funded ballpark, a sentiment that echoes his earlier ultimatum when he once threatened to move the team to St. Petersburg, Florida. "A savvy negotiator creates leverage. People had to think we were going to leave Chicago," Reinsdorf explained.
There is also speculation about the future of the franchise post-Reinsdorf. The octogenarian owner has stated that his son, Michael, may have an obligation to sell the team following his passing, citing, "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."
Jerry Reinsdorf attended the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville in late 2023, with a focus that likely included the transition to Nashville-based Standard Media Group as the broadcaster for White Sox games, signaling yet another shift for the beleaguered franchise.
Despite the many challenges and controversies, Reinsdorf remains steadfast in his commitment to the team and its future, insisting, "I didn't get into baseball to make money. Baseball is my religion. I'm happy to break even." As the White Sox brace for another tumultuous season, the legacy of Jerry Reinsdorf’s tenure will be dissected and debated, a complex tapestry woven with ambition, occasional triumphs, and relentless setbacks.