Unsurprisingly, the Chicago White Sox misplaced a baseball recreation on Saturday, dropping a 6-1 determination to the Houston Astros because the membership fell to 30-94 on the season. This one loss out of dozens holds particular significance, although, serving to the Pale Hose make extra historical past for the unsuitable causes.
The loss eradicated the White Sox from playoff rivalry on Aug. 17, making them the quickest workforce to have their postseason desires dashed within the wild-card or divisional period. Based on Jessica Model of Baseball Reference, the 2018 Baltimore Orioles held the earlier mark (Aug. 20).
That yr’s Orioles‘ squad held a .290 successful proportion (47-115), which the White Sox (.242) must hustle to match throughout what’s been a traditionally poor yr. What the South Siders ought to be fearful about is whether or not they end with the worst file in baseball historical past.
All through the years, baseball has added extra groups and, thus, extra video games. So, relying on who asks, the worst file within the recreation’s storied historical past is debatable.
Within the case of successful percentages, the Cleveland Spiders maintain essentially the most doubtful distinction, ending 20-134 (.130) in 1899. Within the fashionable period (since 1901), the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics lay declare to the dishonor, ending the yr 36-117 (.235).
However the reply modifications once more in relation to groups which have performed a 162-game season, just like the White Sox are this summer time. The 2003 Detroit Tigers completed 43-119 (.265).
The White Sox might clear the Spiders and A’s, however the Tigers may very well be powerful to prime. To keep away from ending with the worst 162-game file, Chicago must go 14-24 the remainder of the way in which, matching practically half their win complete on the yr over the past 38 video games.
