The White Sox Podcast w/ Chuck Garfien

Ron Kittle remembers White Sox fan favorite Julio Cruz

The White Sox lost another key member of their 1983 team with the passing of second baseman Julio Cruz, the catalyst for the Winning Ugly White Sox. Chuck Garfien remembers and celebrates Cruz with 1983 Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle who shares stories about their times together as White Sox teammates. You'll also hear memories from Harold Baines, Ozzie Guillen, Tony La Russa, and Jerry Reinsdorf.

How the players and owners can end the lockout with MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds

It's a pivotal week in the hopes of ending the lockout. What will it take for the players and owners to come to an agreement? Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB Network's Harold Reynolds for his take on the negotiations, how the two sides can find common ground, and why this is such a critical week to make a deal. He also explains why he picked the White Sox to win the World Series last season and why he wouldn't be surprised if Luis Robert or Tim Anderson win the MVP one day.(4:00) - Why Reynolds believes the White Sox get to a World Series(6:30) - Why this is such a big week for the lockout(10:30) - How do they reach an agreement? (20:50) - Luis Robert and Tim Anderson can win MVPs

The story Bill Melton has never told

Many White Sox fans know Beltin' Bill Melton for being the American League home run champion in 1971. Others know him from watching White Sox Pre and Post Game shows on NBC Sports Chicago. But here's a story that nobody knows. In 1995, Bill was in a coma for 16 days and almost lost his life. "A priest came in. He gave me my last rites," Melton tells Chuck Garfien in this stunning conversation that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The incident occurred a few months after Bill was teaching Michael Jordan how to play baseball. On the podcast, Bill talks about Jordan, his White Sox debut in 1968, partying on Rush Street in the 1970's and why he's lucky to be alive today.(10:00) - Bill taught Michael Jordan how to hit a baseball?!(17:16) - The story he's never told(41:00) - Playing for the Yankees Triple-A team before making his White Sox debut(57:00) - Partying on Rush Street and the Playboy Mansion in the 1970’s

What to expect from Yoan Moncada in 2022

What kind of hitter was Yoan Moncada last year and what kind of hitter will he be this year? It depends on who you ask. Chuck Garfien, Ryan McGuffey, and Vinnie Duber have a great debate about Moncada, his value and contributions at the plate, and what fans can expect from him in 2022. They also discuss the latest with the lockout, the owners' recent offer to the players, and if the league will give Chuck a great birthday present at the end of the month.(3:00) - CBA negotiations update. Are they making any headway?(12:06) - What should the expectations be for Yoan Moncada in 2022?(19:30) - Should fans be concerned about Yoan's lack of home runs?(27:00) - What do the numbers say about Moncada?(41:00) - What would be acceptable offensive numbers for Yoan Moncada in 2022?

Playing the hits with legendary organist Nancy Faust

Chuck visits with Nancy Faust to talk about her 41-year career as White Sox organist. Sitting at her home organ, she plays some of her most popular songs, telling behind-the-scenes stories about how they came to life. Among the topics: how she invented the walkup song and turned “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Them Goodbye” into a global sports anthem, Harold Baines honoring her in his Hall of Fame speech, her deep connection with White Sox fans, songs to end the lockout and more.

What’s going on with the lockout?! Time to vent!!

With negotiations dragging at a snail's pace and a miracle needed for spring training to start next week, it's time for Chuck, Guff, and Vinnie to vent their frustrations about the current state of the lockout and why it's been going nowhere. You'll hear Mets pitcher Trevor May criticize the negotiating tactics of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred if a federal mediator can help the two sides come together if there's a faction amongst the owners and what it will take for the regular season to begin on time.(3:00) - Baseball is losing young fans(12:00) - Is there dissension amongst the small market owners and big market owners?(23:00) - Trevor May criticizes Rob Manfred(31:20) - How long can the players hold out?

The Forrest Gump baseball career of Greg Pryor

Former White Sox shortstop Greg Pryor was in the middle of everything in the late 1970s and early ’80s. He played in Disco Demolition and Tony La Russa’s first game as White Sox manager. He sparred with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and played with Bo Jackson in Jackson's rookie year. Chuck Garfien speaks with Pryor about those stories, plus Bill Veeck, Harry Caray, Harry Chappas, Billy Martin, Bo Jackson, and more.(6:00) - What it was like playing for the White Sox in the 1970’s(12:05) - Being trapped in the clubhouse during Disco Demolition(22:31) - Playing for Tony La Russa when he became White Sox manager in 1979(37:36) - Refusing to shave his mustache, sparring with George Steinbrenner(45:35) - Stories about Luis Aparacio and Bo Jackson

How and when the lockout will end with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers

What’s it going to take for the players and owners to make a deal? And more importantly, when is the lockout going to end? Chuck Garfien speaks with ESPN.com baseball reporter Jesse Rogers about the ongoing lockout, what’s holding back negotiations, and how the two sides can get to the finish line. Plus, the chances that spring training/regular-season games get postponed, and the reasons to be optimistic and pessimistic about the two sides reaching an agreement soon.(3:10) - What stage is the lockout in and is it close to ending?(9:10) - What do the next six weeks look like for negotiations?(14:30) - Is March 3rd the magic date?(20:15) - What damage will be done to the game if the lockout goes into April?

The Hall of Fame case for Mark Buehrle & debating Bonds, Clemens

White Sox legend Mark Buehrle barely stayed on the Hall of Fame ballot for another year. What will it take for Buehrle to somehow find his way to Cooperstown? Chuck Garfien, Chris Kamka, and Ryan McGuffey discuss Buehrle’s Hall of Fame case. Then, they present their own HOF ballots in a lively debate over who should and who shouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame: Bonds, Clemens, Sosa, Schilling, etc.(5:40) - The case for Mark Buehrle. Will he ever get in?(28:00) - Bonds, Clemens, Sosa. Hall of Famers or not Hall of Famers?(45:10) - Chuck, Chris, and Guff share their Hall of Fame ballots

The White Sox big signing of Oscar Colas with MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez

A year after signing Cuban prospects Yoelki Cespedes and Norge Vera, the White Sox have added another top Cuban prospect in left-handed outfielder Oscar Colas. Chuck Garfien speaks with MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez who's been on the Colas story from the beginning. He talks about why other teams are envious of the White Sox for signing Colas and why he, unfortunately, won't live up to his nickname "The Cuban Ohtani." You'll also hear from White Sox international exec Marco Paddy about Colas the player and competitor.