Today in White Sox History: April 1

On this day 18 years ago, Matt Thornton was guaranteed his White Sox duds for another three years. Jeff Gross/Getty Images 1901

Following teammate Clark Griffith, who signed with the White Sox to become player-manager, Chicago Colts (Cubs) pitcher Nixey Callahan jumped leagues to the White Sox. Callahan, like many of his cohorts who fled the National League for the American, saw his salary bump up, in his case to $3,300 ($117,000 today).

Callahan was amazing in his first year with the White Sox, pitching in 27 games to a 4.7 WAR — and also hit well enough to add another 1.3 WAR. That 6.0 WAR total was good for seventh overall in the AL in 1901 and second on the White Sox, behind Griffith.

Calla…