Today in White Sox History: January 14

Hoyt Wilhelm was the linchpin of Chicago’s bullpen in the 1960s.1963

It was the move that re-energized the franchise and led directly to back-to-back-to-back 90 or more-win seasons in 1963, 1964 and 1965. White Sox GM Ed Short traded shortstop Luis Aparicio and outfielder Al Smith to the Orioles for third baseman Pete Ward, outfielder Dave Nicholson, shortstop Ron Hansen and relief pitcher Hoyt Wilhelm.

Ward would be named Co-Rookie of the Year (with teammate Gary Peters) and would supply power for the next few seasons. In 1963 and 1964 Ward averaged 22 home runs, 89 RBIs and hit .290 before an accident (in which he was a passenger in a car leaving Chicago Stadium after a hockey game)…