Today in White Sox History: January 29

1981

Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn gained control of the Chicago White Sox after American League owners turned down Bill Veeck’s attempt to sell to Eddie DeBartolo.

Reinsdorf’s original partner was William Farley, but Farley dropped out in part because the White Sox went out and signed free agents Ron LeFlore and Jim Essian. Farley didn’t approve of the team spending $3 million for them, even though Veeck got the money for the signings from DeBartolo.

Reinsdorf originally was part of a group trying to buy the New York Mets. Einhorn originally was part of a group trying to get the San Diego Padres.