ALCS Catcher A.J. Pierzynski

Niki Paton / Baseball Notions

Outside the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Catcher A.J. Pierzynski
stops to talk with fans before a game against the Indians while he played
for the Minnesota Twins on September 24, 2003.

SAINT PAUL, Minn.- The White Sox and Catcher A.J. Pierzynski, one of the key players for the team this season, are on their way to the 2005 World Series in sweet home Chicago for the first time in 46 years. The last time the White Sox were in the World Series was September 22, 1959 while Eisenhower was president.

The White Sox won the 2005 ALCS against the Angels in Southern California with a score of 6-3 tonight. The night’s events put Catcher A.J. Pierzynski amid controversy yet again this week. With two outs in the eighth inning Kelvim Escobar missed a crucial play for the Angels on Pierzynski. After a barehanded grab by Escobar he left the ball in his right hand missing the transfer to his glove tagging Pierzynski with an empty glove before throwing to first catching first baseman Darin Erstad off-guard and off-base. The play resulted in an interesting argument from manager Ozzie Guillen, the ultimate call made placed Pierzynski safe at first allowing the Sox to keep their momentum going leading to the 2005 ALCS win. The last time the White Sox had a World Series win was in 1917.