It was announced in the past couple hours that the Chicago White Sox hired former All-Star and Gold Glove-winning third baseman Robin Ventura as special advisor to Director of Player Development Buddy Bell. Ventura will scout the Sox minor-leagues throughout the season, evaluating performances and reporting directly to Bell.
“Robin’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to our entire minor-league system,” said Bell.
“He will serve as a terrific complement to our instructors and minor-league coaching staffs, and I look forward to hearing his thoughts and getting his input as we make player development decisions. As White Sox fans know, Robin was the consummate professional, and I can’t imagine a better role model and advisor for young developing players in our farm system.”
By Paul M. Banks
Ventura played 16 MLB seasons with the White Sox (1989-98), New York Mets (1999-2001), New York Yankees (2002) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2003-2004). He won six Gold Gloves (1991-93, 1996, 1998-99) and was a two-time All-Star (1992 and 2002).
Ventura appeared in 1,254 games over 10 seasons with the Sox, hitting .274 (1,244-4,542) with 171 home runs and 741 RBI. He ranks among the White Sox all-time leaders in grand slams (1st, 10), walks (5th, 668), home runs (6th), RBI (8th), extra-base hits (10th, 402) and runs scored (12th, 658). He is best remembered at the Major League level for his fight with a very aging Nolan Ryan.
He charged Ryan when the flame thrower was in his twilight years with the Texas Rangers, but still got thoroughly handled by the old man. Ryan reigned down noogies on Ventura in one of the ’90s most iconic baseball fights.
The White Sox selected Ventura with their first-round pick (10th overall) in the 1988 draft out of Oklahoma State University. At the amateur level, Ventura was known first and foremost for his 58 game hitting streak, a record that still stands today.
Go here for Buddy Bell’s candid assessment of the Sox position player prospects
Go here for Buddy Bell’s candid assessment of the Sox pitching prospects
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook