Big day: Richard Dotson [right] was just a throw-in to the Bobby Bonds trade in 1977, but he’d put up 17.4 bWAR for the White Sox over 10 seasons. (@KnightsBaseball)
1977 Chalk this one up to Bill Veeck. Knowing he needed a drawing card and a big bat to replace Richie Zisk and Oscar Gamble, Veeck dealt future All-Star Brian Downing and pitchers Chris Knapp and Dave Frost to California. He got back Bobby Bonds and two youngsters, Thad Bosley and Rich Dotson.
Bonds would only play in 26 games, with two home runs and eight RBIs for the White Sox before he was dealt to Texas in May. Chicago’s record was a dismal 9-20 at the time, and Veeck understood there was no way he was going to be able to re-sign him. At least Dotson turned out to be of value in the 1980s winning in double figures six times, headed up by his 22-7 year in 1983. He also made the All-Star team in 1984.
1986 The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation allowing funds to be given to the White Sox in connection with the construction of a new stadium across the street from the original Comiskey Park.
South Side Hit Pen 
This prompted me to go look up Thad Bosley’s career numbers. I’m impressed that he managed to find ways to hang around for 14 years (career bWAR: 2.4). Pinch hitting paid off, and good for him.
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