Holdrege White Sox


The Holdrege White Sox were a minor league baseball team that played in the short-season Class D Nebraska State League from 1956 to 1959. Based in Holdrege, Nebraska, they were an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Holdrege played their home games at Holdrege Fairgrounds Park.

History

The Holdrege White Sox played four seasons in the Class D Nebraska State League and were an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Holdrege finished 33–30 in 1956, 33–23 in 1957, 29–34 in 1958 and 39–23 in 1959. There were no playoffs in the seasons that Hastings played.
On opening day in 1956, fans came to the Hotel Dale in Holdrege to see Carl Hubbell, who was a participant in opening day festivities at Fairgrounds Park.
Holdrege had a tradition of Saturday night being "shopping night" in the business district. As a result, Holdrege played Saturday games during the afternoon, as the city's electrical system could not support lights in both the business district and the ballpark being on at the same time.
The Nebraska State League folded after the 1959 season, along with 1959 league members Hastings Giants, Holdrege White Sox, Grand Island Athletics, Kearney Yankees, McCook Braves and North Platte Indians.

The ballpark

The White Sox played at Holdrege Fairgrounds Park, which was also known as "White Sox Park" during their play there. On July 24, 1956 the wooden grandstands burned down. The bleachers were quickly replaced and some damaged light poles were also replaced at the ballpark. The park was a favorite of hitters, averaging about three home runs per game. The field is still in use today at the Phelps County Fairgrounds.

Notable alumni

YearRecordFinishManagerPlayoffs
195633–306thFrank Scalzinone
195733–233rdFrank Parentinone
195829–346thGeorge Noganone
195939–232ndFrank Parentinone