White Sox Manuel AL Manager of Year

Nov. 8, 2000 -- Jerry Manuel, who steered the Chicago White Sox to the American League’s best record and tookthem to the playoffs for the first time in seven years, was named American League Manager of the Year.

The 46-year-old Manuel was a clear-cut choice in ballotingby the Baseball Writers Association of America, receiving 25first-place votes and three second-place votes among the 28ballots for a total of 134 points.

Art Howe of the Oakland Athletics was second with twofirst-place votes and 74 points and Lou Piniella of the SeattleMariners was third with one first-place vote and 28 points inthe voting by two reporters from each American League city.

White Sox Surprise SuccessHardly anyone expected the young White Sox team to be afactor in the AL Central Division race this season as the clubfeatured 18 first- or second-year players on the roster.

But Manuel’s early take-charge attitude and the way hedemonstrated in spring training that veteran slugger FrankThomas would not receive special treatment seemed to galvanizethe young team.

The White Sox unseated the perennial division-winningCleveland Indians and did it easily by posting an admirable95-67 record after a torrid start.

Chicago won 17 of 25 games in April despite an ugly brawlwith Detroit that resulted in several suspensions. They tookthe Central lead on April 19, and Cleveland never caught up.

A highlight of the season came when the White Sox swept aseven-game road trip to Cleveland and New York in June.

Thomas, who did not want to participate in certain drillsand stated a preference to serve as designated hitter and avoidplaying first base, bowed to Manuel’s authority and went on tohave one of his best years in leading a potent Chicago attack.

The wonderful White Sox season ended abruptly in theplayoffs, however, as they were swept in the division series bySeattle.