by Joe Binder August 22, 2023
www.soxon35th.com
Major changes in the White Sox front office are underway.
Major changes in the White Sox front office are underway.
The team announced in a press release that Ken Williams, executive vice president, and Rick Hahn, senior vice president/general manager, have been relieved of their responsibilities, effective immediately.
“This is an incredibly difficult decision for me to make because they are both talented individuals with long-term relationships at the White Sox,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox chairman. “Ken is like a son to me, and I will always consider him a member of my family. I want to personally thank Ken and Rick for all they have done for the Chicago White Sox, winning the 2005 World Series and reaching the postseason multiple times during their tenures. I have nothing but the greatest respect for them as people and appreciate the commitment and passion for the White Sox they exhibited over the years.
“Ultimately, the well-worn cliche that professional sports is results-oriented is correct,” Reinsdorf said. “While we have enjoyed successes as an organization and were optimistic heading into the competitive window of this rebuild, this year has proven to be very disappointing for us all on many levels. This has led me to the conclusion that the best decision for the organization moving forward is to make a change in our baseball department leadership.”
The press release says the White Sox will begin a search for a single decision-maker to lead the baseball operations department and anticipate having an individual in place by the end of the season.
Williams was in his 11th season as executive vice president with the White Sox after serving as the club’s general manager for 12 seasons (2001-12). During his tenure as general manager, the team won the 2005 World Series championship and the 2008 American League Central title.
Hahn, on the other hand, served as the White Sox general manager for the past 11 seasons, only leading the Sox to consecutive postseason appearances in 2020 as a wild card and 2021 as AL Central champions. He joined the organization in October 2000 and served as assistant general manager (2000-12) before being promoted to general manager in October 2012.
As originally reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Jerry Reinsdorf had been conducting internal interviews that ultimately led to today’s decisions. Though there’s no definite answer to the status of Pedro Grifol just yet, Nightengale reports that the first-year skipper is expected to be safe and return in 2024.
https://www.soxon35th.com/white-sox-relieve-kenny-williams-rick-hahn-of-their-duties/
