There's always hope

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON • The Chicago White Sox won the World Series in 2005, dominating the Boston Red Sox, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Houston Astros enroute to an 11-1 post season record. Unless you're a die-hard Sox fan (guilty) however, most people forget the White Sox were almost humiliated by the worst collapse in baseball history. Oddly, it gives them and other struggling teams hope every season.

On August 1, 2005 the White Sox had a commanding 15 game lead. The Cleveland Indians began to eat away at the lead, but on this date in 2005, after losing to the Seattle Mariners, the Sox still had a 7 game advantage. By September 22 that lead had shrunk to a frightening 1.5 games with 10 remaining - Cleveland had gone 36-12 since August 1st.

The White Sox won 8 of their last 10 games and won the American League Central by 6 games. Cleveland went 3-6 down the stretch. It shows how much leads can fluctuate.

CONTRIBUTING SOURCES:
Pennant races
2005 MLB schedule

This baseball history calendar is brought to you by TODAY in BASEBALL. Spread the word. Hyperlink www.todayinbaseball.com to your website.