Chicago White Sox all-time lists: Top 15 batting averages
Top 15 all-time batting averages: 15-12
15. Jose Abreu/Johnny Mostil (.301)
That’s right: Jose Abreu is already among the Chicago White Sox’s best hitters of all time.
Abreu has compiled his .301 average for four seasons on the South Side since coming over from Cuba. In addition to that, he’s also averaged 31 home runs and more than 100 RBI with the Sox.
While he’s been subject to trade rumors this offseason, I hope he continues getting a chance to stay on this list.
Mostil (1918, 1921-1929), a hometown kid, played his entire career (almost 1000 games) with the Chicago White Sox. He finished second in MVP voting in 1926, hitting a career-best .328 and leading the American League in stolen bases.
14. Harry Hooper (.302)
Hooper actually only hit .281 lifetime (which obviously is still pretty good). But his five-year Chicago White Sox stint (1921-25) at the end of his playing days were, interestingly, the best of his career.
After hitting just .272 with Boston in his first 12 seasons, he hit .302 with our Sox, including a career-best .328 in 1924.
13. Minnie Minoso (.304)
If you’re a Chicago White Sox fan, Orestes “Minnie” Minoso needs no introductions. But his career looks even more interesting when you take a longer look at it. Do yourself a favor and check out his profile.
Minoso played for 17 Major League seasons (.298 overall) with four different teams. He played 12 seasons for the White Sox in four different stints, with his best season coming in 1954 (.320).
Plus, this guy got a hit at 50 years old. That’s some OG stuff right there.
12. Earl Sheely (.305)
Another old-timer, Sheely played alongside Hooper and Mostil in the 1920s, putting up a career-high .320 batting average in 1924. He finished sixth in MVP voting the next season with nine home runs, 43 doubles and 111 RBI.
After seeing some of the numbers those three players put up, I have to wonder why those Chicago White Sox teams weren’t better.
Speaking of guys that dominated at the same time…