On this date (Sept. 30) in 1976, White Sox manager Paul Richards gave new meaning to the term “batting order.”
Using a lineup in numerical order by field position and capped by 53-year old Minnie Minoso, the White Sox lost to the Angels 7-3 in California.
From top to bottom, Richards batted catcher Brian Downing (2), first baseman Lamar Johnson (3), second baseman Bill Stein (4), third baseman Kevin Bell (5), shortstop Bucky Dent (6), left fielder Alan Bannister (7), center fielder Chet Lemon (8) and right fielder Jerry Hairston (9) before Minoso’s spot.
Minoso, playing in his fourth decade, was 0-for-2 in his second appearance of the year before being lifted in favor Jim Spencer.