On November 6, 1925, the Chicago White Sox community mourned the passing of shortstop Hervey McClellan, a defensive stalwart who died at age 30 from stomach cancer. McClellan, who debuted with the team in 1919, first showed signs of his terminal illness on April 27, 1924, when he nearly collapsed on the field. Although doctors discovered stomach cancer during surgery a week later, they failed to inform the player, allowing him to return to the lineup after Independence Day and play in 24 additional games that season.
A somber look back at the death of “Little Mac” and the retirement of “Sad” Sam Jones.
Despite reporting to Spring Training in California in 1925 with hopes of a full healthy season, McClellan’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He never made it to the regular season and underwent a second surgery in June to remove gallstones. Just five months after his hospital discharge in July, the popular teammate known as “Little Mac” succumbed to his illness, leaving behind a legacy defined by his resilience and elite defensive prowess.
The date also marks the 1935 retirement of pitcher “Sad” Sam Jones, who concluded a 22-year major league career with the White Sox. Jones finished his tenure on the South Side with a career record of 229-217, a 3.84 ERA, and 39.7 WAR, ranking 180th all-time among pitchers. Having previously pitched for Cleveland, Boston, New York, and Washington, Jones wrapped up his distinguished career with four seasons in Chicago, cementing his status as a durable and effective arm of the mid-20th century.
Source: Yahoo Sports
