South Side Column: Clinching A Playoff Spot Is A Bigger Joy To Us White Sox Fans More Than Any Other Fanbases Understand

I'm late writing this column simply because of my other job and celebrating this achievement. But nothing can describe how amazing this is. Before the season started, I felt like the White Sox would win 72-75 games, but when looking at the bullpen, I even felt like 80 games was possible. However, I never thought THIS was possible. Now, I didn't think the American League would be as bad as it is, but even then, good teams take advantage of situations like these. The Pale Hose are a good team and are only going to get better, but this turnaround is not only incredible, it's historic.

No team has ever had 100+ losses three straight seasons in a row and then make the playoffs. The Sox already had made history according to Sarah Langs that they had won the most games after that many years in a row with that amount of losses, mind you before the team even had clinched a winning record, but made history when the club officially sealed a postseason berth. This is literally the greatest turnaround in Major League Baseball history. Yes, 2024 was absolutely rough, especially when setting an MLB record in losses, but this is incredible, amazing, and so excited that this happened and now 2024 is a distant memory. There has been so much pain and suffering, we as a collective whole as a fan base have endured so much the last few years, but this is something we all deserve. Not only are we all feeling elated, but crying in happiness.

Reflecting on this season, it really is more incredible as to what happened on the South Side more than what was expected. Signing Munetaka Murakami changed so much as he not only helped beef up the offense, but has been a great clubhouse figure. Miguel Vargas breaking out the way he did where he literally made history with his bat. Both Sean Burke and Davis Martin pitching lights out for most of the 2026 campaign and anchoring a rotation that came out of nowhere. Chase Meidroth developing into one of the best second basemen in the game. Sam Antonacci and Braden Montgomery contributing as rookies like they have done. The bullpen showing how clutch and outstanding that they are. Erick Fedde becoming a folk hero down the stretch by pitching steadily. Tristan Peters having the All-Star caliber season that he is showing. Andrew Benintendi quietly having a solid year and being a veteran presence on this squad. And then Randal Grichuk, having been designated for assignment by the New York Yankees earlier in the season, crushing like he has especially against left handed pitchers. Plus, even though he had Tommy John surgery, Mike Vasil creating a fad with a wand and being the biggest cheerleader in the dugout.

Aside from 2005, there won't be another year quite like 2026 has. It's been fun, exciting, and amazing. Whether the Sox win the World Series remains to be seen no matter how unlikely, but with how unexpected and insane as it's been, there will be nothing quite like this. When the Pale Hose win another championship, it will be out of expectation. But like 2005, this 2026 campaign will be special no matter how it ends. Yes, that previous rebuild left us all so disappointed and this can almost seem like false hope, but I know it's not. I don't know why that is, but it feels like this is different. So on this final day of the regular season, let's celebrate this accomplishment before they have to get down to business come Tuesday. Yes, not winning the division sucks, but I don't think we all would trade where the Sox are now versus what we all thought they would do. Breakout the Malort, the Chicago White Sox will play postseason baseball in 2026.