Will Venable Named Next White Sox Manager: A New Era Begins in Chicago
As the Chicago White Sox look to rebound from a historic 121-loss season, they have found their man in Will Venable, a former MLB outfielder and current associate manager of the Texas Rangers. The 42-year-old Venable, who has spent time on the coaching staffs of several teams including the Cubs and Red Sox, will be taking on his first managerial role in the major leagues. Venable's hiring is a move that indicates the White Sox are looking to turn the page and start fresh. With a multiyear contract in hand, Venable becomes the 44th different manager in franchise history. While he may lack managerial experience, his diverse background in the game is undeniable. He played nine seasons in the majors as an outfielder for the Rangers, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers, and has spent time as a special assistant to Cubs president Theo Epstein and as a coach under notable managers like Alex Cora and Bruce Bochy.A Strong Baseball Pedigree
Venable's baseball roots run deep. His father, Max, had a long big-league career, and his brother, Winston, played in the NFL. Venable himself was a two-sport star at Princeton University, earning first-team All-Ivy League honors in both baseball and basketball. This athletic background will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates the demands of managing a major league team.Rebuilding a Franchise
The task ahead of Venable is a daunting one. The White Sox finished the 2024 season with the worst record in Major League Baseball's modern era, breaking a 62-year-old record held by the 1962 New York Mets. However, Venable is not one to shy away from a challenge. He has spent time working under managers with a combined six World Series championships and has learned from some of the best in the game. In his introductory press conference, Venable acknowledged the difficulties that lie ahead but expressed his excitement for the opportunity. He praised the White Sox organization and expressed his commitment to helping the team turn things around. With his diverse experience and strong baseball pedigree, Venable is well-equipped to lead the White Sox back to competitiveness.A New Era in Chicago
The hiring of Will Venable marks a new era in Chicago White Sox history. As the team looks to rebuild and rebound from a disastrous season, they have found a manager who is ready to take on the challenge. With his experience, passion for the game, and commitment to the organization, Venable is poised to make a positive impact on the South Side. Venable's association with the White Sox organization is not new; he was part of the interview process for the last managerial opening, which ultimately went to Pedro Grifol. Now, with his experience as a bench coach for the Red Sox and associate manager for the Rangers, Venable is ready to take the reins and lead the team to better days. The road ahead will not be easy, but with Will Venable at the helm, the Chicago White Sox are ready to start anew and leave the memories of a historic 121-loss season behind.#Sports
