In June of 2005 I turned 50 years old. Four months later, on October 26th, I got the greatest birthday present of my life. It's hard to describe the feelings shared by all in the Pub that evening, ecstacy, exhilleration, euphoria,... It was an emotional release for all of us in the bar, in the City, in White Sox Fandom, who had all, for the most part, waited their entire lives for that moment. It was the culmination of an unbelievable journey that became more and more electric as the season went on. Who goes wire-to-wire in first place? Who marches through the post-season, going 11 and 1? Not many. Not many at all.

There was a point in the season, (I don't remember if it was right before or right after the All-Star break), that I felt I "knew" it was going to happen. For 49 seasons prior to 2005, I always wanted them to win it. I always thought they could and should win it. But this feeling was different. It wasn't simply because they had owned first place every day of the season to that point. It was the way they did it. They had great starting pitching, great relievers, great hitting (small and big ball) and great fielding. They had the entire package. I realized that in every game, no matter what the score was, I always felt that they not only could but would come back and win it. And they usually did. I never had that feeling in the past. The last 2 weeks of September were an emotional roller coaster that I'd rather have skipped being on. But in retrospect, I believe it toughened them and readied them for the next month. It catapulted them into October on fire. They couldn't lose. But we know that nothing is guaranteed in this City for its sports clubs. So until Juan Uribe threw that final bullet to Paulie, we held our breath. And when he did, the Pub erupted. Champagne and beer were flying. Brooms were being waved overhead. The outburst of emotions was incredible. And it didn't end that night. I remember passing Michelle Lockwood downtown several months later. As we passed, she had a huge smile and said "We won it!"

I remember when the Bears won the Super Bowl. I remember the Bulls winning the NBA Championship 6 times. These were fantastic moments for all of us that we'll never forget. But the night the White Sox won the 2005 World Series is the greatest sports moment in my life.

Here are some videos we here at Shinnicks.com made when the sox won the world series.

In order to view these you can just click the link for a progressive download, or you right click and select "save file as" to save the movie on your hard-drive.  

Get Ready to Rumble - Highlights from the Crosstown Classic on the Southside, including the crazy second inning.  

Mission Impossible-Clips from the White Sox World Series and the tavern that attempt to go along with the Mission Impossible theme song.  This is a fan favorite is great to remember the championship.

CLTV-This is a three minute clip that aired on CLTV after the White Sox won the World Series.  If you were there this is a definite must see.

One of our Shinnick's pictured with the World Series Trophy