Flashback #1: White Sox Trade Sosa To Cubs For Bell (1992)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

March 30, 1992 - White Sox trade Sammy Sosa to the Cubs for George Bell

The White Sox and Cubs don't trade with each other very often and the Sosa-for-Bell exchange is arguably the most memorable trade between the two franchises.

At the time, this was a trade involving a proven player at the tail-end of his career and a prospect that hadn't lived up to his potential yet. The White Sox felt they were ready to win in 1992 and they couldn't wait for Sosa. They sent the outfielder and reliever Ken Patterson to the Cubs for George Bell, a 10-year veteran who had put together four seasons with at least 95 RBIs and won the 1987 A.L. MVP award with the Blue Jays.

For one year, it looked like the White Sox had won the deal as Sosa struggled while Bell hit 25 home runs and knocked in 112 RBIs. Things changed in 1993, however, as Bell only managed 13 home runs and 64 RBIs in 102 games, while Sosa enjoyed his breakout season. The Cubs outfielder hit 33 home runs and knocked in 93 RBIs.

Bell would never play again after the 1993 season and Sosa would go on to rank seventh all-time with 609 career home runs.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »