La What Now?


Since the 1960s, baseball teams and players have been publishing cookbooks. I collect them and try out some of the recipes that major leaguers have shared with their fans over the years. Photos, recipes and comments included.



Saturday, April 6, 2013

Introduction

Welcome to the 1980s!  Feel that neon glow from the arcade.  Sway to the synthpop on the radio.  Breathe in that air.  Careful though - acid rain.

In 1983, the Chicago White Sox were looking to build on their 87-75 record from the year before, when they finished six games behind the AL West division winning California Angels.  Led by Tony La Russa in his fourth full season as manager, the Sox had their sights set on returning to the post season after a long drought.

The White Sox also joined in the growing trend of publishing official team cookbooks.  Their entry was titled Home Plate: The White Sox Favorite Recipes.  Players, coaches and front office figures all submitted recipes.  From Jerry Reinsdorf to Roland Hemond, Harold Baines to Carlton Fisk, Ken Harrelson to Nancy Faust, and everybody in between.

The 1983 White Sox went on to win the AL West division title.

The 1983 White Sox cookbook has become a slice of team history.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of that memorable White Sox team, I will be taking wooden spoon and mixing bowl in hand, and cooking my way through all the recipes from the players, coaches and famous south side names that still resonate three decades later. 

Welcome to La Russa Gastronomique!

It's going to be one trippy trip...


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