Chris Sale is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Atlanta Braves. He previously played for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. The 6'6" left-handed pitcher is known for his impressive skills on the mound.
1908: Ed Walsh's Strikeout Record
In 1908, Ed Walsh set the Chicago White Sox franchise record for strikeouts in a season with 269.
1982: White Sox Throwback Uniforms
The Chicago White Sox wore throwback uniforms based on the design from Bill Veeck's second ownership tenure (1982-1986).
1983: Dave Stieb's All-Star Game Starts
Dave Stieb was the last American League pitcher before Chris Sale to start consecutive All-Star Games (1983-1984).
March 30, 1989: Birth of Chris Sale
Chris Sale was born on March 30, 1989, in Lakeland, Florida.
1999: Pedro Martínez's Strikeout Streak
In 1999, Pedro Martínez, while playing for the Boston Red Sox, set a major league record by striking out 10 or more batters in eight consecutive starts.
1999: Pedro Martínez's 300-Strikeout Season
Pedro Martínez was the last American League pitcher before Chris Sale to have a 300-strikeout season, doing so in 1999.
2000: Pedro Martínez's MVP Voting Finish
Pedro Martínez finished fifth in the AL MVP voting in 2000, the highest finish for a Red Sox pitcher until Chris Sale in 2017.
2000: Randy Johnson's Back-to-Back All-Star Starts
Randy Johnson started consecutive All-Star games for the National League in 2000 and 2001.
2001: Randy Johnson's Back-to-Back All-Star Starts
Randy Johnson started consecutive All-Star games for the National League in 2000 and 2001.
2007: Sale Develops Sidearm Delivery in College
Chris Sale developed his signature sidearm pitching motion while in college after being drafted in 2007.
2007: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies
Chris Sale was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 21st round of the 2007 MLB Draft but opted to attend college instead of signing with the team.
2008: Northwoods League All-Star
Chris Sale was recognized for his pitching prowess in 2008 when he was named an All-Star in the Northwoods League while playing for the La Crosse Loggers.
2009: Cape Cod League MVP and Outstanding Pitcher Award
In 2009, Chris Sale showcased his talent in the Cape Cod Baseball League, earning the league's MVP and Outstanding Pitcher Award. His exceptional performance, including a 1.47 ERA and 57 strikeouts, solidified his reputation as a rising star.
August 4, 2010: Called Up to the Majors
Chris Sale received his first call-up to the Major Leagues on August 4, 2010, marking a significant milestone in his baseball career.
August 6, 2010: MLB Debut
Chris Sale made his MLB debut for the Chicago White Sox on August 6, 2010, marking his first appearance in the major leagues.
September 1, 2010: First MLB Save
Chris Sale achieved his first MLB save on September 1, 2010, against the Cleveland Indians, showcasing his pitching prowess early in his major league career.
2010: Drafted by the White Sox and Minor League Journey
Chris Sale's professional baseball journey began in 2010 when he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. He started his minor league journey with the Winston-Salem Dash before being promoted to the Charlotte Knights.
2010: Dominant College Season and Awards
In 2010, while playing for Florida Gulf Coast University, Chris Sale had a standout season, boasting an impressive 11-0 record and a 2.01 ERA. His performance earned him the Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year and the Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year awards.
2011: Transitioning to a Relief Role
Throughout the 2011 season, Chris Sale primarily served as a relief pitcher for the White Sox, appearing in 58 games and recording a 2.79 ERA with 8 saves.
April 17, 2012: Sale Earns Nickname "The Condor"
Chris Sale's nickname, "The Condor," originated on the SB Nation site South Side Sox on April 17, 2012, due to his unique sidearm delivery resembling a California condor in flight.
2012: Breakthrough Season as a Starting Pitcher
Chris Sale transitioned to a starting pitcher in 2012 and had a breakout season. He recorded a career-high 15 strikeouts in a single game and was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for May.
2012: Cy Young Award Contender
Chris Sale's stellar 2012 season, which included a 3.05 ERA and 192 strikeouts, earned him a sixth-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting, highlighting his emergence as a top pitcher in the league.
March 7, 2013: Five-Year Contract Extension
Chris Sale's exceptional performance on the mound was rewarded on March 7, 2013, when he signed a five-year, $32 million contract extension with the White Sox.
May 12, 2013: One-Hit Shutout Against the Angels
On May 12, 2013, Chris Sale delivered a dominant pitching performance, throwing a one-hit shutout against the Los Angeles Angels. He came close to a perfect game, allowing only a single hit in the seventh inning.
2013: Leading the AL in Complete Games and Cy Young Contender
Chris Sale continued to excel in 2013, leading the American League with four complete games. Despite an 11-14 record, his impressive 3.07 ERA and 226 strikeouts solidified his status as a top pitcher, earning him a fifth-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
May 22, 2014: Return from Injury and Dominant Performance Against the Yankees
Chris Sale returned from a flexor strain injury on May 22, 2014, and delivered a dominant performance against the New York Yankees, retiring the first 17 batters he faced.
June 7, 2014: Struggles Against the Angels
Chris Sale faced a setback on June 7, 2014, when he surrendered a grand slam to Mike Trout during a game against the Los Angeles Angels.
April 23, 2015: Bench-Clearing Brawl and Suspension
On April 23, 2015, during a game against the Kansas City Royals, Chris Sale was involved in a bench-clearing brawl after a hit by pitch and subsequent groundout. He was ejected from the game and received a five-game suspension for his actions.
2015: Chris Sale Breaks Franchise Strikeout Record
Chris Sale broke Ed Walsh's franchise record for strikeouts in a season on October 2, 2015, during a game against the Detroit Tigers. He finished the season with 270 strikeouts.
2015: Clayton Kershaw's 300-Strikeout Season
Clayton Kershaw was the last pitcher before Chris Sale to have a 300-strikeout season, achieving the feat in 2015.
2016: All-Star Selection and Start
Chris Sale had a strong start to the 2016 season, leading to his selection as the starting pitcher for the American League in the All-Star Game.
2016: Uniform Controversy and Suspension
Chris Sale's dissatisfaction with throwback uniforms led to him destroying them and getting suspended for five days by the White Sox.
2017: AL East Division Title and Strikeout Leadership
Chris Sale led the MLB in strikeouts and strikeouts per 9 innings, helping the Red Sox win the AL East division title.
2017: Record-Tying Strikeout Streak and All-Star Selection
Chris Sale tied the MLB record for consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts (8) and was selected as the American League's starting pitcher in the All-Star Game for the second year in a row. He also became the fastest pitcher to reach 1,500 strikeouts in terms of innings pitched and achieved his first 300-strikeout season.
2017: Trade to the Boston Red Sox
Chris Sale was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2017, marking a significant turning point in his career.
2018: Opening Day Start, All-Star Selection, and Shoulder Injury
Chris Sale started on Opening Day for the Red Sox, was named to the AL All-Star team, but also dealt with shoulder inflammation that led to two stints on the disabled list.
2018: World Series Championship with the Boston Red Sox
In 2018, Chris Sale played a key role in the Boston Red Sox's pitching rotation, helping the team secure the World Series title.
March 23, 2019: Sale Signs Five-Year Extension with Red Sox
On March 23, 2019, Chris Sale signed a five-year contract extension with the Boston Red Sox worth $145 million, covering 2020 to 2024, with a vesting option for 2025.
2019: Sale's Injury Woes Since 2019
Chris Sale's string of injuries, including a rib stress fracture, finger fracture, and wrist fracture, raised concerns, leading Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom to humorously refer to a potential "Chris Sale voodoo doll" due to his misfortune since 2019.
2019: Sale Pitches for First Time Since 2019
Chris Sale threw a practice session in the bullpen at Fenway Park on June 8, 2021, marking his first time pitching there since 2019.
February 27, 2020: Sale to Miss Opening Day Due to Pneumonia
On February 27, 2020, Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke announced that Chris Sale would not be ready for Opening Day due to pneumonia, hindering his spring training progress.
2020: Red Sox Extension Covers 2020 Season
Chris Sale's contract extension with the Red Sox, signed in 2019, covers his salary for the 2020 season.
February 18, 2021: Sale Placed on 60-day Injured List
On February 18, 2021, Chris Sale was placed on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from Tommy John surgery.
2021: Sale Pitches Double the Innings Compared to 2021 and 2022
In the 2023 season, Chris Sale pitched over 102.2 innings, which was more than double the innings he pitched in 2021 and 2022 combined, highlighting his return to a heavier workload.
2022: Sale's Limited Playing Time in 2022
Chris Sale only made two starts for the Boston Red Sox in 2022 due to injuries, finishing with an 0-1 record and a 3.18 ERA in 5.2 innings pitched.
2022: Sale Pitches Double the Innings Compared to 2021 and 2022
In the 2023 season, Chris Sale pitched over 102.2 innings, which was more than double the innings he pitched in 2021 and 2022 combined, highlighting his return to a heavier workload.
December 30, 2023: Red Sox Trade Sale to Braves
On December 30, 2023, the Boston Red Sox traded Chris Sale to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Vaughn Grissom and cash considerations.
2024: Sale Selected for 2024 All-Star Game
Chris Sale was selected to the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game roster as a reserve, marking his first All-Star selection as a member of the Atlanta Braves.
2024: Red Sox Extension Covers 2024 Season
Chris Sale's contract extension with the Red Sox, signed in 2019, covers his salary for the 2024 season.
2025: Red Sox Contract Includes Vesting Option for 2025
Chris Sale's contract extension with the Red Sox, signed in 2019, includes a vesting option for the 2025 season.
2026: Braves Contract Includes Club Option for 2026
Chris Sale's contract extension with the Braves, signed in December 2023, includes a club option for the 2026 season worth $18 million.