The Chicago White Sox of the late 1970s were known as much for their promotional gimmicks as their on-field play. Whether for failed stunts like Disco Demolition Night, or the 1976 game in which they wore shorts on the field, owner Bill Veeck made sure the White Sox did something to generate interest, win or lose.
Shortstop Harry Chappas’ career with Chicago lies somewhere between the realm of “successful stunt” and “marginal major league player.” Chappas, who died recently at age 66, was known as much for his height as anything he did on the field.
The Hall of Fame remembers former White Sox shortstop Harry Chappas, who passed away Sept. 15. (📸 Chicago White Sox) pic.twitter.com/pi7koXTfpL
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) October 9, 2024
In three seasons with the White Sox (1978-80), Chappas played 72 games and batted .245 with one home run and 12 RBIs. A sixth-round draft pick out of Miami-Dade College in 1976, Chappas debuted at the young age of 20 and never played a game after the age of 22.
BALTIMORE, MD – CIRCA 1979: Harry Chappas #13 of the Chicago White Sox goes to his backhand to field a ground ball against the Baltimore Orioles during an Major League Baseball game circa 1979 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Chappas played for the White Sox from 1978-80. Chappas died recently at age 66.
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
According to the Chicago Sun-Times,
Mr. Chappas, who played 72 games for the Sox in three seasons (1978-80), was listed at 5-foot-3 — a height that generated national media attention and a bit of controversy. Some skeptics, including teammates, questioned whether team owner and legendary showman Bill Veeck wanted Mr. Chappas on the roster as a novelty to garner publicity or because he could actually play ball.
Veeck told Sports Illustrated in a 1979 story that “Gaedel was a gag, Chappas is a player.”
Chappas’ version of events differed. In a 1997 interview, he said:
“I began to realize that Bill Veeck just wanted me to be a gimmick to put people in the seats… The first major league contract I signed was made of cardboard and was five feet tall. All these photographers took pictures of me next to it. I didn’t know better, so I went along, playing the role of the little guy.”
Chappas had the minor league resume to back up his claim as a legitimate ball player. Chappas played 731 games across three minor league levels beginning as an 18-year-old in 1976. He batted .252 with a solid .347 on-base percentage at the Triple-A level with the Chicago White Sox and Montreal Expos affiliates.
According to Baseball Reference, Chappas had a fascinating and wide array of hobbies. He raised finches and took some of them on the road with him. He also spent much of his nights building model airplanes. Following his playing days, he became a fan and player of jai alai.
The Sun-Times reported that Chappas lived outside of Fort Lauderdale, not far from where he grew up.
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