Jerry Reinsdorf, White Sox Chairman:
“The entire baseball world is saddened by the news of Roland Hemond’s passing after a long and incredibly impactful life. Roland began his career in baseball in 1951, and there is not a person in this game over the past 70 years who has not benefitted from his judgement, friendship, mentorship and his many creative ideas that forever changed the game of baseball on the field and in the front office. Baseball owes Roland an immense debt of gratitude and its heartfelt thanks. After joining the White Sox in 1970, Roland served as director of player development, vice president, executive vice president/general manager and special assistant to the chairman. The highlight of his time as White Sox general manager in Chicago certainly came in 1983 with the American League West division title, the city’s first championship since 1963. His champagne-soaked suit from that clinching game still is prominently displayed in our ballpark.
“Joined by Tony La Russa, Dave Dombrowski, Walt Jocketty and Doug Melvin, I had the pleasure of seeing Roland just last month in Phoenix as he was enshrined in the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. We shared a few words together, and we were able to thank him for all he had done for each of us, our careers, our teams and for baseball. Our thoughts go out today to his wonderful wife, Margo, their five children, his four grandchildren, and all people in baseball who mourn losing him but celebrate knowing him and all he leaves behind.”
Howard Pizer, Senior Executive Vice President
“It was a joy to be Roland’s friend, and our relationship extended all the way back to old Comiskey Park, where in our cramped offices, we would sometimes find an exhausted Roland cat-napping on a countertop in his tiny office. During each of our postseason games in October 2005, many of us sat in the same section and row for every game. Being baseball-superstitious, we all continued to sit in the same order, game after game, White Sox win after White Sox win. That put me next to Roland in Anaheim and Houston. Although I’d known Roland for years, sitting next to him during those intense games, listening to his insight, was a true tutorial in baseball. His baseball knowledge was extraordinary, and it was an honor to call Roland, Margo and their family very dear friends.”
Ken Williams, Executive Vice President
“Roland was my first general manager as a player, and then, years later, was the first person I called when I became general manager of the White Sox. He became my first hire when I asked him to come aboard as an advisor and counselor. Roland did that and more and was an invaluable advisor, confidant and friend as we captured the 2005 World Series. As one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors, there are a lot of people mourning Roland today while also telling stories of how he impacted their lives and the game. He will be missed by many. The White Sox and my family send our deepest condolences to Margo, his kids and grandchildren.”
Tony La Russa, White Sox Manager
“I believe it’s shared by everyone in the baseball world, starting with his time with the Milwaukee Braves, that Roland Hemond touched and influenced more people than any other person in a really positive way. For years and years, he’s been the most beloved figure in the game. He treated everyone with kindness and respect and they returned it. Roland was a very nice man, but he also had the ability to make tough decisions. People forget that he was the guiding force to convince Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn in the early days that acquiring Carlton Fisk would not only be a good baseball move but also would show fans and the baseball world that the White Sox were serious about winning.
“To show the kind of special person he was, he never forgot a name. He was a great resource for a lot of us at the Winter Meetings. When the lobbies are flooded with people, if we didn’t immediately recall a name, Roland was always there to help us out. It’s a sad day, but he lived a remarkable life.”
Roland Hemond’s Highlights with the Chicago White Sox:
- Joined the team in 1970 as director of player personnel in tandem with manager Chuck Tanner
- Acquired Dick Allen following the 1971 season and Allen won the AL MVP Award in 1972
- Named Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 1972
- Architect of 1983 American League West division champions
- Named Major League Executive of the Year in 1983
- Was with the White Sox from 1970-1985 as director of player personnel, vice president, executive vice president and special assistant
- Returned to the White Sox from 2001-07 as executive advisor to Ken Williams
- In 2003, the White Sox named a community award in Hemond’s name
- The 2005 White Sox won two World Series games on Hemond’s birthday, October 26, 2005, clinching the franchise’s first World Series title in 88 years