White Sox: Top 5 First Round Draft Picks in Franchise History

Robin Ventura

No matter how you may feel as a Sox fan about Robin Ventura‘s stint as the team’s manager, you can’t deny that he was a good player for the team. Ventura was drafted by the Sox with the 10th overall pick in the 1988 MLB draft out of Oklahoma State University.

The third baseman would play 10 seasons with the Sox and became a fan favorite. Through his 10 seasons with the Sox, Ventura had a .274/.365/.440 slash line with 171 home runs. He also was a five-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base while with the Sox.

Ventura’s managerial stint with the Sox wasn’t the best, but his playing time with the franchise was more memorable. Ventura was part of some great Sox teams that unfortunately weren’t able to come away with a World Series championship. However, along with another first-round draft pick that’s mentioned in this list, Ventura would become a legend on the Southside during his playing days.

Much like Anderson and Sale, Ventura can also be listed as another success story for the Sox in regards to first-round draft picks. Ventura might not have his number retired by the Sox but he will be remembered by many fans as a good player during his stint with the franchise.