Johnny Rigney

John Dungan Rigney was an American professional baseball starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the Chicago [White Sox]. Listed at,, Rigney batted and threw right-handed. A native of River Forest, Illinois, he was signed out of the University of St. Thomas.

Professional career

Rigney was one of the Chicago White Sox top pitchers in the years prior to World War II. His most productive season came in, when he won a career-high 15 games, including the first win for a pitcher during the first night game ever played at Comiskey Park. In, he recorded 14 wins with a career-best 3.11 ERA, pitching an 11-inning, 1–0 shutout against the visitors New York Yankees. It was the first time since 1919 that the Yankees had been shut out in extra innings by one pitcher. After that, he won 13 games in and was 3–3 before joining the United States Navy in May 1942. After being discharged in 1945, he returned to Chicago, but his playing time was limited by arm injuries. He retired after the season.

Management career

Following his playing retirement, Rigney took a position in the White Sox front office, becoming farm system director in 1947. In October 1955, he became the club's co-general manager, along with brother-in-law Chuck Comiskey, replacing Frank Lane. He departed the post when his wife sold her 54 percent share of the White Sox to Bill Veeck in.

Career statistics

In an eight-season career, Rigney posted a 63–64 record with 605 strikeouts and a 3.59 ERA in 197 appearances, including 132 starts, 66 complete games, 10 shutouts, five saves, and innings of work.

Personal life

Rigney married Dorothy Comiskey, granddaughter of Charles Comiskey, founding owner of the White Sox, and daughter of J. Louis Comiskey, another former club president.
Rigney died in Wheaton, Illinois, seven days shy of his 70th birthday.