The 1997 Chicago White Sox season was highlighted by the historic performance of Frank Thomas, who won the American League batting title with a .347 average and led the league in on-base percentage. The team remained competitive in the American League Central for much of the year, ultimately finishing in second place with an 80-81 record. Despite the mid-season "White Flag Trade" that sent away several veterans, the move allowed the franchise to acquire key young talent like Bobby Howry and Keith Foulke, who would become cornerstones of the team's future success. Additionally, the season featured the debut of future star Magglio Ordonez and saw the team win the inaugural regular-season Interleague series against their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs. A two-time American League MVP and 2014 Hall of Fame inductee, Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas was a legendary first baseman and designated hitter for the Chicago White Sox who retired with 521 home runs and a .301 career batting average.