Sloppy effort

Last week, Michael Kopech of the Chicago White Sox, a relief pitcher, did something no other ChiSox pitcher had done since 1923. He threw what was only the second  “Immaculate Inning” in the team's history. 

An "Immaculate Inning" is a rarity indeed: to accomplish it, a pitcher has to get the other side out 1-2-3, with three strikes per batter, no balls, nothing but strikes. Only three Orioles have ever done it: Jimmy Key (1998), B. J. Ryan (1999), and Kevin Gausman (2018). 

Kopech was once supposed to be a great starter in the big leagues, but that didn't work out so well for him. However, of late he has been effective as a reliever, so maybe that's his future.

His past includes a divorce from Canadian actress Vanessa Morgan, who plays Max in the CW series "Wild Cards." Of her acting, it can honestly be said that she is in the same business as Meryl Streep. 

Back to the White Sox: you might remember (if you are very, very old) that the last guy on that team to turn in an immaculate inning was Hollis “Sloppy” Thurston back on August 22, 1923. "Sloppy" got his nickname because he was an immaculate, well-turned-out dapper dresser. In the manner of men since forever, a debonair dude is called "Sloppy," just as a slim guy goes by "Tubby." 

Nor should we confuse him with other famous Thurstons: Thurston Howell III from "Gilligan's Island," Frederick Charles "Fuzzy" Thurston, the great offensive guard from the Green Bay Packers of the Lombardi era, and "Thirsty" Thurston, the besotted neighbor of Hi and Lois in the funny pages.

I've got to go to the store.