Will Venable Uses Basketball Tactics to Revive White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have transformed from one of Major League Baseball's worst teams into postseason contenders under manager Will Venable, whose basketball background has shaped his approach to pitching, player development and teamwork. After losing 121 games two seasons ago, Chicago moved within five wins of the World Series following a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of their playoff series at Progressive Field.

The victory highlighted Venable's emphasis on preparation, trust and tactical flexibility. According to reporting by The Guardian and Suara Garut, Chicago can advance to the American League Championship Series by defeating Cleveland in Chicago in the next game described in the reports.

Venable's managerial philosophy draws on his experience playing shooting guard at Princeton University from 2001 to 2005. He earned first-team All-Ivy League honors, helped Princeton reach the NCAA Tournament and scored 21 points against Duke. He also earned All-Ivy recognition in baseball, becoming the second Princeton athlete to achieve that distinction in both sports.

White Sox designated hitter Andrew Benintendi described the manager's consistent temperament as a defining feature of his leadership.

"He's the same guy every single day," said Andrew Benintendi, White Sox designated hitter. "He's even keel. … Being Steady Eddie and showing up every day as the same guy."

The Princeton basketball system emphasizes movement, accurate passing, spatial awareness and quick decisions rather than dependence on fixed plays. Venable said those principles helped him recognize how small details can influence collective performance on a baseball field.

"For me, my time playing basketball, especially at Princeton, helped me understand the importance of attention to detail," said Will Venable, White Sox manager. "The spacing and timing required [in the Princeton offense] helped me as a baseball player understand the importance of every little detail."

That philosophy also influences Chicago's postseason pitching decisions. Instead of routinely asking starting pitchers to work six or more innings before turning to the bullpen, Venable has prioritized individual matchups and the next out, distributing responsibilities among pitchers according to their strengths.

"That's carried over into managing," said Venable. "The details matter: where we position guys, the timing of their pre-pitch movements, timing at the plate, all the very fine details and the precision of the game. I learned that through my time in basketball."

The strategy has drawn criticism as the postseason has progressed. An October 9 analysis published by Roundtable.io argued that bullpen fatigue was becoming a problem after relief pitchers struggled over consecutive days. The analysis placed greater responsibility on general manager Chris Getz and the front office, arguing that Chicago had not sufficiently strengthened its roster before the trade deadline.

The same analysis described heavy bullpen use as central to the White Sox's postseason approach, while warning that fatigue could undermine its effectiveness. It distinguished those roster-management concerns from responsibility for individual relief appearances.

Venable's trust in his players was evident in Game 2, when rookie outfielder Braden Montgomery delivered an opposite-field double in the sixth inning to put Chicago ahead. Montgomery subsequently scored on a single as the White Sox secured the 4-3 win, according to The Guardian.

Montgomery entered the postseason after recording a .430 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 103 regular-season plate appearances against left-handed pitchers, the lowest mark among qualifying hitters from the right side of the plate. The decisive contribution came despite his having recorded only three hits in his first 12 postseason plate appearances.

Venable defended his decision to trust the rookie in a pivotal situation.

"That's a guy that's not going to shy away from the moment," said Venable. "It all culminates into trusting the player and really again putting the nine best guys out there to get the job done."

Montgomery credited that confidence with strengthening his commitment to the manager.

"I respect him so much for having that confidence in me, and that means the world to me," said Braden Montgomery. "I'd run through a wall for Will."

Catcher Kyle Teel also credited Venable's guidance with helping him regain composure at the plate after returning to the active roster and struggling offensively. Teel recalled receiving advice to avoid overcomplicating his approach before hitting a home run shortly afterward.

"[Will] came up to me and told me not to do too much and stay within myself," said Kyle Teel. "I hit a home run right after he said that. He's a phenomenal leader. I'm grateful he's our manager."

Shortstop Colson Montgomery said the manager's confidence has influenced the team's collective mindset, reducing uncertainty about whether players have his support.

"When you see your manager walking around with all of the confidence in the world, why would I not walk around like that too," said Colson Montgomery, White Sox shortstop. "There's never a doubt wondering if he believes in me."

Chicago's improvement followed a difficult first season under Venable, when the team lost 102 games in 2025. The White Sox finished the 2026 regular season at 84-78, one game behind the Guardians in the Central Division race, according to the reports.

Venable has also credited Getz and the broader organization for establishing a shared direction. He said the general manager's vision for winning aligned with his own approach and influenced his decision to join the organization.

"[General manager Chris Getz] was very clear about what he thought [winning] looked like, and as he outlined his plan and his values, I was very much in line with that," said Venable. "That's why I ultimately thought it was a good partnership and that this was going to be a place where we could help the organization move forward. … I was on board with the vision and wanted to do my part to help him."

Venable credited the players' collective effort for the team's progress, emphasizing that their results reflected a shared commitment rather than the work of one individual.

"It's because they've done it together," said Venable.