In a season resembling a horror movie, the Chicago White Sox reached the grim milestone of 100 losses after falling 9-4 to the Detroit Tigers, prompting fans to wonder if it’s time for a miracle or a new manager.

With their 100th loss, the White Sox officially enter the 'it's not you, it's definitely us' phase of the season, as they now face the daunting task of needing to win 12 of their last 31 games to dodge the shame of tying the 1962 Mets’ modern-era record of 120 losses. As interim manager Grady Sizemore tries not to break down after a 3-11 start, fans ponder whether divine intervention or a managerial shake-up is the team's best shot at salvation.

The game started with a flicker of hope as Andrew Benintendi and Andrew Vaughn quickly provided a double dose of excitement for the White Sox—quite literally, as they hit back-to-back doubles to kick off the day. Unfortunately, the rest of the game went as smoothly as a lead balloon. Despite Vaughn's heroic attempt at uplifting spirits with a home run and two RBIs, the White Sox found themselves slipping further into the spiraling abyss fast enough to make even Houdini’s acts of escape appear overconfident.

In stark contrast, the Tigers had Andy Ibáñez channeling his inner slugger, sending a home run into the stands and racking up three RBIs. At this point, it seemed that the Tigers had come armed with a strategy that was a bit more cutting than the White Sox's—content with operating under the principle that scores win games, not just running up nice stats.

As the dust settled and fans walked away from the ballpark longing for better days, one could sense a peculiar blend of disbelief and resignation in the air. The team now needs to go 12-19 in their remaining games in order to avoid tying the record for most losses in a modern season, held by the infamous 1962 New York Mets. This condition is undoubtedly alarming, considering that choking away the remaining games would effectively thrust the White Sox into a 120-loss tie, elevating their notoriety from ‘disappointing season’ to ‘historically awful’.

The sigh of exasperation from the stands could almost be measured in decibels. To put this in context, only the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics achieved their 100th loss in fewer games than the current squad, further cementing the 2024 season as a rapid descent downwards. If statistics had feelings, they would be weeping for the team that has now lived through not one, but six seasons marked by over a hundred losses, including their all-time worst showing in 1970 with 106 losses.

As if it weren't enough, the franchise's history rings like a curse from bygone eras—at 100 losses in the bag, they aimlessly flirt with what others have imperialistically labeled the Detroit Cycles of Mediocrity. This legacy could only be topped by the Cleveland Spiders’ egregious 134 losses in 1899, a mark we pray the White Sox manage to avoid. Fans may need more than a pinch of pixie dust to dodge that fate at this point.

What does the future hold for the White Sox? One would hope better days are on the horizon. However, with Sizemore at the helm—post-Pedro Grifol—it seems as though the transition has been one speck above chaotic, with a record of 3-11 that is anything but reassuring. The level of frustration could inspire a few more gray hairs on the faces of fans who have so stoicly endured the last couple of months.

What should the White Sox focus on going forward? One of the most straightforward answers might be to keep the ball in play and allow fewer uncontested trips to the outfield—something they may want to consider after committing four errors in this game alone. Even a Little League team would furrow their brows at such generosity of scoring opportunities.

So, as South Side supporters lace up their metaphorical cosplay gear from 1962, it's become clear that they have arrived at an intersection populated with critical choices. Whether to cling on to hope, draw strength from nostalgia, or consider drastic measures for the final month of the regular season, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. But, one thing remains clear: whatever happens going forward, fans will continue to flock to the ballpark, watching their team with steadfast loyalty, as outside observers construct lavish theories on how to avoid becoming the butt of jokes, or worse—an entry in the sports almanac for all the wrong reasons.