Apr. 8, 1963 - The Detroit Tigers claimed Dennis McLain (pictured), a 19-year-old bonus right-hander, from the Chicago White Sox for the $25,000 waiver price today, and immediately optioned him to their Duluth farm in the Northern League. Upon his graduation from high school, McLain was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent and was assigned to play with the Harlan Smokies of the Appalachian League. McLain had a spectacular performance in his minor league debut for the Smokies, throwing a no-hitter and striking out 16 batters in a game against the Salem Rebels. After just two games with the Smokies, he was promoted to the Clinton C-Sox of the Midwest League. Players with one year of service in the minor leagues are subject to a draft if they are not called up to the major leagues. The White Sox left McLain in the minor leagues, and the Tigers pounced.
