Notable Events in Chicago’s History: June 13

On June 13, 1990, the film “Dick Tracy” premiered in Woodstock, the hometown of the comic strip’s creator, Chester Gould. Although the movie featured stars like Warren Beatty and Madonna, they did not attend the opening. Interestingly, a Chicago police officer named Dick Tracy was present.

Weather Records in Chicago

According to the National Weather Service, notable weather records for June 13 include:

• Highest temperature: 95 degrees in 1956
• Lowest temperature: 40 degrees in 1985
• Precipitation: 4.64 inches in 1976
• Snowfall: Trace in 2022

1888: Lincoln Park Zoo’s New Additions

The Lincoln Park Zoo purchased an 8-year-old female elephant, later named “Duchess”, along with several other animals from the Barnum & Bailey Circus for $3,000. Today, the zoo engages in noncommercial acquisitions only.

1940: Chicago Cubs’ Hall of Fame Game

The Chicago Cubs played the Boston Red Sox on June 13, 1940, in the first Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, New York. Despite the rain shortening the game to seven innings, the Cubs won 10-9. The Cubs hit four home runs, with Bob Collins scoring a three-run homer. Ironically, rain also interrupted the traditional game in 2008 between the Cubs and the San Diego Padres.

1957: Yankees and White Sox Brawl

A notable brawl occurred on June 13, 1957, at Comiskey Park when New York Yankees outfielder Enos “Country Boy” Slaughter engaged in a fight with White Sox’s Larry Doby. Slaughter confronted Sox’s Walt “Moose” Dropo. The brawl resulted in Slaughter’s jersey getting torn, but he generally received the win from unofficial judges.

1986: Vietnam Veterans Parade

A significant parade occurred on June 13, 1986, when Vietnam veterans marched through downtown Chicago. This event took place 11 years after the Vietnam War ended.

1994: Ryne Sandberg Retirement

On June 13, 1994, Cubs infielder Ryne Sandberg announced his retirement. Despite having $15 million left on his contract, Sandberg cited burnout and family commitments as reasons. He returned in 1995, making a notable comeback. Later, in June 2024, Sandberg unveiled a statue at Wrigley Field before succumbing to prostate cancer in July 2025.

1997: Bulls Secure NBA Championship

The Chicago Bulls won their fifth NBA Championship on June 13, 1997. Michael Jordan acknowledged the crowd following the victory at the United Center in Chicago.

2006: James Laski’s Sentencing

Former Chicago City Clerk James Laski received a two-year prison sentence on June 13, 2006. He pleaded guilty to bribery related to the Hired Truck Program investigation. Laski served approximately one year in prison.