Chicago Area Historical Events: June 23

Sports Flashback: June 24, 1895

On June 24, 1895, the Tribune reported a unique incident at a baseball game between the Chicago Colts, later known as the Cubs, and the Cleveland Spiders. The game was halted after the third inning as team members were arrested for playing on a Sunday, which violated local laws. Amid a crowd of 10,000 at West Side Grounds, players signed $100 bail bonds in the clubhouse before resuming play and securing a 13-4 win.

Weather Records

The National Weather Service archive for Chicago notes June 23 weather extremes. In 1930, the area experienced a high of 97 degrees, contrasting with a low of 44 degrees in 1982. Precipitation reached 3.04 inches in 1892, while 1916 saw trace snowfall.

Historical Speeches and Conventions

In 1888, Frederick Douglass spoke at the Republican National Convention held in Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre. He garnered a single vote from Kentucky in the fourth ballot, marking him as the first Black person nominated for president. Chicago’s tradition of hosting major political conventions began in 1860.

Chicago Cubs Historical Performance

In 1930, Hack Wilson, a future Hall of Famer, hit for the cycle against the Philadelphia Phillies. Wilson set a single-season record with 191 runs and continued his stellar year with a combination of a home run, triple, double, and two singles.

Corporate Developments in Chicago

By 1960, United Airlines began development on its Elk Grove Village headquarters, positioned near O’Hare International Airport. The site remained in operation until 2009, later undergoing demolition for a new $2.5 billion data center by CloudHQ.

Legislative Changes in 1975

Chicago City Council enacted “Burke’s Law,” proposed by former Alderman Edward Burke. This ordinance prohibited nudity in massage parlors, named after a popular detective TV show.

Soccer Milestone

In 1976, the Chicago Sting defeated the New York Cosmos in front of 28,000 spectators at Soldier Field. This match marked soccer legend Pelé’s final appearance at the venue.

Ryne Sandberg’s Iconic Performance

The 1984 Cubs vs. Cardinals matchup became known as “The Sandberg Game.” During the game at Wrigley Field with 38,079 attendees, Ryne Sandberg hit two crucial home runs against Bruce Sutter. This performance showcased Sandberg’s prowess, culminating in his National League Most Valuable Player Award.

Changes in Horse Racing

In 2000, Churchill Downs Inc. acquired Arlington Park for $71 million. The track ceased operations in 2021, with the Bears securing a deal to purchase the site in February 2023.