Chicago’s history offers a fascinating look into past events. Here’s a glimpse of significant moments that unfolded on June 23 and its neighboring dates.
Sports Moment: The Arrests at a Ball Game
On June 24, 1895, a baseball game between the Chicago Colts (who later became the Chicago Cubs) and the Cleveland Spiders was interrupted. The reason? The entire team faced arrest for breaking laws against playing baseball on a Sunday. With a West Side Grounds crowd of 10,000 waiting, the players paused in the third inning to sign $100 bail bonds in the clubhouse. They then returned to complete the game with a 13-4 victory.
Weather Trivia from June 23
- High Temperature: 97 degrees in 1930
- Low Temperature: 44 degrees in 1982
- Precipitation: 3.04 inches in 1892
- Snowfall: Trace in 1916
Frederick Douglass at the Republican National Convention
In 1888, Frederick Douglass spoke at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre during the Republican National Convention. Douglass made history by receiving one vote from Kentucky in the fourth ballot, becoming the first Black person nominated for president.
Chicago Cubs Legend: Hack Wilson
In 1930, future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson achieved the rare feat of hitting for the cycle against the Philadelphia Phillies. Wilson, known for driving in a single-season record of 191 runs that year, showcased his prowess by hitting a home run, triple, double, and two singles in the game.
United Airlines’ Headquarters in Elk Grove Village
Ground was broken in 1960 in Elk Grove Village for United Airlines’ headquarters and training schools. Located 5 miles from O’Hare International Airport, United remained there until moving to Willis Tower in 2009. Recently, CloudHQ began demolishing the former headquarters to develop a $2.5 billion data center campus.
Ordinance Passage: Burke’s Law
In 1975, Chicago City Council passed an ordinance called “Burke’s Law,” proposed by former 14th Ward Ald. Edward Burke. This law aimed to ban nudity in massage parlors, inspired by a popular detective show of the time.
Soccer Highlight: Pelé’s Final Match at Soldier Field
In 1976, the Chicago Sting defeated the New York Cosmos before 28,000 fans. It marked soccer star Pelé’s last appearance at Soldier Field.
The Iconic Sandberg Game
On June 23, 1984, Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg cemented his reputation with a memorable performance against the St. Louis Cardinals. Known as “The Sandberg Game,” he hit two late-inning home runs to tie the score, leading to a 12-11 win. This game was a turning point in Sandberg’s career and the Cubs’ 1984 season.
Arlington Park Purchase
In 2000, Churchill Downs Inc. acquired Arlington Park for $71 million. The racetrack closed in September 2021. The Chicago Bears finalized a deal in February 2023 to purchase the site.