This Date in Chicago Sports-----December 31, 2009

A scoring error erases an apparent Northwestern 20-19 basketball victory over Notre Dame at Evanston. The official scorer discovers a lost Irish point, and the game is officially recorded as a 20-20 tie.

This Date in Chicago Sports--- December 30, 1987

The Bears defeat the New Orleans Saints, 33-25, at Soldier Field. Devin Hester is the star of the game with a 64 yard punt return and a 55 yard pass reception, both for touchdowns.

December 29, 1963

The Bears convert two Y.A. Tittle interceptions into touchdowns, and defeat the New York Giants, 14-10, in chilly Wrigley Field, as they win their eighth NFL championship.

This Date in Chicago Sports--- December 28, 1950

In a basketball game played at the Milwaukee Arena, Northwestern topples the Marquette Warriors, 81-69, as Jack Fendley and Ray Ragelis lead the Wildcat attack with 18 points each.

Walter Payton High School

Walter Payton High School is a select enrollment school on Chicago's North Side. Select enrollment means that kids must have high test scores to get into the school. Walter Payton is ranked as one of the best schools academically, not only in Chicago but the state as well. Students at Payton who go out for sports do well in track and field and volleyball for instance, and not the hit'em hard, knock'em down variety of football that Walter Payton played for the Bears. Although Payton fields a football team for CPS competition, they are not very good. A little ironic, in my opinion.

This Date in Chicago Sports--- December 27, 1987

Walter Payton plays in his last regular season game as a Bear, in a 6-3 victory over the LA Raiders in Southern California. "Sweetness" gains 82 yards rushing and catches two passes for 21 yards.

Sid Luckman

There is an argument among fans about who was the best Jewish baseball player. Was it the slugger Hank Greenberg or the great pitcher Sandy Koufax? There is no split opinion though about who was the best Jewish football player. Only one name comes up in the discussion, and that is Sid Luckman.

Luckman played collegiate ball at Columbia where he was an All-American. However it was with the Chicago Bears that Luckman made his name among the football greats. Playing for the Bears from 1939-1950, with a stint along the way in the Merchant Marine, Luckman led the Bears to four NFL titles. He was the first "T" formation quarterback in the pros, revolutionizing the offensive-side of football. Luckman, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, threw for a total of 14,686 yards with 137 passing touchdowns.

This Date in Chicago Sports--- December 26, 1943

A crowd of about 33,000 fans come out to see the war-time NFL championship game between the Bears and the Redskins at Wrigley Field. Sid Luckman, who is on leave from the Merchant Marine, throws five touchdown passes as the Bears win the title, 41-21.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 25, 1896

Playing a Christmas Day game on the Midway in the relatively new sport of football, the University of Chicago soundly defeats Northwestern University, 46-6.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 24, 1952

DuSable crushes Forman, 102-62, in the Chicago High School Prep Illinois Tech Basketball Tournament, held at the International Amphitheater.

Howie Carl

As a high school kid and Chicago sports fanatic, Howie Carl was my favorite local basketball player. I remember treking down to Alumi Hall on Belden and Sheffield by bus and el to watch Howie play on Coach Ray Meyer's Blue Demons. As a fellow Jewish kid from the North Side, I thought that it was pretty amazing that Howie was playing at Catholic DePaul. Howie was an incredible long shooter and he played well with his backcourt companion Bill Haig. I know that he had a cup of coffee with the NBA Packers, but my best memories of him are those beautiful long shots going swish through the hoops on those cold winter nights in that gym on Belden.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 23, 1960

DePaul guard Howie Carl scores 43 points against the Marquette Warriors at Alumni Hall on Belden Street, which are the most points ever scored by a Blue Demon in that venue.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 22, 1982

Reggie Theus pours in 46 points, but the Bulls fall to the Celtics, 140-131, in a game played at the Boston Garden.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 21, 1947

The Chicago Cardinals win their first NFL championship, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 28-21, in the title game.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 20, 1948

The Fighting Illini trounce DePaul, 89-51, in hoops action in Champaign. Illinois gets revenge after falling to the Blue Demons, 60-50, in Chicago nine days before.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 19, 1969

Bulls star guard Jerry Sloan is seriously hurt in a game played against the Knicks at the Stadium. Sloan misses 29 games due to the injury.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 18, 1932

The Bears win the first NFL playoff title game, which was played indoors at the Chicago Stadium, defeating the Portsmouth (Ohio) Spartans, 9-0. The indoor "field" was 80 yards long.

This Date in Chicago Sports-----December 17, 1949

DePaul defeats Loyola, 59-53, and Northwestern topples Notre Dame 66-56, in a basketball doubleheader at the Chicago Stadium.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 16, 1951

Charlie Trippi leads the Cardinals to a 24-14 win over the Bears at Wrigley Field. Trippi rushes for 145 yards and throws nine passes for 106 yards.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 15, 1979

Teddy Grubbs scores 28 points to lead DePaul to a 99-94 victory over UCLA. This game is only the fourth Bruin defeat at Pauley Pavilion since the building opened in 1965.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 14, 1965

Eddie Stanky succeeds Al Lopez as White Sox skipper. Stanky manages for two and one-half years and compiles a 206-197 record for the Pale Hose.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 13, 1942

After a dominant regular season, with a record of 11-0, and scoring 376 points to their opponents 84, the Bears lose the NFL championship game, 14- 6, to the Redskins in a game played at Griffith Stadium.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 12, 1965

Gale Sayers scores six touchdowns in the Bears 61-20 rout of the San Francisco 49ers at Wrigley Field. Sayers scores on four rushes, one pass and a punt return.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 11, 1949

Bears quarterback Johnny Lujack sets an NFL passing record as he throws for 468 yards with 24 completions, as the Bears clobber the hometown rival Cardinals, 52-21, in the final game of the season. However the Bears finish one half game behind the Rams in the title race.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 10, 1976

The White Sox trade future Hall of Famer, Rich Gossage, and Terry Forster to the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Silvio Martinez and outfielder Richie Zisk. Gossage and Forster are reunited with ex-Sox skipper Chuck Tanner in Pittsburgh.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 9, 1978

The Chicago Hustle play in the debut game of the Woman's Professional Basketball League. The Hustle defeat the Milwaukee Does, 92-87, as Debra Waddy-Rossow tosses in 30 points.

KUP

Irv Kupcinet, known to many Chicagoans of a certain generation as a fabled newspaper and television personality, had quite an interesting sports career as well. Kup was a star quarterback with an outstanding Harrison High team. He went on to play at the University of North Dakota as an All-American. Drafted by the Eagles, Kup played in two NFL games as quarterback in 1935, tossing five passes, while completing one pass for six yards. Injuries curtailed his playing career, but he stayed in the game as a referee for many years. Later on, he was the legendary Jack Brickhouse's sidekick as the color man on Bear radio broadcasts.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 8, 1940

A stunned crowd of 36,034 see the Chicago Bears trounce the Washington Redskins, 73-0, in the NFL title game at Griffith Stadium. The Bears ground game gains 381 yards, contrasted to only 5 by the Redskins. One of the officials during the game is Irv Kupcinet, the head linesman.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 7, 1941

Despite the news of Pearl Harbor, Chicago's great NFL rivalry continues, as the Bears defeat the Cardinals, 34-24, at Comiskey Park.

My Book

Some of you already know that I am working on a book. Its subject is the White Sox from 1921 through 1950, from the aftermath of the Scandal to the start of the Go Go era. I've recently joined SABR (the Society of American Baseball Research) and will use its resources as well as documents in the Charles Comiskey archives at the Chicago History Museum in my pursuit.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 10, 1938

After playing just one season with his hometown Cubs, shortstop Dick Bartell is traded to the Detroit, where he plays a major role in the Tigers' 1940 American League championship season.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 5, 1964

Weber, champion of the Catholic League, trounces CVS, champion of the Public League, 34-13, in the annual High School Prep Bowl at Soldier Field. Chuck Kurzawski rushes for 148 yards in eighteen carries and scores a touchdown for the winners.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 4, 1943

The 3rd annual National All-Star bowling tournament opens at the Servicemens' Center in the Auditorium Theater. There are 132 contestants competing in the event, co-sponsored by Tribune Charities and the Bowling Proprietors Association of America.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 3, 1970

The great glove leaves Chicago once again! Luis Aparicio is traded to the Red Sox for two mediocre infielders, Mike Andrews and Luis Alvorado

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 2, 1942

Ray Meyer coaches his first game at DePaul University. The Blue Demons defeat the Aero MACS, a team of servicemen who had played college ball, 51-28. The game was played at the Navy Pier gymnasium.

This Date in Chicago Sports---December 1, 1982

The visiting Bulls are defeated by the Kansas City Kings, 143-132, in a game played at the Kemper Arena.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 30, 1946

The Black Hawks are given the worst drubbing in their history, suffering a 12-0 humiliation by the Maple Leafs at Toronto.

Milton Bradley

The first time I ever heard of Milton Bradley(the ballplayer, not the toymaker) was when he was announced in the lineup for the Ottawa Lynx at a minor league game that we were attending in the summer of 2000. We were in Ottawa for the bar mitzvah of our friends' son, so where better than to spend a free evening than watching baseball?

I do remember Bradley legging out a double in that game, and being impressed by his speed. I have the Lynx (a Montreal Expo Triple A team) program from that game and see that Ted Lilly,Geoff Blum and Jamey Carroll were also on that team. Bradley was featured in the program. In describing his 1999 season at Harrisonburg, the program stated that "Despite missing a number of games this season due to the Pan-Am Games, a shoulder injury, and a suspension, Bradley still put up excellent numbers."

An injury, a suspension. Sound familiar?

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 29, 1988

Despite Brad Sellers game high 32 points, the Bulls are defeated by the Golden State Warriors, 109-99, at the Oakland Coliseum. It was the first game since December 1, 1987 (91 games) that Michael Jordan did not lead the Bulls in scoring.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 28, 1929

In an intracity NFL rivalry, the Cardinals upset the Bears, 40-6, as Redbird player-coach Ernie Nevers scores all 40 points.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 27, 1938

White Sox pitcher Monty Stratton accidentally shoots himself while hunting rabbits back home in Texas. The bullet severely injures his leg, ending his career at age 26. Stratton, who had shown great promise with the Sox, finishes with a lifetime record of 36 wins and 23 losses.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 26, 1950

Mount Carmel, coached by Terry Brennan, routs DePaul Academy, 51-14, in the Catholic League football title game at Soldier Field. Fullback Dan Shannon scores four touchdowns for the Caravan.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 25, 1958

Ernie Banks is named the National League's MVP for 1958. Banks had 47 homers, 129 RBIs' and a slugging percentage of .616 for the year.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 24, 1985

The Bears record their 12th consecutive victory, shutting out the Falcons, 26-o. The game is highlighted by lineman turned fullback, William "The Refrigerator" Perry's one yard touchdown plunge.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 23, 1935

University of Chicago All-American, Jay Berwanger, stars in his last game played for the Maroons, scoring their only touchdown and extra point in a 7-6 victory over Illinois at Champaign. Berwanger goes on to become the first Heisman Award winner and the first choice in the initial NFL draft.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 22, 1925

Red Grange announces that he will sign a professional football contract with the Bears only a day after his last collegiate game at the University of Illinois.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 21, 1933

Chuck Klein, the slugging outfielder and future Hall of Famer, is traded to the Cubs after winning the Triple Crown for the Phillies in 1933. The Phillies, experiencing a severe financial crunch, peddle Klein to the North Siders for three players and an estimated $65,000.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 20, 1977

Walter Payton breaks his own rushing record by gaining 275 yards in 40 attempts, as the Bears edge the Vikings, 10-7.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 19, 1935

Walker Cochran defeats Willie Hoppe, 50-46, to capture the world three cushion billiards championship held at the Sherman House.

The Judge Rules Correctly

Judge James Linn, a reader of this blog and a helluva nice guy, points out I made a boo-boo in my entry yesterday. In fact, the Bulls did not play their first season in the Coliseum. They played at the Amphitheater in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. The Zephyrs played their second season in Chicago (1962-63) at the Coliseum, before packing up the next season and moving to Baltimore where they became the Bullets. I should have known better, having attended a Zephyr game that fall with my friend Ricky Factor in the midst of the Cuban missile crisis. I don't remember anything about what happened in the game. What I do remember is speaking to the boxer Sonny Liston before the game, and getting to feel his muscular arm.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 18, 1962

Billy Wade passes for 466 yards as the Bears unsaddle the Cowboys, 34-33, in a game played in Dallas.

The Chicago Coliseum

The Black Hawks played their inaugural game in the NFL at the now demolished Chicago Coliseum, which was located on Wabash Avenue between 16th and 17th streets. The Hawks played there until February, 1929 when they moved to the Chicago Stadium. The Coliseum also hosted the Bulls in the 1967 season.

The 1904, 1908, 1916 and 1920 Republican conventions were held at the Coliseum. Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Party held its convention there in 1912. The convention that I personally remember at the Coliseum was the SDS convention held June 29, 1969, in which my friend Will Caref played a major leadership role.

The building was torn down in 1983. An arch from the building can be found across the street at an entrance to a public park. That and memories are all that remain.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 17, 1926

The Chicago Black Hawks play their first game in the National Hockey League. The Hawks defeat the Toronto St. Patricks, 4-1, in a rink located at the Chicago Coliseum.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 16, 1929

A Soldier Field throng of 112,912 watch the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, coached by the legendary Knute Rockne, defeat the Southern Cal Trojans, 13-12.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 15, 1936

A sparse gathering of 3,856 watch the Cardinals defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 14-6, in a National Football League game played at Wrigley Field.

Interceptions

As bad as we thought Cutler was the other night with five interceptions, let us not forget former Bear QB, Zeke Bratkowksi, who tossed seven interceptions on October 2, 1960. Anybody out there have any memories of Bratkowski and his two fellow Brother B quarterbacks on that team, Ed Brown and Rudy Bukich?

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 14, 1943

Sid Luckman throws seven touchdown passes at the Polo Grounds in New York, as the Bears destroy the Giants, 56-7.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 13, 1990

Michael Jordan hits a 15 foot jumper at the buzzer to seal the deal, as the Bulls edge the Utah Jazz, 84-82, in a low scoring road victory.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 12, 2008

The Black Hawks retire the number 3 jersey for two legendary defensemen, Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson, at a ceremony at the United Center.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 11, 1917

Despite recording three consecutive thirty win plus seasons with the Phillies, Grover Cleveland Alexander is traded to the Cubs in exchange for the memorable Pickles Dillhoefer, Mike Prendergast and $55,000.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 10, 1948

The White Sox receive cash and a young left-handed pitcher, Billy Pierce, from the Detroit Tigers, in exchange for catcher Aaron Robinson. Pierce goes on to post 186 career wins with the South Siders.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 9, 1980

The Bears defeat the Redskins, 35-21, before 57, 159 fans at Soldier Field. James Scott and Walter Payton each scored two touchdowns.

Projected White Sox Lineup for 2010

OK friends. Time to fantasize. Here is my Sox lineup for next year:

Jordan Danks----CF
Gordon Beckham--2B
Carlos Quentin---LF
Paul Konerko---DH
Mark Teahan---3B
Mark Kotsay---1B
Alexi Ramierez--SS
A.J. Pierzynski---C
Jayson Nix----RF

What do you think?

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 8, 1972

The Black Hawks defeat the New York Islanders, 6-1, at the Stadium, in a game that features a penalty shot by Hawk center Pit Martin.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 7, 1981

Michigan State humbles Northwestern, 61-14, at Dyche Stadium. This represents the twenty-ninth consecutive loss for the Wildcats, a new major college record.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 6, 1981

The Bulls sign their first draft pick, Orlando Woolridge, from Notre Dame. In his four years for the Irish, O had shot 59.5% from the field.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 5, 1950

The Bears take their show on the road and beat the Lions, 35-21. The highlight of the game is Bill Garrett's 62 yard run after picking up a Detroit fumble.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 4, 1923

The Bears defeat the Oorang Indians, a team consisting solely of Native Americans, 26-0. George Halas recovers a Jim Thorpe fumble at the Bears 2 yard line and runs it back 98 yards for a touchdown. Halas' fumble runback remained a record in the NFL for fifty years.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 3, 1968

Gale Sayers establishes a new Bear one game rushing record, 205 yards in 24 attempts, in a game against the Packers. The Bears win game, 13-10, at Green Bay.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 2, 1990

The Bulls, in what many prognosticators predict to be a championship season, lose their opening game to the Philadelphia 76'ers in front of a stunned Stadium throng.

This Date in Chicago Sports---November 1, 1930

Princeton and the University of Chicago battle to a 0-0 tie, before a crowd that exceeded 35,000 at Stagg Field.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 31, 1974

Lee Stern brings professional soccer to Chicago, as the Chicago Sting is granted a franchise in the North American Soccer League.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 30, 1949

The Bruins wish they never left Beantown, as the Black Hawks clobber Boston, 10-4, in a game played at the Stadium.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 29, 1959

Thirty-nine year old hurler, Early Wynn, is the recipient of the Cy Young Award. Wynn posted a 22-10 record for the White Sox in their American League championship season.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 28, 1961

Coach Ara Parseghian's Northwestern Wildcats defeat Notre Dame, 12-10, at South Bend. It is the Cats third consecutive victory over the Irish.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 27, 1975

The Bears lose to the Vikings, 13-9, in a national Monday night telecast. Minnesota placekicker Fred Cox kicks field goals of 46 and 52 yards, as 51,259 Soldier Field fans watch the action.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 26, 1941

The Bears drub the Pittsburgh Steelers, 34-7, on their way to a 10-1 regular season record and a divisional championship.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 25, 1965

Leo "The Lip" Durocher returns from a ten year managing hiatus to take over the reins of the Cubs.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 24, 1980

The American League owners, by a vote of 8-6, reject Ohio businessman Edward J. DeBartolo's bid to buy the White Sox.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 23, 1974

The Cubs trade future Hall of Fame outfielder Billy Williams to Oakland for second baseman Manny Trillo and relief pitchers Darold Knowles and Bob Locker.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 22, 1981

Lee Elia is named Cubs manager succeeding Joey Amalfitano. Elia returns to Chicago after brief utility infield stints with both the Cubs and Sox in the 60's.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 21, 1979

Laura Michalek, a 15-year old high school sophmore from Berwyn, is the first female across the finish line in the 3rd annual America's Marathon/Chicago. She ran the 26.2 mile race in a time of 3:16:45.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 20, 1968

Mac Percival's accurate foot kicks five field goals in the Bears 29-16 victory over the Eagles at Philadelphia.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 19, 1978

The White Sox fire skipper Larry Doby and replace him with former Cub Don Kessinger, who will be a player-manager for the South Siders.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 18, 1966

The Bulls make their Chicago NBA debut, defeating the Golden State Warriors, 119-116, at the International Amphitheater. Guy Rodgers and Jerry Sloan combine for 48 points in the victory.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 17,1943

The second World War forces the two Pennsylvania NFL franchises to combine resources into a blended team known as the Phil-Pitt Steagles, who visit Chicago and lose to the Bears, 48-21.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 16, 1932

After playing three consecutive scoreless ties on the road, the Bears open their home season losing to the Packers, 2-0, at Wrigley Field.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 15, 1952

Jimmy Carter regains the lightweight championship, as he wins a decision over Lauro Salas in a 15 round bout at the Chicago Stadium.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 14, 1926

The Chicago American Giants defeat the Atlantic City Bacharach Giants, 1-0, to capture the Negro League championship. Willie Foster, the younger brother of the legendary Rube Walker, records the shutout.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 13, 1927

Arlington Park race track officially opens its gates. The new sporting venue seats about 18,000, which makes it the largest track capacity in the nation at the time.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 12, 1907

The Cubs win their first World Championship as they beat the Tigers, 2-0, in the fifth game of the World Series in Detroit. The Cub pitching staff posts an incredible 0.75 composite ERA for the five game series.

West Side Park

The Cubs first four World Series' were played at West Side Park, which was located on what is today the site of the University of Illinois Medical Center at Taylor and Wood Streets. It wasn't until 1916 that the Cubs moved to the North Side, when they moved into Weeghman Park, which had been the home field of the Whales of the defunct Federal League. West Side Park may have had the deepest center field in baseball history measuring 560 feet.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 11, 1929

The Cubs, who lost the first two games of the World Series to the Philadelphia A's, win game three by a score of 3-1. Unfortunately the Cubs lose the next two games, as the A's win the first of what will be two consecutive World Series titles.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 10, 1934

Bear halfback, Beattie Feathers, gains 101 yards in 8 carries against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Feathers goes on to become the first NFL back to rush for over one thousand yards in a season.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 9, 1986

The Black Hawks open their season by edging the New York Islanders, 3-2, in a game played at the Chicago Stadium.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 8, 1907

The Cubs and Tigers open the World Series at West Side Park and play to a 3-3 tie. The game is called on account of darkness after 12 innings.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 7, 1917

Red Faber pitches the White Sox to a 7-2 win over the New York Giants in the second game of the World Series. This was the first of three Faber victories in the Series.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 6, 1959

The White Sox win the fifth game of the World Series, 1-0, behind a combined shut-out by Bob Shaw, Billy Pierce, and Dick Donovan. The Los Angeles Coliseum crowd of 92,706 is the largest ever to watch a baseball game.

Rashard Mendenhall

Skokie's very own, Steeler running back Rashard Mendenhall, rushed for 165 yards and scored 2 touchdowns yesterday, as the Steelers defeated the San Diego Chargers yesterday. The former Niles West and University of Illinois star was injured in last season's first game after being picked as the number one draft choice for Pittsburgh. I wish our local athlete a successful year, especially since the Bears won't have to play the Steelers again this year, unless we meet them in the Super Bowl.

Ed Walsh

The year 1908 was a stellar one for Ed Walsh. The White Sox hurler had a record of 40-15, while posting an ERA of 1.42. Walsh pitched for the South Siders from 1904 through 1916. He ended his career with the Boston Braves in 1917. His lifetime ERA of 1.82 is the lowest ever recorded among major league pitchers. Walsh was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 5, 1908

Pitcher Ed Walsh wins his fortieth game of the season, as the White Sox defeat the Detroit Tigers, 6-1.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 4, 1984

The Cubs are only one win away from the World Series, but their dreams are crushed as San Diego pummels them 7-1. The Padres go on to win the two remaining games of the National League Championship Series.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 3, 1945

Hank Borowy pitches a shut-out for the Cubs in the first game of the World Series against the Detroit Tigers, as the Cubbies win 9-0.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 2, 1908

Cleveland hurler Addie Joss tosses a perfect game against the White Sox in a 1-0 victory. Sox pitcher Ed Walsh strikes out fifteen in a losing effort.

This Date in Chicago Sports---October 1, 1919

Was the fix in? The underdog Cincinnati Reds embarrass the White Sox, defeating the South Siders 9-1 in the first game of the World Series.

Bobby Thigpen

Bobby Thigpen was the type of closer that made you bite your nails and grind your teeth. The final out never came easy for him. He had that amazing year in 1990 earning a record-breaking 57 saves. That record stayed in the books until last year when it was shattered by the Angels' Francisco Rodriguez with 62 saves.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 30, 1990

I celebrated my 45th birthday experiencing a double-dose of baseball history. I attended the last game played at the first Comiskey Park. The White Sox edged the Seattle Mariners, 2-1, as Bobby Thigpen recorded his 57th save, which at that time, set a new major league record.

Amos Alonzo Stagg

Amos Alonzo Stagg coached the Maroons of the University of Chicago from 1892 to 1932. He doubled up on wins over losses, having led his Maroons to a record of 242-112-27 over his long and distinguished career. Stagg's U of C teams went on to win seven Big Ten championships. Stagg was one of the shapers of modern day football, introducing the huddle, the lateral pass and uniform numbers to the game.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 29, 1903

The University of Chicago Maroon football team annihilates Monmouth College, 108-0, in a game played at Marshall Field (later named Stagg Field).

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 28, 1938

Catcher Gabby Hartnett hits a two-out, ninth-inning homer in the near dark of Wrigley Field to break a 5-5 tie, as the Cubs defeat the Pirates and go on to win the National League pennant.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 27, 1967

The White Sox pennant hopes are dealt a severe blow as they lose a road doubleheader to the Kansas City Athletics, 5-2 and 4-0.

Mills Stadium

Mills Stadium was a sports venue located in an industrial area on Lake Street near Cicero, between the Lawndale and Austin neighborhoods. The stadium was built in 1913 and was used mainly for semi-professional baseball and both amateur and professional boxing, although there were many other uses. The Chicago Bears opened their regular season at Mills in 1930, playing the Brooklyn Football Giants to a 0-0 tie. The Chicago American Giants hosted a Negro League game against the New York Cubans at Mills in 1935.

The Sting

You have to give Lee Stern credit for bringing professional soccer to Chicago. Lee's hope was that a new generation of American soccer players would eventually replace the predominance of foreign players on the American soccer scene, and ultimately put soccer on par with the other major American professional sports. It never happened. The Sting played both outdoor and indoor soccer from 1975 through 1988, and overall attendance averaged in the 6,000-13,000 range per game.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 26, 1981

The Chicago Sting become the North American Soccer League champion as they defeat the New York Cosmos, 6-5, at the Soccer Bowl held in Toronto.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 25, 1926

Chicago is awarded a National Hockey League franchise called the Black Hawks. The new team will play its games at the Coliseum on South Wabash Avenue.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 24, 1919

The White Sox clinch the American League championship, defeating the St. Louis Browns, 6-5, at Comiskey Park. The bookmakers make the Sox 8-5 favorites over the Reds in the World Series.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 23, 1907

The Cubs clinch their second National League pennant, defeating the Phillies, 4-1, in a game that featured a Chicago triple-play.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 22, 1927

Before a throng of 104,943 at Soldier Field, Gene Tunney defeats Jack Dempsey for the heavyweight boxing crown in the famous long count bout.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 21, 1930

The Bears opened the season at home playing the Brooklyn Dodgers to a 0-0 tie. The game was held at Mills Stadium, located at Lake near Cicero, because Wrigley Field was still in use for the baseball season. This was the only professional game ever played at Mills Stadium. This was the first season for the Brooklyn Football Dodgers in the NFL. They went 7-4-1, and only gave up a total of 59 points in 12 games, less than 5 points a game!

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 20, 1953

The future "Mr. Cub", Ernie Banks, slugs his first major league homer off Gerry Staley of the St. Louis Cardinals, but the Cubs lose, 11-6, at Busch Stadium.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 19, 1934

More than 35,000 wrestling fans come to Wrigley Field to watch Jim Londos become heavyweight champion of the world. Londos pins Ed (Strangler) Lewis with a hammerlock and then switches to a halfnelson to secure his victory.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 18, 1927

The Yankees sweep a pair from the White Sox, 2-1 and 5-1, at New York. Babe Ruth hits his 54th homer off of Ted Lyons in the fifth inning of the second game.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 17, 1983

The White Sox become the American League Western Division champions. Julio Cruz scores on Harold Baines' sacrifice fly, giving the Sox a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 16, 1975

Rennie Stennett of the Pittsburgh Pirates becomes the only player in the 20th century to collect seven hits in a nine-inning game, as the visiting Pirates romp over the Cubbies by a score of 22-0.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 15, 1915

White Sox hurler Red Faber tosses a one-hitter against the Red Sox at Boston. The only BoSox hit is a single by Tris Speaker in the fifth inning. The White Sox win the game, 3-1.

Memories of that Magical Year

Former Bear offensive lineman, Keith Van Horne, came into Max and Benny's today. He was still fuming from that heartbreaking loss last night. You hate to see a big man like that in a bad mood.

Van Horne played thirteen solid years with the Bears. He was a vital part of the Super Bowl winning team. He brought back all sorts of memories of that magical year.

Cousin Lester brought out an old poster of the Bears offensive line where they were all were wearing shades and looking tough. Keith took Lester's Sharpie and autographed the poster. Pretty neat. Now we just have to find one of all the guys doing the Super Bowl Shuffle.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 14, 1936

The White Sox defeat the Washington Senators, 5-4 and 11-3, in a twinbill played at Comiskey Park. Luke Appling collects five hits for the day, raising his league leading batting average to .384.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 13, 1981

The San Francisco 49ers defeat the Bears, 28-17, at Candlestick Park. Walter Payton scores two touchdowns, but also fumbles twice, including once on the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter.

MJ----You Could Have Done Better

I was disappointed with Michael Jordan's acceptance speech at the Basketball Hall of Fame last night. There was a lack of graciousness on MJ's part. I know that we would not have six championship flags draped at the United Center if were not for Michael, but his supporting cast did play a major role in those championship seasons. Michael could also have mentioned the late Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr as friends and part of his Bulls' family during his remarks. Hey MJ, where's your heart? Ego's cool, but so is appreciation and caring.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 12, 1974

The Bears hire former Minnesota executive Jim Finks as general manager, vice-president and chief operating officer. The Bears post a 4-10 record in the first year of the Finks era.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 11, 1951

The Cubs and Braves bang out 33 hits as Chicago defeats Boston, 13-11, before 3,836 fans at Wrigley Field.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 10, 1967

Joel Horlen hurls a no-hitter at Comiskey Park, as the White Sox beat the Tigers, 6-0.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 9, 1965

Sandy Koufax pitches a perfect game against the Cubs at Los Angeles, as the Dodgers edge the Cubs, 1-0. Koufax completes the season with a 26-8 record.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 8, 1940

The visiting Chicago Cardinals open the season playing the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 7-7 tie. The opening Cardinal roster has twenty-two rookies, including formerNotre Dame star Mario Tonelli, who leads the offense with forty-three yards of rushing.

White Sox Musings

* Gavin Floyd is going to pitch a no-hitter within the next two years.

* Jermaine Dye looks old.

* Alex Rios looks lost.

* Matt Thornton should be the closer next year.

Reeder Looking at Sports: This Date in Chicago Sports---September 7, 1959

Reeder Looking at Sports: This Date in Chicago Sports---September 7, 1959

Ollie Matson

My favorite football player as a kid was Ollie Matson, who played with the Chicago Cardinals from 1952-58. Ollie was the best running back and kick-off returner on either side of town during those years. The poor, suffering Cardinals unloaded my hero in a trade after the 1958 season to the Los Angeles for nine players. Ollie continued to distinguish himself in the NFL, and eventually was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 7, 1959

Host city Chicago bids "Adios" to the athletes of the Third Pan-American Games. The U.S. garners 121 gold, 72 silver and 52 bronze medals.

Ich Heroics

Congrats to Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners for becoming the second-fastest major league player to reach the 2,000 hit milestone. He did it in his 1,402 game. It took Al Simmons 1,390 games. Suzuki is just five hits away from 200 hits this season, which will be nine consecutive seasons of 200+ hits, which will set the major league record, breaking a tie with Willie"hit them where they ain't" Keeler.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 6, 1905

The White Sox clobber the Tigers, 15-o, as Frank Smith hurls a no-hitter for the visiting Chicagoans.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 5, 1918

The Cubs and Red Sox opened the war-shortened World Series at Comiskey Park, which is used in hope of increasing attendance for the games. In Game 1, Red Sox pitcher Babe Ruth outdueled Cub ace, Hippo Vaughn, in a 1-0 victory for Boston.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 3, 1904

J. D. (Jim) Lightbody, a student at the University of Chicago, wins his third gold medal at the 1904 Olympiad in St. Louis. Lightbody wins the 1,500- meter race to add to his earlier triumphs in the 2,500 meter steeple-chase and the 800-meter race.

Stars in Their Twilight

During the last few years, the White Sox have had the likes of Jim Thome and Ken Griffey Jr., both future Hall of Famers, play for them in the twilight of their careers. I remember, back in the 80s, when Hall of Famers Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton spent some twilight time on the South Side. Seaver pitched for the Sox from 1984 to 1986, winning 33 and losing 28, while posting a 3.67 ERA. Carlton also pitched for the Sox in 1986, registering a 4-3 record and an ERA of 3.69.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 2, 1972

Cubs pitcher Milt Pappas hurls a no-hitter against the Padres at Wrigley Field, as Chicago wins, 8-0. Pappas misses a perfect game by one pitch, as Padre Larry Stahl takes a walk with a full-count and two out in the ninth inning.

This Date in Chicago Sports---September 1, 1961

Cuno Barragan, the Cubs' rookie catcher, slugs a home run in his first major league at bat. It is his only career homer.

Johnny Mostil

Johnny Mostil, the local kid who played the outfield for the White Sox in the 1920s, is the only major league center-fielder who ever caught a foul ball.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 31, 1935

Vern Kennedy hurls the first White Sox no-hitter at Comiskey Park since 1914. Chicago defeats the Cleveland Indians, 5-0.

This Day in Chicago Sports------August 30

August 30, 1981----John Henry, with Willie Shoemaker in the saddle, wins the Arlington Million, earning 600,000 in first-place money.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 29, 1965

Ron Hansen of the White`Sox establishes a major league record for shortstops by handling twenty-eight chances in a double-header. The Sox win both games by 3-2 scores.

This Date in Chicago Sports--August 28, 1950

Hank Sauer, the Cub's premier slugger immediately preceding the Ernie Banks era, belts three homers as the Northsiders edge the Phillies, 7-5, at a game played in the Friendly Confines.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 27, 1911

Ed Walsh of the White Sox pitches a no-hitter at Comiskey Park. The Red Sox go down to defeat, 5-0.

Jumps, Hops and Pointing to the Sky

I don't know about you, but I hate Soriano's affected hop right before he makes a catch. I find it as obnoxious as Ron Santo's victory jump and Sammy Sosa's pointing to the sky after hitting a steriod-enhanced homer.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 26, 1972

Ron Santo's 2,000th hit as a Cub is a three-run homer in the Wrigley's 10-9 victory over the Giants.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 25, 1922

The Cubs score ten runs in the second inning and fourteen runs in the fourth, defeating the Phillies in a football-like score of 26-23 at Wrigley Field.

Who Needs A Bullpen?

August 24, 1905-----Cub pitcher Ed Reulbach hurls twenty innings in Chicago's 2-1 victory over the Phillies at Philadelphia.

This Date in Chicago Sports- No Paradise Lost

August 23, 1953---- Jockey Eddie Arcaro rides Mr. Paradise to a first place finish to win the $107, 120 Washington Park Futurity.

No Whiff With This Fox

August 22, 1958---Nellie Fox establishes a major league record by playing ninety-eight consecutive games without striking out.

Anson was never a White Sox Player

I really liked Michael Coffey's book about baseball's perfect games, "27 Men Out." However Coffey made a major research boo-boo when he stated on page 43 that a game in 1922, two years after the Black Sox scandal broke, had been delayed "by the funeral of Cap Anson, the great White Sox player who had died two days earlier, making nearly complete the severance of the White Sox from a glorious past."

In fact, Anson never was a White Sox player. He was a stalwart of the Chicago National League franchise, the White Stockings, who later became the Orphans, and eventually the Cubs.

The Revenge of No-Neck------August 21, 1973

Former White Sox outfielder, Walt "N0-Neck" Williams, spoils Stan Bahnsen's no-hit bid, singling with two outs in the ninth inning in a game at Cleveland. The Sox beat the Tribe, 4-0.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 20, 1957

White Sox right-hander Bob Keegan tosses a no-hitter against the Washington Senators at Comiskey Park, as the South Siders win, 6-0.

This Date in Chicago Sports-----August 19, 1969

A standing room crowd of 41,033 watches Kenny Holtzman no-hit the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. The Cubs win, 3-0.

This Date in Chicago Sports----August 18, 1972

The White Sox smack sixteen hits as they defeat the Boston Red Sox, 8-1, in front of 42,001 fans at Comiskey Park. Dick Allen's three-run homer is the highlight of the game.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 17, 1932

Frank Demaree's sacrifice fly drives in Billy Herman in the bottom of the 19th inning, as the Cubs-Braves marathon ends in a 3-2 victory for the Wrigleys.

This Date in Chicago Sports, August 16, 1956

Sam Jones whiffs thirteen Milwaukee Braves in a game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs post a 4-2 victory.

This Date in Chicago Sports--August 15, 1859

Charles Albert Comiskey is born in Chicago at the corner of Union and Maxwell Streets. He later attends Holy Family parochial school and St. Ignatius College.

This Date in Chicago Sports--August 14, 1939

Moon over Comiskey Park! The White Sox play their first home night game as they beat the St. Louis Browns, 5-2.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 13, 1948

Former Negro League great, Satchel Paige, a rookie pitcher in the American League at age forty-two, returns to Comiskey Park as a Cleveland Indian. A turnaway crowd of 51,103 jams the rafters, as Paige shutsout the White Sox, 5-0.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 12, 1931

The Cubs take two from the Phillies at Philadelphia, 7-3 and 12-1, behind complete game performances by Charlie Root and Bob Smith.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 11, 1991

In only his second Major League appearance, and his White Sox debut, 21 year old hurler, Wilson Alvarez, no-hits the Baltimore Orioles, as the Sox defeat the Birds 7-0 at Baltimore.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 10, 1938

Mike Kreevich goes 4 for 4 and Luke Appling goes 3 for 3, as the Sox beat the Detroit Tigers, 8-7, at Comiskey Park.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 9, 1919

Hippo Vaughn, the legendary Cub pitcher, surprises the New York Giants by stealing home in the eighth inning. The Cubbies go on to win the game, 3-1.

Appling the Butcher

Yes Luke Appling, the White Sox shortstop from the team's dark era, is deservedly in the Hall of Fame with his offensive achievements of a .310 lifetime batting average, 2,749 hits and 1,116 RBIs. Hoewever the guy was a butcher in the field. He made 672 errors in 12,889 chances, a fielding percentage of .948. Compare that to another White Sox Hall of Fame shortstop, Luis Aparicio, who commited 366 errors in 12,930 chances, a .972 percentage. Appling made 55 errors during the 1933 season, and he holds the dubious distinction of the worst Major League fielding percentage of any player since 1910 who played in at least 1900 games.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 8, 1960

A Comiskey Park crowd of 48, 323 gleefully watched the White Sox bomb Whitey Ford and the Yankees, 9-1, behind a strong outing from Billy Pierce.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 7, 1964

The Chicago Bears trounce the College All-Stars, 28-17, before 65,000 fans at Soldier Field.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 6, 1979

Bob Elson, who announced radio games for both the White Sox and Cubs, in a career spanning more than four decades, received the cherished Ford C. Frick award from the Hall of Fame for "major contributions to baseball." The "Ol Commander" as he was fondly called, broadcast more than five thousand games over WGN, WJJD, WCFL and WMAQ. His signature phrase in the 50s and 60s was "there's a White Owl wallop and a box of White Owl cigars" for the White Sox player who just hit a homer.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 5, 1976

Artis Gilmore becomes a member of the Chicago Bulls as he is selected first in the American Basketball Association Dispersal Draft.

Long Names, Long Ball

Only four Major League players with ten or more letters in their last names have hit forty or more homers in a season. Who are they?

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 4, 1960

Billy Martin, the mercurial second baseman of the Cincinnati Redlegs (who changed their name from Reds during the Cold War era), fractures Cub's hurler Jim Brewer's cheekbone in a scuffle at Wrigley Field. Cubs win, 5-3.

Addie Joss

Most of us are familiar with four of the five other Major League pitchers who along with Mark Buehrle have the distinction of tossing a perfect game along with another no hitter------Cy Young, Sandy Koufax, Jim Bunning and Randy Johnson. Addie Joss is the sixth pitcher in this exclusive club, and the least known by baseball fans.

Joss pitched for the Cleveland American League team from 1902 until 1910. The team was first known as the Bronchos, and they were known as the Naps when Joss had to retire due to a severe illness. The name Indians would come later.

Besides the perfect game and the other no-hitter, which were both against the White Sox, Addie Joss had a lifetime ERA of 1.89, second best in Major League history, only bettered by his contemporary, the White Sox hurler Ed Walsh. He had four 20 plus win seasons, accumulating a 160-97 won- loss record.

Joss died of tubercular meningitis at the age of 31. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 3, 1952

Sam Snead shoots a 65 at the Tam O'Shanter Country Club to claim the All-American tourney championship.

Hardly a Whiff

White Sox Hall of Famer Nellie Fox only struck out a total of 216 times in 9232 times of bat in his 19 year career. That's about how many times Mark Reynolds and Ryan Howard strike out each season! Yankee Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio, in his 13 year career struck out 369 times in 6821 at-bats. The Yankee Clipper hit 361 home runs. About a homer for every strike out. Wow!

Don Cardwell's No-hitter

Although I was not at the ballpark to see either of Buehrle's gems, I did attend Wrigley Field in 1957 to witness Don Cardwell's no-hitter. My friend Howie Katz and I had snuck into the boxes in the seventh inning, and once Walt Moryn made his shoestring catch end the game, we were strategically positioned to run onto the field with Cub security being extremely lax at that time.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 2, 1963

The College All-Stars, coached by Otto Graham, defeat Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers, 20-17, at Soldier Field.

This Date in Chicago Sports---August 1, 1927

Cub's outfielder Hack Wilson collects two hits, a single and a triple, to extend his hitting streak to twenty-six consecutive games. The Cubs defeat the Phillies, 6-5, at beautiful Wrigley Field.

This Date in Chicago Sports---July 31, 1985

Arlington Park, the Chicago area's fabled racetrack, is destroyed by a raging fire. Fortunately the fire, which started when the track was closed, does not spread to the stable area, and there is no loss of human or animal life.

I Wonder if They're Republicans

New White Sox Mark Kotsay was born in Whittier, California, where Richard Nixon attended Whittier College. Sox basher, Ben Zobrist of the Rays, was born in Eureka, Illinois where Ronald Reagan attended Eureka College. I just wonder their political affiliations, if any.

Fear and Dread

Tonight, with considerable fear and dread, I'll be at the White Sox game. I'm beset with gloom since in my prior six games this year the Sox have lost five, including the 20-1 debacle against the hated Twins. I guess I must be jinxing them. Tonight we face those bums from the Bronx, one of the hottest three teams in baseball. We can always have hope as President Obama says(or was that President Clinton)?

Reflecting White Sox Memories at Max and Benny's South Sider Night

Last night hundreds of former residents of South Shore, Hyde Park and Jeffrey Manor packed Max and Benny's restaurant at the eatery's first Max and Benny's South Sider Night. Lester Schlan, my cousin and the owner of the establishment, was looking great in his White Sox jersey and hat. It brought back fond memories to me when my uncles Julie and Jerry Schlan bought White Sox season tickets for the 1960 season after the Sox won the pennant in 1959. I remember the White Sox sending out Dizzy Trout (Steve's dad, who worked in White Sox community relations), outfielder Al Smith (of spilled beer fame) and outfielder Jim Landis (the best fielding center fielder that has worn white and black in my time) to the family business, Veterans' Supply at 9237 S. Houston in South Chicago. They spent over an hour schmoozing with my uncles and the employees. I was working part-time for my uncles then, a star-struck 14 year White Sox fan seeing and talking to those heroes of mine. What a thrill! And boy has the game of baseball changed! Can you imagine today major league players spending their off seasons peddling tickets for the team?

This Date in Chicago Sports History:

July 30, 1929

Kid Chocolate, the Cuban featherweight boxing phenom, wins a ten-round decision in a match against Steve Smith at Mills Stadium on the West Side.

This Date in Chicago Sports---July 27, 1973

July 27, 1973

The last College All-Star football game was played. The Miami Dolphins defeated the College All-Stars 14-3, behind two Larry Csonka touchdowns. A crowd of 54, 103 watched the event at Soldier Field.

Buddy Myer Once Again Ignored by HOF Veterans' Committee

Another Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony has concluded, and once again the Veterans' Committee has ignored second baseman Buddy Myer, who batted .303 over a career span of 17 years, 16 of them with the Washington Senators. Myer came up to the majors in 1925 and retired in 1941. Myer was a contemporary of Hall of Fame second baseman Billy Herman who had a lifetime batting average of .304, one point above Myer's. Myer played in 1923 games to Herman's 1922, and scored 1174 runs compared to 1163 for Herman. Myer also outpaced Herman in RBIs', 850 to 839.

Herman did have about 200 more career hits, but Myer had about 200 more walks. Herman did outpace Myer in doubles 486-353, but Myer hit 130 triples to Herman's 82, and Myer's 156 stolen bases far exceeded Herman's 67. Both players had minimal home run power, 47 for Herman and 38 for Myer. Myer even played in two World Series in 1925 and 1933, although the Senators fell short of the title in both years.

Buddy Myer happened to be Jewish. Besides Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax, we Jewish baseball fans don't have much representation among players at Cooperstown. This is why I am kvelling about Buddy Myer's career accomplishments, who I believe far exceeded yesterday's inductee, second baseman Joe Gordon who just happened to play for the Yankees and hit home runs.