Historical Events in Chicago on September 22
Sports Flashback: The 1959 Chicago White Sox
On September 22, 1959, the Chicago White Sox became American League champions. This achievement marked the first pennant win for a White Sox manager since Kid Gleason and the 1919 team. Managed by Al Lopez, the team clinched the pennant in Cleveland, triumphing over a team they had dominated all season.
In a dramatic moment reported by the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox faced bases loaded with Cleveland Indians, only one out, and a risk of losing a two-run lead. Lopez called on Gerry Staley. Staley delivered a sinker, resulting in a crucial double play orchestrated by Luis Aparicio. The play secured the win and the pennant.
Historical Events in Chicago
1910: United Garment Workers Strike
On December 12, 1910, seventeen young women initiated a strike at Hart, Schaffner & Marx in Pilsen. The four-month strike eventually involved 40,000 workers, protesting wage cuts from 4 cents to 3 ¾ cents per garment. The strike, led by Bessie Abramowitz and supported by lawyer Clarence Darrow, ended as workers returned to their jobs on January 16, 1911, awaiting a resolution.
1927: The Long Count Fight
The heavily anticipated rematch between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey on September 22, 1927, drew a crowd of nearly 105,000 at Soldier Field. The fight, known as “The Long Count,” saw Dempsey knock Tunney down, but delay moving to a neutral corner. This gave Tunney extra time to recover, allowing him to win by unanimous decision.
1969: Jesse Jackson’s ‘Black Monday’
On September 22, 1969, Rev. Jesse Jackson led a protest against discriminatory union hiring practices. The gathering, dubbed ‘Black Monday,’ drew 3,000 participants at Chicago’s Daley Plaza, highlighting ongoing struggles for racial equality in employment.
1981: Willoughby Tower Tragedy
A fire on September 22, 1981, in Willoughby Tower led to the tragic deaths of two Chicago firefighters. Joseph Hitz and Craig McShane perished when an elevator’s cables snapped due to heat, causing it to plunge over 15 floors.
1985: First Farm Aid Concert
Champaign played host to the first Farm Aid concert on September 22, 1985. Spearheaded by Willie Nelson, the event raised money for American farmers and featured 14 hours of music for a rain-soaked audience of 78,000 and millions watching on TV.
1995: A Record Early Freeze
Chicago recorded its earliest first freeze of fall at O’Hare International Airport on September 22, 1995, marking an unusual weather event for the city.