Significant Historical Events in Chicago on June 23
Sports Flashback: June 24, 1895
On June 23, 1895, the Chicago Colts, who would later become the Cubs, faced off against the Cleveland Spiders. The game was interrupted after the third inning so that law enforcement could arrest the entire team. This occurred due to legal restrictions against playing baseball on a Sunday. Despite the disruption, the players returned to the field after posting $100 bail bonds and secured a 13-4 victory in front of 10,000 waiting fans at the West Side Grounds.
Weather History
- 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 delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre. Remarkably, he became the first Black person to be nominated for the presidency, receiving one vote from Kentucky in the fourth ballot.
Hack Wilson and the Cycle
In 1930, future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson achieved hitting for the cycle during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. That season, Wilson set a single-season record with 191 runs batted in and hit his 22nd home run during the game.
United Airlines Headquarters
On June 23, 1960, construction began on United Airlines’ headquarters on a 51-acre site in Elk Grove Village, near O’Hare International Airport. United Airlines operated from this location until moving to Willis Tower in 2009. Later, in August 2022, CloudHQ started demolishing the former building to create a $2.5 billion data center campus.
Chicago City Ordinance
In 1975, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance known as “Burke’s Law.” Proposed by Ald. Edward Burke, this law banned nudity in massage parlors. The name was inspired by a popular TV detective series of that era.
Pelé’s Last Match at Soldier Field
In 1976, soccer legend Pelé played his final match at Chicago’s Soldier Field. The Chicago Sting faced the New York Cosmos, drawing a crowd of 28,000 fans.
The Sandberg Game
June 23, 1984, marked a pivotal moment in Cubs history as Ryne Sandberg hit two game-tying home runs against the St. Louis Cardinals. Known as “The Sandberg Game,” this highlighted Sandberg’s talent and helped lead to his National League MVP Award that year. The Cubs eventually reached the postseason, bringing hope to fans following a long World Series drought.
Churchill Downs Buys Arlington Park
In 2000, Churchill Downs Inc. purchased Arlington Park for $71 million. The racecourse closed in September 2021. By February 2023, the Chicago Bears had finalized a deal to acquire the site.