Chicago Area Events on September 14

Key Events in Chicago History

On September 14, there have been significant events in Chicago, varying from historical sports feats to television debuts and legal verdicts. Here’s an overview of some of these notable occurrences from the Tribune’s archives:

Baseball Strike Cancellation (1994)

Acting Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced the cancellation of the remaining 249 games of the 1994 season, including the playoffs and World Series. This decision came while the Chicago White Sox were close to another playoff appearance, but a strike had already paused activities for 34 days. The strike ended on April 2, 1995, after a 4½-hour meeting with MLB owners in Chicago.

Weather Records in Chicago

• High Temperature: 99 degrees (1939)
• Low Temperature: 40 degrees (1985)
• Precipitation: 2.42 inches (1896)
• Snowfall: Trace (1928)

Cubs Infield Combines for a First Double Play (1902)

The celebrated Chicago Cubs’ infield trio of Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance executed their first double play on September 14, 1902. Although previously thought to have happened on September 15, 1902, archives verify the actual date.

Premier of “The Golden Girls” (1985)

The popular TV show “The Golden Girls” premiered as part of NBC’s Saturday night lineup. Tribune critic Steve Daley initially remarked that the show might not fit perfectly, yet he remained hopeful for its success. Fans celebrated this sitcom years later during the first “Golden-Con” at Navy Pier.

Walter Payton’s Achievements (1986)

Walter Payton celebrated two milestones during a 13-10 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. He scored his 100th rushing touchdown and reached 15,000 rushing yards, receiving souvenir footballs for each accomplishment.

Carlton Fisk’s Number Retirement (1997)

Catchers Carlton Fisk’s No. 72 became the ninth retired number by the Chicago White Sox, and in 2005, a life-sized sculpture was unveiled in Rate Field’s center-field concourse, honoring Fisk.

R. Kelly’s Convictions (2022)

R&B artist R. Kelly faced a federal jury conviction on child pornography charges. He made videotapes of himself abusing his goddaughter “Jane” and engaged in inappropriate conduct with Jane and two other teenage girls. In 2021, he was also convicted in New York for racketeering conspiracy charges related to his musical career. He is currently imprisoned in a medium-security facility and could be released in 2045.