Significant Events in Chicago Area History on September 22

Sports History: September 22, 1959

On September 22, 1959, the Chicago White Sox secured the American League championship. This victory marked the first time since 1919 that the team managed to win the pennant. Al Lopez achieved this feat, becoming the first White Sox manager to do so since Kid Gleason led the infamous 1919 team.

The memorable win took place in Cleveland, a team the White Sox had consistently defeated throughout the season. The tension peaked with the White Sox in danger of losing a two-run lead. Manager Al Lopez brought in Gerry Staley, who pitched a crucial ball that led to a double play, securing the victory.

Historical Weather Records

• High temperature: 94 degrees in 2017
• Low temperature: 32 degrees in 1995
• Precipitation: 1.73 inches in 2006
• Snowfall: Trace in 1952

Labor Strikes of 1910

In 1910, a significant labor strike began when seventeen young women left their jobs at Hart, Schaffner & Marx in Pilsen. They were protesting a pay cut from 4 cents to 3 ¾ cents per garment. This strike eventually involved around 40,000 workers and lasted four months. Bessie Abramowitz emerged as a leader, with Chicago attorney Clarence Darrow representing the strikers.

Famous Boxing Match: 1927

On September 22, 1927, the highly anticipated fight between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey took place at Soldier Field. Known as “The Long Count” fight, over 105,000 fans attended the event. Dempsey managed to knock down Tunney in the seventh round but failed to move to a neutral corner promptly. This delay gave Tunney additional time to recover, allowing him to rise and win the match by unanimous decision.

Civil Rights Protest: 1969

Jesse Jackson led a significant “Black Monday” protest on September 22, 1969, gathering more than 3,000 people at Chicago’s Daley Plaza. The demonstration aimed to protest discriminatory hiring practices in union jobs.

Firefighters’ Tragedy in 1981

On September 22, 1981, a tragic incident occurred when two Chicago firefighters were killed at the Willoughby Tower. Joseph Hitz and Craig McShane died after an elevator, in which they were battling a fire, plunged over 15 floors due to heat-damaged cables.

First Farm Aid Concert in 1985

The first Farm Aid concert was held on September 22, 1985, in Champaign. Organized by Willie Nelson, it aimed to raise funds for American farmers. The event drew 78,000 attendees and a national television audience of 24 million.

Early Freeze in 1995

In 1995, Chicago recorded its earliest fall freeze on September 22 at O’Hare International Airport, marking an unusually early start to colder weather conditions.