Throughout history, September 14 has marked important events in the Chicago area. Below is a look at some notable occurrences on this date.
1994: Baseball Strike Ends Season
On September 14, 1994, acting Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig canceled 249 remaining games as the players’ strike continued. This decision affected the regular season, playoffs, and the World Series. The strike lasted 34 days before ending on April 2, 1995, after talks with MLB owners at the O’Hare Hilton in Chicago.
1902: Cubs’ Legendary Double Play
The Chicago Cubs’ iconic infield trio—shortstop Joe Tinker, second baseman Johnny Evers, and first baseman Frank Chance—executed their first double play on September 14, 1902. Initially believed to have occurred on September 15, archival stories confirmed the earlier date. MLB’s official historian, John Thorn, validated this finding.
1985: ‘The Golden Girls’ Debut
‘The Golden Girls’ premiered on NBC’s Saturday night lineup on September 14, 1985. Despite initial skepticism from Tribune critic Steve Daley about its appeal, the show garnered a dedicated fan base, celebrating its first “Golden-Con” 37 years later at Navy Pier.
1986: Walter Payton Makes History
Chicago Bears’ Walter Payton scored his 100th rushing touchdown in a 13-10 triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on September 14, 1986. He also achieved 15,000 yards rushing in this game, earning two commemorative footballs.
1997: Carlton Fisk’s Number Retirement
On this date, Carlton Fisk’s No. 72 became the ninth number to be retired by the Chicago White Sox. Fisk, known as “Pudge,” later received a life-sized statue at Rate Field.
2022: R. Kelly Verdict
In 2022, a federal jury in Chicago found R. Kelly guilty on child pornography charges for making videos of himself abusing his goddaughter “Jane” in the late 1990s. He also faced convictions for misconduct with two other minors. Kelly is serving a sentence in a medium-security federal prison in North Carolina, with release possible in 2045.
“I will ask President Trump to help us,” said R. Kelly’s lawyer, seeking the musician’s release amid allegations of threats and conspiracy.
For more historic Chicago events, subscribe to the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter or join the Chicagoland history Facebook group. For suggestions, reach out to Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather.
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