World War I Begins
On July 28, 1914, the Chicago Tribune reported significant excitement in the city’s foreign sections as news of impending war abroad circulated. Cafes, coffee houses, and street corners became gathering spots for those following developments. Austria-Hungary had invaded Serbia by this time.
Jimmy Ryan’s Baseball Achievement
In 1888, Jimmy Ryan, a Chicago Cub, became the only player to hit for the cycle twice. On July 28, against the Detroit Black Sox, Ryan batted six times, achieving four hits for an average of .833. He repeated this feat on July 1, 1891, against Cleveland.
Lincoln Park Zoo Elephant
Deed-a-Day, an elephant gifted to Lincoln Park Zoo, passed away in 1942. Collected funds from Chicago Boy Scouts bought her in 1924. Deed-a-Day suffered from a suspected stomach ailment and later, it was revealed she died due to trash fed by visitors.
Illinois Criminal Code Reform
Governor Otto Kerner signed bills into law in 1961 that created a new criminal code for Illinois. The state repealed its sodomy law, making homosexual activity legal starting January 1, 1962.
Chicago White Sox No-Hitter
On July 28, 1976, Francisco Barrios and Blue Moon Odom achieved the only combined no-hitter in Chicago White Sox history. Overall, White Sox pitchers have thrown 20 no-hitters since 1902, including three perfect games.
Dick Butkus Recognized
In 1979, Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played nine seasons for the Bears and was named first-team All-Pro five times. Butkus holds the team’s record with 27 fumble recoveries.
Stevie Wonder’s Boycott
In 1982, Stevie Wonder withdrew from ChicagoFest after Rev. Jesse Jackson urged a boycott. The protest aimed to highlight Mayor Jane Byrne’s appointment of three white members to the Chicago Housing Authority board.
Serial Killer’s Confession
Serial killer Brian Dugan confessed to murdering 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico in 1983. Initially sentenced to death in 2009, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison following Illinois’ abolishment of the death penalty.
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