Chicago White Sox Crowned American League Champions
On September 22, 1959, the Chicago White Sox emerged as American League champions. This marked the first time since 1919 that the team had won the pennant. Under the leadership of Manager Al Lopez, they clinched their victory in Cleveland against a team they had dominated throughout the season. With the game in a precarious two-run lead, pitcher Gerry Staley was brought in to close out the game. In a dramatic play, Luis Aparicio made a crucial move to secure the win.
Weather Records in Chicago
According to data from the National Weather Service, several weather records were noted on September 22 in Chicago:
- 2017: High temperature reached 94 degrees
- 1995: Low temperature dropped to 32 degrees
- 2006: Precipitation recorded at 1.73 inches
- 1952: A trace of snowfall
The United Garment Workers Strike
In 1910, seventeen young women initiated a four-month-long strike at the Hart, Schaffner & Marx clothing manufacturer in Pilsen over wage cuts. Over time, the strike involved around 40,000 workers. Bessie Abramowitz led the strikers, and Clarence Darrow represented them. The workers aimed to reach an agreement by January 16, 1911.
The Famous “Long Count” Fight
On September 22, 1927, the highly anticipated rematch between Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey at Soldier Field took place. Known as the “Long Count” fight, Dempsey knocked Tunney down, but a delay in counting allowed Tunney more time to recover. Tunney ultimately won the match by unanimous decision, retaining his heavyweight title.
Jesse Jackson’s “Black Monday” Protest
Led by Jesse Jackson, a “Black Monday” protest in 1969 drew about 3,000 people to Chicago’s Daley Plaza. The demonstrators were opposing discriminatory hiring practices within unions and marched to amplify their call for equality.
Tragedy at Willoughby Tower
In 1981, a tragic incident occurred when two Chicago firefighters, Joseph Hitz and Craig McShane, died in an elevator accident during a fire at Willoughby Tower. The elevator they were in fell more than 15 floors due to cable damage from extreme heat, and they could not escape.
First Farm Aid Concert in Champaign
On September 22, 1985, the first Farm Aid concert took place at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois. Organized by Willie Nelson, the event aimed to raise funds for American farmers. It featured country and rock music performances and attracted around 78,000 people despite rain, with a national TV audience of over 24 million.
Record Early Freeze
Chicago experienced an unseasonably early first freeze on September 22, 1995. The early freeze was recorded at O’Hare International Airport, the city’s primary weather station.
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