A Look Back at September 14: Significant Events in Chicago’s History

1994: Cancellation of the Major League Baseball Season

On September 14, 1994, acting Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced the cancellation of the remaining 249 games of the regular season, the playoffs, and the World Series. At that time, the Chicago White Sox were poised for their second consecutive playoff run. The season’s cancellation came after a 34-day players’ strike, which did not end until April 2, 1995, following extensive discussions with MLB owners at the O’Hare Hilton in Chicago.

Historical Weather Records

The National Weather Service in Chicago records detail a high temperature of 99 degrees in 1939 and a low of 40 degrees in 1985 for this date. On September 14, 1896, precipitation measured 2.42 inches. There was a trace of snowfall in 1928.

1902: The Chicago Cubs’ Legendary Double Play

The iconic Chicago Cubs infield trio of Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance executed their first double play on September 14, 1902, a day earlier than often reported. This combination was celebrated in “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon.” MLB historian John Thorn confirmed this date based on archival findings.

1985: Premiere of ‘The Golden Girls’

On September 14, 1985, “The Golden Girls” debuted at 8 p.m. on NBC. Tribune critic Steve Daley noted its distinctiveness and potential for finding a dedicated audience. Decades later, fans commemorated the show with the first “Golden-Con” at Navy Pier.

1986: Walter Payton’s Milestone

Walter Payton scored his 100th rushing touchdown and surpassed 15,000 yards rushing during a 13-10 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 14, 1986. Both achievements were celebrated at Soldier Field.

1997: Carlton Fisk’s Honors

The Chicago White Sox retired Carlton Fisk’s No. 72 in 1997, making it the ninth number retired by the team. In 2005, the club unveiled a life-sized sculpture of Fisk at Rate Field’s center-field concourse.

2022: R. Kelly’s Legal Proceedings

In 2022, a federal jury delivered a split verdict, convicting R. Kelly on charges of child pornography related to videotapes of sexual abuse involving his goddaughter “Jane.” Additional convictions included inappropriate relations with Jane and two other teenage girls. Previously, in 2021, Kelly faced a New York federal court conviction for racketeering conspiracy charges tied to a criminal operation facilitating his sexual misconduct. He is incarcerated in Butner, North Carolina, with parole eligibility in 2045.

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