Focus
14 The DePaulia. April 25, 2011
1989
Daley scores big for Chicago sports
Photos courtesy of MCT Wire Services
May 7th
Mayor Daley (an outspoken Sox fan) and Gov. James Thompson break ground for the new Comiskey Park.
By ROB LARSON and TIFFANY MA
Sept. 28th
Daley attends a downtown Cubs rally for their 1989 playoff run. “Chicago is enjoying the sweet taste of success,” Daley said to the crowd. “And believe me, we’ll savor every minute of it.”
June 24th
1990
Daley tossed out the ceremonial first pitch at (old) Comiskey Park.
April 25, 2011. The DePaulia 15
1991
What do Michael Jordan and Mayor Daley have in common? They’re both part of a Chicago dynasty. MJ’s dynasty ended after the Bulls won the 1998 NBA Championship, and, on May 16, 2011, Richard M. Daley’s reign over Chicago will officially end as mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel takes office. It’s the end of
1992
June 16th
June 7th
After the Bulls won their second NBA Championship, riots break out around Chicago. Daley responds by halfjoking that he wished they’d won “some place else.”
Daley bets with Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley on Bulls/ Lakers Playoffs. Bradley bets a crate of oranges while Daley bets Chicago-style pizza and Fanny Mae Candies.
a political era, lasting just over 22 years. Sure, the Bulls’ and Daley dynasties are different, but in Chicago, both politics and sports are certainly newsworthy subjects, especially when the two come together in the same story. As a send-off to Mayor Daley, here are his most memorable times in the sports section.
July 17th
Chicago’s Soldier Field hosts the 1994 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. Daley has Soldier Field undergo a $14 million renovation.
June 14th
The Bulls return to Chicago, after winning the NBA Championship, and celebrate in Grant Park. Daley, going on stage before the Bulls, officially declares June 14th “Bulls Day.”
Jan. 26th
2007
Daley issues a public apology to Saints fans for being heckled by Bears fans at the BearsSaints NFC Championship Game. Bears fans allegedly jeered Saints fans by shouting things like “Go home and rebuild your house.”
Oct.1st
Daley and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon bet on the Cubs-Diamondbacks National League Division Series. Daley’s bet included hot dogs from Best’s Kosher, root beer from Windy City Soda, and pizza from Connie’s.
July 10th
2008
Daley, holding a “bunt” sign, makes a cameo in a White Sox TV ad.
Sept, 23rd
Daley publicly approves of a proposal (which went into effect the following month) to prohibit liquor sales in bars around Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field near the end of MLB playoff games.
Nov. 20th
Daley travels to Turkey, along with Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan, to promote the city’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics.
1998
2004
Feb. 27th
2002
July 1, 2004
Aug. 4th
After falling debris nearly hits Cubs fans, Daley said he would not hesitate to shut down Wrigley Field. Soon after, netting was put up to prevent any more debris from falling, and the Cubs continued playing in the Friendly Confines.
Daley attends Harry Caray’s funeral.
Oct. 15th
Daley offers new stadium proposal to the Bears: play in Comiskey Park.
Daley strikes down the Tribune’s proposal to expand Wrigley Field by 2,000 seats and the idea of adding more night games “at least through the 2003 season.”
2009
Oct. 2nd
Chicago loses the Olympic bid to Rio. “I’m disappointed but you go on with your life.” Daley said, along with admitting that a 2020 bid wasn’t likely.
Nov.16th
Michael Scott, Chicago’s school board president and a key member to Daley’s Olympic committee, is found dead beside the Chicago River. The next day, Scott’s death was ruled a suicide.
Dec. 13th
Daley eyes Raiders franchise for Chicago. “I’d love to have them,” Daley said, according to the Eugene RegisterGuard. “New York supports two teams. I think we can.
2010
1996
1994
Feb. 9th
Daley rejects Bear’s President Mike McCaskey’s plan to put a dome over Soldier Field.
Sept. 13th
Daley unveils $395 million dollar renovation plan for Soldier Field. The plan included a retractable roof that closed in 10 minutes.
1997 Sept. 20th
Mayor Daley announces that Sept. 20 will be Ryne Sandberg Day.
2011
June 10th
Blackhawks win The Stanley Cup against the Philadelphia Flyers.
January 21st
Daley and Mayor Jim Schmitt of Green Bay wager on the Bears-Packers NFC Championship. After the game, Daley sent over local products like 25 pounds of Tootsie Rolls and “a 24-inch-long football-shaped corned beef and pastrami combo sandwich with everything…except cheese” from Manny’s Deli.