Historical Highlights from the Chicago Area

Sports Flashback: May 18, 1979

On May 17, 1979, Wrigley Field witnessed a record-setting baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs. The Phillies emerged victorious, with a final score of 23-22. This game established several team records:

• Most total bases in a game: 97
• Most home runs in a game: 11
• Most runs scored by the Phillies: 23
• Most home runs given up by the Phillies: 6

The first inning predicted an unusual day, as the Phillies scored seven runs on seven hits, while the Cubs answered with six runs on seven hits. Mike Schmidt’s second home run in the 10th inning secured the Phillies’ win. Dave Kingman was remarkable for the Cubs with three home runs, complemented by additional homers from Bill Buckner, Steve Ontiveros, and Jerry Martin. The Phillies included Bob Boone, Gary Maddox, and Randy Lerch among their home run hitters. The game, with 50 hits and 11 home runs, became legendary, often replayed on WGN-TV during the winter months.

Weather Records in Chicago

Chicago’s weather history for May 17 includes a high temperature of 94 degrees recorded in 1962 and a low of 36 degrees in 2002. Notable precipitation was recorded at 3.11 inches in 2020, but there has been no snowfall on this date.

Milestone in Literature: L. Frank Baum

In 1900, L. Frank Baum’s renowned novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” was published. Baum penned this classic work while residing on Chicago’s West Side, contributing to the city’s rich literary heritage.

A Paleontological Marvel: Sue the T. rex

On May 17, 2000, the Field Museum unveiled Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimen discovered until that time. This significant paleontological event marked Sue’s debut in Stanley Field Hall, attracting considerable attention.