Today in Chicago History: The Cubs get lights — and games at night
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Feb. 25, according to the Tribune's archives.
Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.
Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
1988: Chicago City Council approved eight night games at Wrigley Field for the upcoming season in a 29-19 vote that was supported by Mayor Eugene Sawyer.
The measure, which passed three months after late Mayor Harold Washington endorsed a 'middle course' plan for 18 night games, also meant Wrigley Field could host the 1990 All-Star Game.
The Cubs committed the following month to play at Wrigley Field until at least 2002. And citizens group CUBS threatened to sue: 'Is there any other property owner in the city that has a 15-year clause allowing them to cause a nuisance?' the group's President Paul Kendall asked during a news conference.
The team announced on June 20, 1988, that eight games would be played in the evening — two starting at 6:35 p.m. and five starting at 7:05 p.m.
First up: Aug. 8.
The first game with lights drew far more attention than normally accorded a Monday matchup between fourth- and fifth-place teams. Dignitaries in the sellout crowd included Mayor Eugene Sawyer, Illinois Gov. James Thompson, baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth and National League President Bartlett Giamatti. A resident-only parking ordinance also took effect around the ballpark.
Starting pitcher Rick Sutcliffe was nearly blinded by the thousands of flashbulbs that went off as he delivered the first pitch. Perhaps that was why Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Phil Bradley deposited Sutcliffe's fourth pitch into the bleachers. Then, with the Cubs leading 3-1 in the fourth inning, the rains came. Not a light drizzle, but a downpour. After a two-hour rain delay, the game was called, obliterating it from the record books. 'This proves that the Cubs are cursed,' said one fan, as she ran from the ballpark. The Tribune editorialized, 'Someone up there seems to take day baseball seriously.'
In the first night game in Wrigley Field history that actually counted, the Cubs hit the New York Mets with four runs in the seventh inning, then held on for a 6-4 victory on Aug. 9, 1988, before 36,399 very noisy people.
'It might have been louder last night,' said Mark Grace, who drove in one of the runs in the decisive seventh. 'But that's the loudest for a complete game that I've ever been associated with.'
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