Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Nov. 30, according to the Tribune’s archives.
Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.
Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
High temperature: 66 degrees (1962)
Low temperature: Minus 1 degree (1947)
Precipitation: 0.84 inches (1881)
Snowfall: 3 inches (1907)
Walter Eckersall, one of the heroes of Chicago’s 2-0 victory over Michigan on Nov. 30, 1905, delivers one of the kicks that made him famous. He was a little fellow, physically, a giant in ability. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)
1905: Fielding H. “Hurry Up” Yost’s point-a-minute University of Michigan machine, unbeaten in 55 straight games and featuring halfback Willie Heston, was upset by Amos Alonzo Stagg’s University of Chicago Maroons and their resourceful 140-pound quarterback and future Tribune reporter Walter Eckersall.
Chicago Bears coach George Halas, left, and halfback Harold “Red” Grange officiate at the retirement of three jersey number on Nov. 30, 1949. Halas holds sweaters worn by the late end Bill Hewitt (56) and fullback Bronko Nagurski (3). Grange wears his number 77 for the last time at the ceremony. (AP)
1949: George Halas and the Chicago Bears retired three numbers: Red Grange’s 77, Bronko Nagurski’s 3 and Bill Hewitt’s 56.
At 14, the Bears and New York Giants have the most retired numbers among NFL franchises.
Archie Moore falls to the canvas after taking a left hook from Floyd Patterson in the fifth round of their 15-round heavyweight championship bout at Chicago Stadium in Chicago, on Nov. 30, 1956. Seconds later, at 2:27 of the round, Moore was counted out after being floored again and the 21-year-old Patterson became the youngest world heavyweight champion. (AP)
1956: “They sent a boy to do a man’s job last night in Chicago Stadium — and he did it!” Tribune reporter Maurice Shevlin wrote.
Floyd Patterson — at 21 years, 10 months, 3 weeks, and 5 days — became the world’s youngest heavyweight boxing champion by knocking out Archie Moore in the fifth round of a match. Patterson, who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics became the first Olympic gold medalist to win a professional heavyweight title.
Patterson remained the youngest champ until he was unseated by Mike Tyson — at 20 years, 4 months, 23 days — 30 years later.
Chicago Cubs left fielder Billy Williams doffs his cap to the Wrigley Field fans after receiving a trophy marking his 896th consecutive game, a National league record, on June 29, 1969. (John Austad/Chicago Tribune)
1961: Billy Williams became the first Chicago Cub to be voted the National League’s Rookie of the Year. The Cubs have had six (Williams, 1961; Ken Hubbs, 1962; Jerome Walton; 1989; Kerry Wood, 1998; Geovany Soto, 2008; and Kris Bryant, 2015).
Gale Sayers, left, and Brian Piccolo formed a special friendship as Chicago Bears running backs in the late 1960s. (Phil Mascione/Chicago Tribune)
1971: “This is a story about two men, one named Gale Sayers, the other Brian Piccolo. They came from different parts of the country. They competed for the same job. One was white; the other Black. One liked to talk; the other was shy as a 3-year-old. Our story’s about how they came to know each other. Ernest Hemingway said that every true story ends in death., Well: this is a true story.”
“Brian’s Song,” starring Billy Dee Williams as Sayers and James Caan as Piccolo, debuted on ABC.
Commentary: Gale Sayers and ‘Brian’s Song’ changed sports movies, and male friendship, forever
Piccolo was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer in 1969 and died in 1970 at the age of 26. A month before his teammate’s death, Sayers was given the George S. Halas Courage Award; accepting it, he said the judges had chosen the wrong man and gave an emotional speech about his love for and admiration of Piccolo.
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