Chicago Cubs: The Heroes of Wrigley Series presents Harry Caray

Harry Caray begins a career on the South Side of Chicago, starting traditions that live on till this day.

Caray fit right in with his new home in Chicago, joining the White Sox booth the following season in 1971.

The fans loved him and became very popular with his jovial behavior amongst the masses of South Siders often being critical of the blunders committed by the hometown team.  While the fans adored him, players weren’t always too keen to his criticism.

A dubious highlight from his time on the South Side came on July 12, 1979, for which is now known as “Disco Demolition Night.”  In an effort to sell seats during a doubleheader between the White Sox and Detriot Tigers, the team enlisted the promotional help of local DJ Steve Dahl.  Dahl insisted fans bring their disco vinyl into Comiskey which then would be blown up in a crate located in center field following the end of the first game.

The sold-out crowd went into a frenzy while the demolishing. Rushing the field and Comiskey entered a state of anarchy and despite Caray’s and his also popular tandem mate, Jimmy Piersall’s best efforts to ease the crowd’s chaos. The Chicago Riot Police were forced to clear the field, resulting in the White Sox forfeiting the second game due to the extensive damage caused to the field.

Caray would work for the White Sox until the end of the 1981 season.  It was then where his legacy would truly begin and be remembered forever as just “Harry.”