Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment in Chicago for kids and families to enjoy. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.
Merit School of Music is hosting summer pop-up performances beginning July 24. Courtesy of Merit School of Music
When: To Aug. 28
Where: Various locations
What: In July and August, the music school hosts a family-friendly series of interactive pop-up events throughout Chicago neighborhoods from Pilsen to Lincoln Park. “Pop-ups in the Parks” offers free instrument tunings, demos and performances by students and faculty, “Music at the Markets” features performances and giveaways at outdoor markets and “Musical Storytimes” is filled with stories and activities.
Tina-Kim Nguyen (from left) as Nancy, Suzy Krueckeberg as Mother Goose, and Greg Gonzales as Frank in “Mother Goose Lost.”Andrew Pond
When: 10 and 11:30 a.m. July 24 and 31
Where: Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport
What: Children will enjoy Eclectic Full Contact Theatre’s adventure-filled tale that finds Mother Goose forced into retirement and the dastardly Solomon Grundy rewriting all the nursery rhymes. Can friends Frank, Mandy and Detective Joe Saturday find her and save the rhymes? Tickets: $12.
The Babushka Brigade will be featured at this year’s Pierogi Fest in Whiting, Indiana.Marisa Lopez
When: July 23-25
Where: In and around downtown Whiting, Indiana
What: For more than 25 years, Pierogi Fest has delighted with its off-the-wall humor, great food and entertainment. If you want massive amounts of food, this is the place to be. There’s also the annual parade, a wacky event featuring entries like the World Famous (Anything but) Precision Lawn Mowing Team and the Babushka Brigade, a pierogi eating contest, a pierogi tossing contest, an arts and crafts area and the Bizarre Souvenir Bazaar.
You never know what fabulous finds will pop up at the Andersonville Vintage Market.Courtesy ACC
Among the performers at Wicker Park Fest (July 23-25, $10) are Archers of Loaf, Smoking Popes, Wyatt Waddell and more. On Milwaukee, from Paulina to North. Visit wickerparkbucktown.com. … Taste of Lincoln Avenue (July 24-25, $10) offers plenty of tastings from local restaurants, live music and a kid’s carnival. On Lincoln, from Fullerton to Wrightwood. Visit tasteoflincolnchicago.com. … Andersonville Vintage Market (July 25, Aug. 22, $5) features antiques, jewelry, clothing, music and more. On Catalpa, from Clark to Ashland. Visit andersonville.org.
Adler Planetarium
“Imagine the Moon”Adler Planetarium
When: Ongoing
Where: 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
What: The planetarium has partially reopened with a selection of its award-winning sky shows. On weekends in July and August two shows will play twice daily: “Imagine the Moon” (10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.) and “Skywatch Live” (11:30 am., 1:15 p.m.). The full museum won’t reopen until March 2022. Tickets: $15.
A Tempel Lippizan stallion performs “Airs Above the Ground.”Courtesy Tempel Lipizzans
When: Ongoing
Where: Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth, Old Mill Creek.
What: The stallions return for a new season of equestrian dressage along with interactive, educational events. Performances feature synchronized movements set to classical music that show off the strength, beauty and intelligence of the Lipizzan horse. Following each event, there are self-guided tours through the stables to meet and pet the equine stars and ask questions of riders and trainers about how the Lipizzans are raised, trained and taught to “dance.” Tickets: $35, $25 for ages 4-14.
When: “The Front 9” (to Sept. 16) and “The Back Nine” (Oct. 13-Jan. 2)
Where: Tee off at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst
What: A fun new exhibit features a fully playable 18-hole mini-golf course created by more than 20 artists, designers and architects from Chicago and beyond. The family-friendly course pays homage to the School of the Art Institute’s wildly popular 1988 exhibition “Par Excellence.” Course themes range from social justice to the occult and include a fortune-telling hole that has the power to dramatically change scores as well as a hole that challenges players with an optical illusion. Admission is $5-$10 (online timed reservations); children 4 and under free.
What: Fun and learning are on the agenda at the popular family gathering spot, offering a wide variety of exhibits aimed at improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. Babies and toddlers can enjoy “Treehouse Trails” and “Kids Town” while “Tinker Lab” and “Dinosaur Expedition” will enthrall older children. Admission: $19.
A new exhibit at the Field Museum, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from her childhood in England to a career as a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Hugo van Lawick/National Geographic
When: To Sept. 6
Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
What: Generations have been inspired by the work of primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall who has not only shown the urgent need to protect chimpanzees but also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environments. A new exhibit at the Field Museum, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from a curious young child in England to a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Included in the exhibit are a recreation of her field research tent, a hologram-like projection of Goodall who shares her fieldwork memories, augmented reality activities and a projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. Admission: $18-$32
‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’
Detail view of James Mesple’s Sun and Moon Image featured in the “Hello Helios” exhibit in GreektownCourtesy Greektown Chicago
When: Through spring 2022
Where: Halsted from Monroe to Van Buren
What: Welcome summer with a new outdoor exhibit celebrating the start of summer with 24 artworks inspired by the sun and related mythologies from Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures.
The Shedd Aquarium’s popular “Kayak for Conservation” program.Shedd Aquarium
When: Ongoing
Where: Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne,
What: Get close to nature via the Shedd Aquarium’s popular Kayak for Conservation program, which features a variety of socially distant kayaking experiences on the Chicago River. Participants learn about the river’s environmental history and discover wildlife living in its ecosystem. Sessions are open to all levels of kayakers (including newbies) and are led by Shedd’s wildlife conservation experts. The cost is pay-what-you-can ranging from $20-$100 per participant, with a recommended $40, the base cost of the program.
The Boeing 747 at “Take Flight.”Museum of Science and Industry
When: Permanent
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
What: The MSI’s Boeing 747 reopens with a reimagined exhibit that explores modern aviation and the science of flight. The plane’s interior has been restored and new interactive elements have been added. Tickets: $12.95, $21.95.
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
You will feel happier in the next four weeks because you will feel free to express yourself and be exactly who you are. You will seek amusing diversions and fun in sports activities as well as playful times with children. Relationships will be more lighthearted, and flirtations will abound! Yay!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Home and family will be your main focus in the next four weeks. You might be more involved with a parent. You will enjoy time at home. Some of you will connect with a professional counselor to examine your role in the family (past or present).
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks because of a busy schedule full of errands, tasks, appointments, increased time spent with siblings, relatives and neighbors plus scheduled (and unscheduled) short trips. You might also read, write and study more.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Money, cash flow, earnings and possessions will be your focus for the next four weeks. In addition, you will also give more thought to your values and what it is that is really important to you. It’s vital to know what really matters.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
The sun will be in your sign for the next four weeks giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. It will also attract favorable situations and people to you, which is why this is a fortunate time for you (and the only time all year that it occurs).
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Your personal year is ending, but your new year will not begin until your birthday. Therefore, use the next four weeks to define some goals for your new year ahead. How do you want your new year to be different from this year? (A few obvious things come to mind.)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Your popularity will increase in the next four weeks because you will be more involved with friends and members of clubs, groups and organizations. Use this time to examine the role these relationships play in your life. After all, your friends are a reflection of you.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
For the next four weeks, the sun will be at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight, which makes you look more competent and capable to others, especially authority figures. This advantage is a gift! Use it to advance your own agenda.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Travel and a chance to explore the world through film and study will appeal to you in the next four weeks. If you can travel, do so! If not, sign up for a course, go back to school or explore new ideas to enrich your world.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
In the next four weeks, you will be more passionate about financial issues like shared property, inheritances, insurance matters as well as shared responsibilities. This increased passion will also apply to intimate relationships.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The sun will be opposite your sign for the next four weeks drawing your attention to your closest one-to-one relationships. This will be a good time to form working units and accomplish as much as you can working with others. It’s also a good time to consult an expert.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Your desire to get better organized and to become healthier will be strong in the next four weeks, which is why you will do whatever you can to turn over a new leaf. Physical efficiency will be important to you.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Willem Dafoe (1955) shares your birthday. You are quick study who is independent and imaginative. Your work and your family are your top priorities. You are optimistic and alert and adaptable. This is a year of learning and perhaps teaching for you. Be open to whatever you can learn that will enrich or enhance your life. This could come through schooling or the book of experience.
Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment in Chicago at our city’s best museums and galleries. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.
‘Mimi Cherono Ng’ok: Closer to the Earth, Closer to My Own Body’
“Untitled” by Mimi Cherono Ng’ok(C) Mimi Cherono Ng’ok
When: To Feb. 7
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan
What: This new exhibit features the work of a photographer who travels extensively across the tropical climates on a mission to understand how natural environments, botanical cultures and human subjects coexist and evolve together. In this solo exhibit, she presents photographs and a film in which she tracked flowers and floral imagery across varied contexts and a range of hidden associations. Admission: $14-$22.
Mel Chin’s Fundred Dollar Bill ProjectProvided/Courtesy of the artist
When: July 25-Oct. 24
Where: 5020 S. Cornell
What: Mel Chin’s Fundred Dollar Bill Project as well as works by LaToya Ruby Frazier and Fazal Sheikh are on display at the Hyde Park museum as part of “Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40.” Chin’s 13-year-project, here titled “Chicago Fundred Initiative: A Bill for IL,” invites people to create their own “Fundred,” a form of currency that affirms the right of each maker to equal protection against lead contamination; Frazier’s film “Flint is Family” uses her photographs and voiceover by Flint, Michigan, resident Shea Cobb to understand the Flint water crisis; Sheikh’s landscape photography examines the connection between desertification, colonialism, and the displacement of Bedouin communities from ancestral lands in Israel’s Negev desert. Admission is free.
What: The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, where children of all ages can connect to nature and science, reopened July 8. Exhibits include “Without a Trace,” selections of photographs by Zbigniew Bzdak; “Patterns in Nature: A Bridge between Art and the Natural World,” mixed media work by artist Katherine Lampert; “Judy Istock Butterfly Haven” “Birds of Chicago” and many more. Admission: $6-$9, children under 3 free.
‘Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40’
Toba Khedoori’s “Untitled” at the Smart Museum of Art.Courtesy the artist and David Zwirner and Regen Projects, Los Angeles (C) Toba Khedoori.
“Toward Common Cause — Art, Social Change and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40” is a multi-museum venture organized by the Smart Museum of Art that explores the current sociopolitical moment, challenging questions of inclusion, exclusion, ownership and rights of access. In its gallery, the Smart Museum features works by Mark Bradford, Mel Chin, Nicole Eisenman, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Jeffrey Gibson, Toba Khedoori, Inigo Manglano-Ovalle, Julie Mehretu, Fazal Sheikh and Xu Bing. From July 15-Dec. 19 at Smart Museum, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood. Admission is free. Visit smartmuseum.uchciago.edu; for a list of participating museums visit towardcommoncause.org.
Stony Island Arts Bank reopens with its contribution to “Towards Common Cause.” The group show features work by Carrie Mae Weems, Kerry James Marshall, Gary Hill, Whitfield Lovell, Trevor Paglen, Deborah Willis, Dawoud Bey, Fred Wilson and Nicole Eisenman. From July 18-Dec. 19 at Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island. Admission is free. Visit rebuild-foundation.org.
The reopened DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., participates with an exhibit of “Presenting Negro Scenes Drawn Upon My Passage through the South and Reconfigured for the Benefit of Enlightened Audiences Wherever Such May Be Found, By Myself, Missus K.E.B Walker, Colored,” a signature black silhouette installation from the artist Kara Walker. Admission: $3-$10 (Sundays free), children under 5 free. Visit:dusablemuseum.org.
‘Chicago: Where Comics Come to Life (1880-1960)’
A 1954 “Brenda Starr” panel at the Chicago Cultural Center exhibit.DCASE
When: To Oct. 3
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph
What: This exhibit looks at Chicago’s significant role in the development of the early comic strip. Curated by artist-author Chris Ware and the City of Chicago’s cultural historian emeritus, Tim Samuelson, it focuses on comics in popular publishing, African American cartoonists, the first women cartoonists, the first daily comic strip and more. Admission is free. (The exhibit is a historical companion to “Chicago Comics: 1960s to Now,” the survey of contemporary Chicago comics at the Museum of Contemporary Art.)
“We the People” by Chaz BojorquezNational Museum of Mexican Art Permanent Collection, gift of Chaz and Christina Bojorquez
When: Ongoing
Where: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th street
What: After being closed for 15 months, the museum has reopened with a handful of exhibits. “Spotlight on Chaz Bojorquez and Enrique Alferez” features the museum’s newest acquisition, “We the People,” a painting by Bojorquez, and Alferez’s iconic bronze sculpture “La Soldadera.” Plus “Adlateres and the Unexpected Journey: Works by Carmen Chami” features paintings inspired by Mexican Baroque painting and figurative style. Admission is free.
“Mother and Child,” Njideka Akunyili Crosby (2016). Courtesy the artist, Victoria Miro and David Zwirner.(C) Njideka Akunyili Crosby
When: To Nov. 21
Where: National Public Housing Museum, 625 N. Kingsbury, and at the Minnie Riperton Apartments, 4250 S. Princeton
What: The National Public Housing Museum partners with the Chicago Housing Authority to display artwork by MacArthur Fellow Njideka Akunyili Crosby as part of “Toward Common Cause,” a multi-site exhibition organized by the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the MacArthur Fellows Program. Crosby uses acrylic, colored pencil and photo collages to create her distinctive portraits of African American life. “I almost want people to feel like the door is open and they’re walking by a scene into someone else’s life,” she says, “because that really is what I’m doing… mining my life to tell a story that is global but really wanting people to feel like they’re getting a glimpse into my world.” Crosby’s artwork installation is displayed on 70-foot banners on the sides of two buildings.
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Bill MauldinCopyright the Pritzker Military Museum & Library
When: Through spring 2022
Where: 104 S. Michigan
What: Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Bill Mauldin, who studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and was a cartoonist for the Chicago Sun-Times, is the subject of a retrospective at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. “Drawn to Combat” covers Mauldin’s career as a wartime cartoonist focusing on soldiers’ experiences and as a political cartoonist. The exhibit draws from more than 5,000 cartoons and objects donated to the museum by the Mauldin family. Tickets: $8, $10, children under 12 free.
Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle ObamaNational Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
When: To Aug. 15
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan
What: The Art Institute is the first stop of a five-city tour for the official portraits of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald are the first African Americans to be commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Galley to create the official portraits of a president or first lady. After the nationwide tour, the portraits will reside in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. The exhibit is included with museum admission ($14-$25).
Nick Drnaso’s painting for the cover of his graphic novel “Sabrina” in “Chicago Comics.”Provided
When: To Oct. 3
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago
What: A new exhibit celebrates Chicago’s pivotal role as a national and innovative center for comics and cartooning. With a focus on rediscovering the work of women and BIPOC comic artists, this major exhibition presents the last 60 years of the city’s artful cartooning history, showing how comic art is a democratic medium that allows artists to speak directly to people in relatable ways. Over 40 cartoonists are featured including Lynda Barry, Lilli Carre, Daniel Clowes, Nick Drnaso, Edie Fake, Emil Ferris, Nicole Hollander, Charles Johnson, Kerry James Marshall and Chris Ware. On display are comics, graphic novels, zines, original drawings, dioramas, commissioned films, installations, rare ephemera and books. Admission: $8, $15.
What: Generations have been inspired by the work of primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, who has not only shown the urgent need to protect chimpanzees but also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environments. A new exhibit follows her journey from a curious young child in England to a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Included in the exhibit are a re-creation of her field research tent, a hologramlike projection of Goodall sharing her fieldwork memories, augmented reality activities and a projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. Tickets: $18-$32.
Vivian Maier, “Three Highland Park firemen,” Highland Park, August 1964, inkjet print. Gift of Jeffrey Goldstein/(C) The Estate of Vivian Maier
When: To May 8, 2023
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark
What: Much has been heralded about street photographer Vivian Maier’s black-and-white photographs in exhibits, books and films. Now this multimedia exhibit features 65 color images made during her time as a suburban Chicago nanny from the 1950s to 1970s, many of which have never been seen before. Maier, who died in 2009, was a bit of a character and always had a Roloflex camera around her neck as she walked the streets snapping images of women, children, the old, the poor, the abstract. While her motives remain elusive, her photographs continue to speak volumes. Tickets: $17, $19.
Where: Cleve Carney Museum of Art in the McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn
What: Here’s the not-too-miss art exhibit of the summer. Dolores Olmedo (1908-2002), a Mexican musician, businesswoman and friend of artists Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera, amassed an impressive list of works by both artists that reside in Mexico City’s Museo Dolores Olmedo. Her collection of paintings and works on paper by Kahlo have now traveled to the newly expanded Cleve Carney Museum of Art. The long-awaited exhibit, delayed a year because of the pandemic, features an array of oil paintings and works on paper, pivotal pieces created by the artist. Also featured are a multimedia timeline that offers a framework of Kahlo’s life, more than 100 photographs, a Kahlo-inspired garden and a family-friendly children’s area featuring a replica of Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Coyoacan, Mexico. Tickets: $23, $40.
An-My Le’s “Migrant Workers Harvesting Asparagus, Mendota, California,” part of “Much Unseen Is Also Here.”Courtesy of Marian Goodman Gallery
When: Through Aug. 29
Where: 600 S. Michigan at Columbia College Chicago
What: The museum is presenting two new exhibits. “Much Unseen Is Also Here: An-My Le and Shahzia Sikander” features the work of two Asian-American artists who explore their relationship to America. In the tradition of American road photography, Le’s photographs confront the political rhetoric of the moment and tackle current events; Sikander uses sculpture, drawings and animation to examine the intersection of power, gender, empire and self. “Martine Gutierrez”features work from Gutierrez’s independent art publication, “Indigenous Woman”, a magazine exploring how deeply sexism, colorism, racism, transphobia and other biases are embedded and ubiquitous in popular culture and fashion photography. Admission is free.
The Paderewki Collection at Polish Museum of America.Courtesy Polish Museum of America
When: Ongoing
Where: 984 N. Milwaukee
What: The museum, since 1935 a repository for a wide variety of materials pertaining to Poland and the Polish-American community, has reopened after being shuttered for more than a year. Among the many permanent exhibits are “Polish Chicago 1850-1939,” “Folk Art Collection” and “The Paderewski Collection,” which documents the life of Polish pianist and composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Tickets: $6-$10.
The Hartwell Memorial Window bears a design attributed to Agnes F. Northrop of Tiffany Studios.The Art Institute of Chicago
When: Permanent
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan
What: A magnificent stained glass window made by Tiffany Studios in 1917 is now on permanent display at the Art Institute. The Hartwell Memorial Window, attributed to Agnes F. Northrop, Tiffany’s leading landscape window designer, was originally commissioned for a church as the gift of Mary L. Hartwell in memory of her husband Frederick W. Hartwell. It consists of 48 different panels, and is a scenic view of Mount Chocorua, a peak in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The window, located near the museum’s entrance, is one of the most ambitious landscape window projects produced by Tiffany. Museum admission: $14-$25.
Gears that open the bridge.Friends of the Chicago River
When: Ongoing
Where: 99 Chicago Riverwalk
What: This five-story museum celebrates the Chicago River and its world-famous movable bridges. Visitors explore a historic bridgehouse, watch the massive gears of a moving bridge and learn about the history of the Chicago River. Plus from the top floor, there’s a 360-degree view of the city and river. Find the museum at 99 Chicago Riverwalk. Admission: $5, $6; children 5 and under free.
You can walk among life-sized reproductions of a fresco masterpiece when you visit “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” in Oakbrook Center.SEE Attractions
When: Ongoing
Where: Oakbrook Center, 2120 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
What: For a new perspective on some of the world’s greatest art check out this immersive exhibition showcasing the artist’s renowned ceiling frescos from the Vatican chapel. The reproductions were made using a photographic technique that captures the look and feel of the original paintings. Tickets: $14-$26.60.
ST. LOUIS — If the Cubs weren’t days away from being sellers at the trade deadline and were closer to the top of the National League Central, there might have been more attention on what Kyle Hendricks has been doing on the mound.
But regardless of the Cubs’ plans at the deadline and the shift in their season, Hendricks has continued to have one of the best stretches in baseball.
Hendricks left Wednesday’s game against the Cardinals trailing by a run, but his teammates bailed him out, rallying in the ninth inning for the second straight night. However, the Cardinals prevailed 3-2 in 10 innings on Yadier Molina’s single off Craig Kimbrel that scored Paul Goldschmidt, who was placed on second base.
The Cubs’ offense had gotten nothing going and entered the ninth 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. But with two out, second baseman Nico Hoerner was hit by a pitch to put a runner on and keep the Cubs’ hopes alive.
Pinch hitter Eric Sogard followed by lining an RBI double into the right-field gap, scoring Hoerner to tie the game at 2.
That took Hendricks off the hook for the loss, extending his current hot streak. In his previous 13 starts, Hendricks was 10-0 with a 2.66 ERA. He also had quality starts in 13 of his previous 15 outings.
While he didn’t earn his MLB-leading 13th win, Hendricks finished another strong start, allowing two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. The Cardinals got to him in the seventh inning, scoring a pair of runs before he was removed from the game.
In a starting rotation that has been anything but consistent, Hendricks has not only been the stabilizing leader that the Cubs hoped he would be this season, but in many ways, he’s been even better.
The ace continued his run of success Wednesday against the Cardinals and did what he does best: give the Cubs an opportunity to win a game.
“Kyle is definitely a leader in [every] sense of the word,” manager David Ross said before the game. “His personality is a benefit in so many ways in baseball, because of the ups and downs of the season — the different things that come with a baseball season. He’s the same guy in the clubhouse and the same guy in the dugout. He works hard, he’s prepared, but he’s also just a steady personality.”
In a battle with longtime Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright, Hendricks put up another stellar performance in an old-school pitchers’ duel.
The right-hander rolled through the first four innings as he scattered two hits while inducing a ton of weak contact. He recorded five of his first nine outs in the game on grounders.
Hendricks has been able to avoid getting himself in bad situations and limiting damage, and he did that again.
He got into a jam in the fifth inning as he allowed back-to-back singles to Tommy Edman and Harrison Bader to put runners on the corners with one out.
But he didn’t let the traffic stop him. After getting the second out of the inning on a Wainwright sacrifice bunt, Hendricks struck Dylan Carlson out looking to end the inning.
What has been one of the more impressive parts about Hendricks’ three-month run of success has been the way he’s been doing it.
Throughout his eight-year major-league career, Hendricks has been the model for pitch mix. While he’s done that during his run, the Cubs’ right-hander feels like he has another level.
“I told him, I’m pretty thankful for what he gives us every fifth day,” Ross said before the game. “I think he wants to go deeper into games. I think he wants to not give up. All the great ones I’ve been around, they don’t want to give up a hit.”
A 14-year-old boy was killed and nine others wounded — including four additional teenagers — in two separate shootings within five minutes and three blocks of each other Wednesday evening in North Lawndale.
About 6:05 p.m., two teenage boys and three men were hurt after someone opened fire at the corner of Douglas Boulevard and Christiana Avenue, Chicago Police Deputy Chief Ernest Cato said.
A 14-year-old boy was shot in the head and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He hasn’t been identified.
The other teen, 16, was also struck in the head and transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital in grave condition, police said.
Three men were taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where they were in stable condition, police said. A 22-year-old was shot in the foot while another, 24, was struck in the leg. A third man, also 24, was shot in the hip.
Police tape blocks off a section of the crime scene in front of Theodore Herzl School at the corner of Douglas Boulevard and Ridgeway Avenue in North Lawndale on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Minutes later, another five males — including three teenagers — were shot outside Theodore Herzl Elementary School, near Douglas Boulevard and Ridgeway Avenue, Cato said.
A man, 18, was shot in the upper body and was taken in critical condition to Mt. Sinai Hospital, police said.
Two teenage boys, 15 and 17, were taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police said. The 15-year-old was shot in the leg while the other, 17, suffered a graze wound to the back.
A third teen boy, 14, was shot in the arm and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said, while a 22-year-old man was struck in the thigh and taken to the same hospital in good condition.
At the scene, a vehicle was seen turned on its side, believed to have been the result of someone making a turn at a high rate of speed, according to Cato.
A car sits on its side at a crime scene at the corner of Douglas Boulevard and Ridgeway Avenue in North Lawndale on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Though only three blocks apart, the shootings didn’t appear to be related, Cato said.
Cato pleaded with community members who may have information to come forward.
“We’re going to need an all-hands-on-deck approach, and that approach is going to involve … our community getting involved, and saying what’s going on. Our community who has cellphone pictures, who has Facebook information. We’re going to need your help.”
On the two mass shootings being so close to one another, Cato said: “Unfortunately, we’re seeing this not only in our city. We’re seeing this in our country, mass shootings. If you’re asking for my feelings, I’m not happy about it at all. I think all of us should be sad about what’s going on in our country and in our city. And the best remedy for any of these shootings, again, is all hands on deck, and that is going to involve cooperation — not only Chicago Police Department — other the city agencies and those who live within our community.”
Reshorna Fitzpatrick, executive pastor of the Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church, said she was working in a nearby community peace garden when she heard gunshots. Then she saw people running and shooting each other.
“It kind of reminded me of some of the westerns [movies] that my dad [watched],” said Fitzpatrick, who said there was rapid shooting for 30 to 60 seconds.
“I’m heartbroken,” Fitzpatrick said. “I really wish that the community would come together and operate from a place of peace. That they would establish some type of faith, some type of order in the homes with their family members and have conversations, particularly around peace, and also around just being community — to just come in and be one.”
Deputy Chief Ernest Cato discusses two mass shootings that happened minutes apart Wednesday evening in North Lawndale. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Fitzpatrick stood by a group of four other local pastors as police put white markers by shell casings on the street and sidewalk near Herzl.
Fitzpatrick said her church hosts “Wellness Sundays” on the boulevard, where they invite community members to socialize and partake in various activities, like face painting and tight-rope walking on the grassy median.
“It’s really been working so that’s why this is really shocking to me,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s heartbreaking and shocking because we had gotten to a place where we were really experiencing some peace.”
At least 34 other shootings this year have wounded four or more people, according to a Sun-Times analysis of city data. Over the last five years, Chicago has recorded the most mass shootings in the nation by far, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Moon Walk Completed, Moon Final edition of the Chicago Tribune’s Apollo 11 Coverage, Photo: Sophie Sanchez/ Cosmic Chicago
MOON FINAL edition of the Chicago Tribune for the coverage of the Apollo 11 Moon landing the morning after. Hopefully this will be the first and not the only time we see that stamp used on an edition of the paper. This week mark’s the 52nd anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and to celebrate we’ve been sharing mission coverage each day as it appeared in the Chicago Tribune and other Chicago newspapers.
Moon Final Front Pages
The Chicago Tribune went with the headline, Moon Walk Completed, over an image of the surface of the Moon. Chicago Daily News published a full page image of Armstrong and Aldrin on the surface of the Moon with the headline, A giant leap!, blazoned across the top.
Gallery of Chicago newspaper front pages for the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Click photos to enlarge.
Reports of Success and Daring
The final Monday edition of the paper was filled with reports from Houston detailing everything from a minute by minute sequence of events to news about the experiments and activities being carried out on the Moon. These are some of the stories that filled the first few pages of coverage.
Coverage relaying details of the Moon landing and the activities carried out by the crew. Click photos to enlarge.
I’m a tiny bit obsessed with space. I’m told it’s an acceptable obsession because I take what I learn and share it with others. If I’m not writing about space, among other things, I’m busy doing science with one of the many student orgs I volunteer with or, advocating to bring more STEM programs to underrepresented students. I miss working in a lab, so invite me out to see yours!
Appropriate summer weather beer ad for Griesedieck’s.
Vacation. This is not going to be updated. See you next week!
Friday, July 23
Mom’s on Marz Marz Community Brewing, 3630 S. Iron St., Chicago (773) 837-0145, Map After a week of selling the hell out of Mom’s Japanese inspired hot dogs at Life on Marz Community Club, we are bringing some to the mother ship. Starting Thursday, July 22nd through Saturday, July 24th from 4-9 pm, we will be slanging these two hot dogs along with our Mom’s Menu at our Bubbly Creek facility. Pair these with our Maxwell St Lager: Hot Teriyaki $7 Mom’s teriyaki sauce, S&B hot mustard, spicy mayo, crispy garlic, togarashi Okonomiyaki $7 Bulldog sauce, kewpie, shredded cabbage, nori, pickled ginger, tempura crumbs
Imperial Oak Weekend Imperial Oak Brewing Co., 501 Willow Blvd., Willow Springs, IL (708) 559-7311 Map & 9526 W. Ogden Ave., Brookfield, IL (708) 387-0050 Map These true summer days call for a fresh summer sipper. This peach brandy barrel aged Belgian Tripel with real peach juice added during aging is sure to do the trick. Come by Friday when we offer 2-packs of 12 oz cans an tap this lush version of our Beermuda Triangle. We’ll also have the base Tripel on tap and in 4 packs of 16 oz cans. Here are the food trucks for the weekend, check the website for the full tap list, beer to-go, and upcoming events at both locations. Brookfield Food Trucks -Friday- Mamalicious Jerk N Curry Cuisine– 5pm -Saturday- El Zorro Tacos- 4pm -Sunday- Big Joe’s Blazin’ BBQ– 2pm Willow Springs Food Trucks -Thursday- Tacos Marios Food Truck– 5pm -Friday- Smokin’ BBQ Kitchen– 5pm -Saturday- Tacos Marios Food Truck- 3pm -Sunday- Burn’n Bull– 1pm
10:00 am • Ticket Sales for 2021 Beer Under Glass Online at IllinoisBeer.org ADMISSION + TICKETING Session I | Friday August 27 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM Session II | Friday August 27 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM Price | $75 This summer’s special edition Beer Under Glass invites attendees to sample craft beer while enjoying exclusive, after-hours access to the Conservatory’s indoor collections and outdoor gardens. Pours from 70+ local breweries will be available outdoors during two limited tasting sessions, each with 1,000 attendees to allow for social distancing and a more intimate festival experience. The Conservatory’s indoor collections will be available for self-guided tours. General admission tickets are $75 and will be available on Friday, July 23. ImBIBE members get early access to tickets beginning Tuesday, July 20. There is no VIP ticket or early entry this year, and the festival will continue rain or shine. Food and beverages from some of Chicago’s best local restaurants and food trucks will be available for purchase throughout the gardens. Now in its 11th year, Beer Under Glass is hosted by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild (ICBG) and the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA). All proceeds support GPCA’s mission to change lives through the power of nature and connect people to plants, and ICBG’s mission to support and protect the state’s craft beer industry through education, advocacy, and promotion.
4:00 – 8:00 pm • BBQ Pop Up: Solemn Oath Brewing Solemn Oath Brewery, 1661 Quincy Ave. #179, Naperville IL (630) 995-3062 Map Chuck’s Cafe Darien is hitting the road all summer long and setting up shop at some of our favorite local breweries! We’re super pumped to be going to Solemn Oath in Naperville for the first time this July! We’re gonna be there serving our $6 menu 4-8p! Great beer & great brews! Come hungry & thirsty!
5:00 – 8:00 pm • 318 Coffee House Donut & Beer Tasting Graham’s 318 Coffee House, 318 S. 3rd St., Geneva, IL (630) 845-3180 Map Join us for an exciting night as we pair 5 of our homemade donuts with 5 beer samples from local Geneva brewery, Penrose Brewing Co. Must be over 21 to attend. Please bring a Valid ID. No children allowed. Please drink responsibly. Must have a reservation to attend. Please note that these events tend to sell out quickly, so get your ticket while you can!Tickets $35 at the 318 website.
5:30 – 10:00 pm • Food Truck and Live Music – Crust Culture and The Jib Brothers Oswego Brewing Co., 61 S. Main St., Oswego, IL (331) 999-1991 Map Crust Culture is bringing their wood fired pizza back to the Beer Garden for a Friday night party with The Jib Brothers Band! Crust Culture will be serving from 5:30PM until 8 or sold out. The Jib Brothers Band know how to get the party going! They play music from over 30 different artists of the songs you love to sing along to. Guest participation is highly encouraged, maybe you’ll get the play the tambourine! The Jib Brothers will be playing from 7-10PM in our Beer Garden. As always, it is encouraged to bring a chair, even though you might not need it because you’ll be busy dancing.
9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map We kick off our tribute to the summer blockbuster with 1988’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Saturday, July 24
11:00 am – 10:00 pm • The Open Bottle 6.5 Year Anniversary The Open Bottle, 7101 W 183rd St., Tinley Park, IL 708-247-3757 Map Celebrating our 6 year anniversary in January wasn’t an option. Now we’re back at 100% capacity and will party as such! Join us in celebrating our SIX & A HALF year anniversary on July 24th! We are humbled by the amount of support we’ve seen over the years, and we thank you for helping us live our dream! We have a lot planned, so make sure you mark yourself as ‘Interested’ on our Facebook event for updates! You won’t wanna miss it!
12:00 pm * Beermiscuous – Lakeview’s 7th Anniversary Party
Beermiscuous, 2812 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 773-698-6824 Map Yes! The 24th is our anniversary bash! Get excited! CELLAR TASTINGS, THEY’RE BACK!First up! Cellar tastings are coming back! Austin’s combing through his catacombs to find the choicest selections for this year’s celebration and, if you’re good, he’ll be opening those up for folks during the course of the day.BREWER HANGSJerome of Bold Dog Beer and Javier from Casa Humilde will be by during the afternoon of the 24th to say hey and discuss the making of Grand Crew, our anniversary beer. What’s that, you say? More on that below!GOLDEN TICKET, AKA THE AUREATE VOUCHERSecondly! You will notice in the Beermiscuous rewards app (available for iPhone and Google Play users) that we have launched a points raffle for another Golden Ticket. The Golden Ticket winner gets 2 complimentary draft beers each week for a full year starting on the raffle day. RAFFLE ENTRY CLOSES FRIDAY, JULY 23rd at 11:59 PM. We’ll draw the winner at 5pm on Saturday, July 24. NOTE: YOU MUST BE PRESENT ON JULY 24 TO WIN. There is no cost to enter this raffle. All you need are rewards points. To enter, load up the Beermiscuous App, go to the Point Shop on the bottom right, select the Raffle Ticket, then select “Get It”. Each entry costs a mere 25 reward points. You may enter as many times as you’d like, so repeat this process for multiple raffle entries. Any missed weeks don’t accumulate. Raffle rewards are non-transferable. *Official Terms as required by the ILCC: Winner will receive a voucher that serves as a weekly gift card equal to the price of two draft beers for 52 weeks.*THE LOVE ABOVE!On the evening of the 24th, to round out the celebrations, we have the lovely and kind folks of The Love Below coming by to grace us with their comedic stylings. It’s been a long, long time since we’ve let them out of the cellar, and they promise that it will be fun a hilarious time.ANNIVERSARY BEERThe anniversary beer this year is Grand Crew, a celebration of us: the people who made sure that we survived the strangest year of Beermiscuous’ existence yet. The brew, made with Bold Dog and Casa Humilde, will get tapped July 24th, the day of our anniversary celebrations! It’ll be an all-day affair with giveaways, brewer hangouts, and other special delights. It’s our first shindig in over a year, and we’re thrilled to be able to host it with you. RSVP! As for the beer, it’s a unique twist on a Belgian Quad, made with piloncillo and blue agave. We’re so excited.
2:00 – 8:00 pm • Summer Art Bazaar Miskatonic Brewing Co., 1000 N. Frontage Rd., Darien, IL 630-541-9414 Map Join us Saturday, July 24th for our Summer Art Bazaar! We are excited to throw another Bazaar and thought it would be lovely to have it in the Spring! This event will host a myriad of talented, local artists ready to delight you with their creations and help you shop for loved ones and yourself to further brighten your lives with the coming summer sun. BIZARRE BEER Beer will be flowing in the taproom with our usual Saturday hours of 12-11 pm and we will have beer flowing and cans in the Barrel Room from 2 pm – 8 pm. FOOD Burn’n Bull will be here from 2-8 pm. Continuing our Bazaar tradition of giving back, a portion of Miskatonic’s proceeds will benefit Worldbuilders, a charity founded by author Pat Rothfuss in order to use the collective power of readers, fellow authors, and book lovers to make the world a better place. All artists will be donating a portion of their proceeds to various other organizations around the globe as well! Miskatonic Brewing Co. is family-friendly, including your furry companions! We just ask that you keep your dogs, cats, reptiles, and modern dinosaurs on a leash and pick up after them outside. Hope you can make it to this fun-filled event!
6:00 pm • Bags, Brew and BBQ Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL (630) 993-8900 Map After a successful debut in 2019, Elmhurst Park District is bringing back Bags, Brew and BBQ this year on Saturday, July 24, 6-9 p.m. in Wilder Park. A game night just for those 21 and older, the event will feature bags, a sport moon jump, giant beer pong, jumbo sized editions of popular games like Jenga and Connect Four and more. Bring your favorite takeout, pack a picnic or grab food from a food truck. Food trucks include Dope Sandwich, Sugar Mama’s Mini Donuts and Courageous Bakery. Drinks courtesy of Doti Liquors. Attendees must be 21 and older. Event subject to change in accordance with the Restore Illinois Plan. Thanks to our sponsors, Suburban Bank & Trust and The Schiller Team.
7:00 pm • Digeometric Album Release Show Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL (708) 954-8085 Map Join us for an album release a pandemic in the making with Digeometric! Special guest Kara Cavanaugh to start off the night. There will be a taco truck, live painting, vendors, and games. Vendors: Planet Unicorn Collection (Crystals and Gems) Sacred Energy (Apparel and Spirituality) Golden Heart Soap Co. (Beauty and Health) Jason Streetz (Tarot Readings) Live Painters: B Mack Artnstuff Breena Bright Digeometric is a 4 piece jazz funk fusion band and you’ll probably recognize a few faces from nights at BIBCo. $10 suggested donation Check out their music here!
7:00 pm • Side Lot Bingo! Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map We’re playing Bingo again! Get ready to shake your balls every Tuesday night at Side Lot Brewery. Limited seating is available both inside and outside. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended. MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE PROPERTY & ANYTIME YOU’RE NOT SEATED. If this is a problem, stay home.
9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map We continue summer blockbuster weekend with 1989’s Batman!
Sunday, July 25
10:00 am • Brunch with Hopvine Brewing McCarty Mills Taproom, 140 S. River St., Aurora, IL (630) 229-0451 Map Chilaquiles, Micheladas and Beermosas from Hopvine Brewing Co.
10:00 – 11:00 am • Yoga & Brews with Amy Nielsen Crafted 1979, 19200 LaGrange Rd., Ste. E, Mokena, IL 708-860-2826 Map Yoga with Amy Nielsen is back at Crafted! Come join us and Amy from Spenga for some flow! This Sunday, June 27th, it’s time find your calm and earn your beer! Tickets are available on our website – space is limited so buy them now!
11:00 am – 4:00 pm • Byway Brewing Celebrates 80 Years of Saving Pets! Fundraiser and Supply Drive Byway Brewing Co., 2825 Carlson Dr., Hammond, IN 219‑844‑5468 Map Fundraiser and supply drive for Humane Indiana! Your gift of: • Puppy and kitten formula • Canned puppy and kitten food • Bagged dog and cat food • Canned dog and cat food • Cat and dog treats • Monetary donations helps support shelter animals! Byway Brewing is hosting a supply drive! Bring “wish list” items or monetary donation of a minimum $10 value and enjoy 20% off sandwiches and $1 off of beer!
11:00 am – 1:00 pm • Free Donuts & Drafts at the WCBC! Will County Brewing Co., 1142 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, IL (815) 582-4157 Map Join us at 11 AM the last Sunday of every month for a pairing of delicious Orland Park Bakery Donuts and refreshing Will County Brewing Craft Beer. Donuts are FREE at the brewery with any craft beer purchase and also available for sale at the bakery while supplies last!
12:00 – 4:00 pm • Steam Buns by Sour Peach, LLC! Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St., Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map Sour Peach LLC is coming back with their super scrumptious STEAM BUNS! Serving from noon to sell out. Final menu TBA, so make sure you mark this Event as Interested or Going for updates. Plus, live music by Grant Milliren for our Sunday Sessions starting at 1pm!
12:00 – 5:00 pm • Sunday Fun Day The Beer and Now, 2801 Ogden Ave., Ste 7, Lisle, IL (630) 946-6660 Map Every Sunday stop by for $1 off all draft beers!
3:00 – 5:00 pm • Trivia Night at Noon Whistle Naperville Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map Are you tired of sitting at home answering every question correct on Jeopardy with nothing to show for it? Come out for our General Knowledge trivia night with Baig of Tricks Entertainment and join your host as they quiz your teams through two full hours of general knowledge trivia, including awesome themed bonus rounds and music rounds! While we’re testing your wit, Cellar Door will be keeping you fueled up an incredible food menu and delicious drinks all night, PLUS the top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning. Be sure to get there early and snag your team a spot and fuel up with some drinks, see you soon! Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue, and here are a few extra tips: 1) Please bring your own pen/pencil. Our host will have pencils just in case, but it would be best to use your own for everyone’s safety & comfort. 2) The questions will be read by your host over our PA system, but may not be displayed on a screen if one is not easily available. 3) Any and all rules/restrictions are subject to change.
9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map Summer blockbuster weekend end with the best dinosaur movie ever made, Jurassic Park!
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Meet The Blogger
Mark McDermott
Writer, trivia maven, fan of many things. I thought to learn all there is to know about beer as a way to stay interested in learning. It is my pleasure to bring Chicago’s craft beer scene to you.
The Fire’s record isn’t what anybody around the franchise hoped for. After Wednesday’s 2-2 tie with D.C. United, the Fire are 3-8-3 and outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Yet owner Joe Mansueto is behind sporting director Georg Heitz and coach Raphael Wicky.
“I don’t have plans to make any changes with Georg and Rapha,” Mansueto told the Sun-Times during a wide-ranging interview Monday. “I like working with both of them and have confidence in them. They are very knowledgeable about soccer, passionate, fully committed and engaged. I don’t see anything wrong that they are doing.”
Since becoming the owner of the Fire in Sept. 2019, Mansueto has played the long game, trying to create a sustainable product on and off the field. The team has invested in youth and is looking to build a state-of-the-art performance center that would benefit all aspects of the club.
When he spoke with the Sun-Times, Mansueto said “sometimes you need to iterate to get to success.” He noted the emergence of midfielder Alvaro Medran and attacker Ignacio Aliseda as examples of progress, along with a general uptick in play that recently netted the Fire seven points over three games.
For most of Wednesday, the Fire looked poised to recover from Saturday’s 5-1 loss to Nashville SC, taking a 2-0 lead on a goal from Gaston Gimenez and an own goal by D.C. United. But the edge didn’t last, as the Fire allowed second-half goals to Kevin Paredes and Ola Kamara to settle for the draw.
That won’t help the Fire, whom Mansueto said are still focused on making the playoffs. They entered Wednesday’s game six points out of the last spot in the East.
“A little slower start than we would have liked, but I think some momentum of note recently that we’re excited about,” Mansueto said. “I think the team is beginning to jell, and we’re feeling positive and optimistic.”
Those positive feelings extend to the sporting director and coach. Despite the record this year after missing the 2020 playoffs, Mansueto thinks Heitz and Wicky are doing the “right things for the long term” of the Fire.
“My management style is not a high turnover one,” Mansueto said. “My mindset is, how can I help them to be successful? We are all in this together.”
Not quite two years after buying out Andrew Hauptman, Mansueto is “loving it” and having a great time atop the Fire. He’s spent more time on the project than he expected, and is enjoying working with the people at the Fire and their fans.
As for the overall progress he expected at this point of his ownership, Mansueto said the development of the organization and personnel is where he wanted it to be, and that a lot is in place to build the fan base and a winning team on the field.
Now, Mansueto said, they need to drive the results.
“We’re not all the way there,” Mansueto said, “but I think we’ve made a lot of progress.”
NOTE: Wicky was away from the team for the second straight game Wednesday after traveling to Switzerland due to a health matter concerning a close family member. Assistant Frank Klopas coached the team.
Yermin Mercedes, the American League Rookie of the Month in April who was sent down to Triple-A Charlotte after slumping in May and June, announced on his Instagram account Wednesday that he is retiring from baseball.
“First of all I want to thank God for giving me life to the fans that without them I was nothing,” Mercedes wrote on his Instagram account. “To my family for understanding me and always supporting … I walk away from baseball for a while God bless you. It’s over.”
The Sox said they are aware of the post but “have not received any official notification from Yermin concerning his future plans.”
Mercedes, 28, who was optioned to Charlotte on July 2, started for the Knights Wednesday and was removed from the game for a pinch-hitter after two at-bats. In 14 games he was batting .309/.377/.655 with four home runs.
Mercedes hit .221 in May with two home runs, and hit .159 in June for the Sox.
A fan favorite and MLB sensation in April who was 8-for-8 in his first eight at-bats, Mercedes found himself in the middle of a controversy when he missed a take sign and homered on a 3-0 pitch against the Twins’ Tyler Duffey in May. He was called out by manager Tony La Russa for breaking one of baseball’s unwritten rules.
Hamilton: crowd pleaser
Sox fans have taken to Billy Hamilton, and the feeling is mutual.
“Sometimes I get just like this shock through my body, it’s an awesome feeling,” Hamilton said of how Guaranteed Rate Field crowds respond to him. “These South Side fans, it’s great. They keep me going. Sometimes I’m not even in the game and they are hollering “Bil-ly.”
The speedy Hamilton, getting a start in center field Wednesday after coming off the bench to drive in the go-ahead run in a Sox victory the night before, gave the Sox a spark in the last game of a four-game series against the Twins. Batting ninth, he grounded a one-out double past third baseman Josh Donaldson, stole third and scored the Sox’ only run against Michael Pineda on Adam Engel’s infield single.
Sox right-hander Dylan Cease allowed three runs over five innings, giving up a homer to Max Kepler, and the Twins built their lead to 6-1 with three runs against righty Codi Heuer in the sixth.
The Sox are the fifth organization in the last two seasons for Hamilton, who has eight of his 313 career stolen bases this season. Signed by the Sox for needed depth during their rash of outfield injuries, he has been a little bit more than a pinch runner and late-innings defensive replacement, sprinkling a small bundle of big hits and catches over a modest .223/.245/.395 hitting line.
“It’s a great feeling to be a part of this team,” Hamilton said. “It’s unbelievable.”
Brewers next
The pitching matchups for the weekend series at the Brewers, following an off day Thursday, feature five ERAs under 2.40: Lucas Giolito (8-6, 3.90 ERA) vs Freddy Peralta (7-3, 2.39) on Friday, Carlos Rodon (8-3, 2.14) vs. Corbin Burnes (5-4, 2.16) Saturday and Lance Lynn (9-3, 1.94) vs. Brandon Woodruff (7-4, 2.04) Sunday.
This day in history
Wednesday marked 70 years since Sam Hairston, who is credited with breaking the White Sox color barrier alongside Cuban-born Minnie Minoso and Bob Boyd, made his MLB debut on July 21, 1951.
The Chicago White Sox are on top of the AL Central by a huge margin, but that margin is no where quite as huge as the news the team received on Wednesday night.
Tony La Russa’s ball club saw Yermin Mercedes post a cryptic message on his instagram that read “El Retiro” with a thinking emoji. That began what ended up being hysteria across White Sox social media.
Fans all across the baseball world began wondering if that meant what they thought it meant: could Yermin Mercedes actually be retiring?
Hours later, Mercedes went on Instagram yet again and, this time, confirmed the news we all wondered about.
Confirming suspicions, Chicago White Sox youngster Yermin Mercedes announced his retirement on his Instagram Wednesday night.
Mercedes’ post on Instagram roughly translates:
“First of all I want to thank God for giving me life to the fans that without them I was nothing to my family for understanding me and always supporting …”
His post goes on to say, “…to all the teams I participated by not tolerating the decisions of them to everyone who as a human being eh failed I apologize and thus walk away from baseball for a while God bless you it’s over.”
Fans will remember that Mercedes started the 2021 MLB season on a hot streak. In fact, in his first six games, he came up with 15 hits, including three doubles and two home runs. At the end of April, Mercedes was slashing .415/.455/.659.
Then, in the middle of May, things changed for the worse. Late in a blowout win against the Minnesota Twins, Mercedes swung on a 3-0 pitch, with the bases loaded, and launched that thing out of the park.
After the game, La Russa called Mercedes’ decision to swing a “big mistake.” However, not everyone was thrilled with La Russa’s opinion on the matter. Even teammate Tim Anderson supported Mercedes and told him to “keep being you,” citing that “the game wasn’t over.”
Since that moment, Mercedes has been in a downward trend. He had gone through what seemed like a never-ending slump before being demoted July 2 in favor of Jake Burger.
The 28-year-old’s career was just launching. It had only just begun, and though he had endured a tough stretch this season, there is no doubt in fans’ minds he would have eventually turned things around.
Is Tony La Russa to blame for this odd and shocking retirement? Did his comments start the snowball effect which eventually led to Mercedes calling it quits? Many will start pointing the finger, however if Mercedes truly retired in part because of La Russa, maybe he wasn’t cut out for the Majors to begin with.
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