Today in Chicago History: Now batting for the White Sox

Harry Caray interviews Michael Jordan before the Crosstown Classic between the Chicago White Sox and Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 7, 1994, in Chicago. (Mark Elias/AP)

By Kori Rumore | krumore@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune

PUBLISHED: April 7, 2025 at 4:00 AM CDT

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 7, 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: 84 degrees (1893)
Low temperature: 7 degrees (1982)
Precipitation: 0.81 inches (1998)
Snowfall: 3 inches (2003)

In the mid 1920s, Henry Gerber lived at 1710 N. Crilly Court in Chicago, which is on the National Historic Register, June 6, 2024. Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights, the first gay-rights organization in the county. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) — In the mid-1920s, Henry Gerber lived at 1710 N. Crilly Court in Chicago, which is on the National Historic Register. Gerber founded the Society for Human Rights, the first gay rights organization in the county. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

1924: Postal clerk Henry Gerber formed the Society for Human Rights, but was soon arrested for being gay.

Gerber was never convicted, but the publicity (including a newspaper headline reading “Strange Sex Cult Exposed”) lead to his firing for conduct unbecoming of a postal worker. The group he began quickly disbanded.

In 2015, Gerber’s home at 1710 N. Crilly Court in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood was designated a National Historic Landmark.

..OUTSIDE TRIBUNE CO.- NO MAGS, NO SALES, NO INTERNET, NO TV.. Nancy Faust organist for the Chicago White Sox at Comisky Park 6/5/71. Tribune photo by Don Casper Tribune Lab by LAB tba 00232799A Faust — Nancy Faust, organist for the Chicago White Sox, at Comiskey Park on June 5, 1971. (Don Casper/Chicago Tribune)

1970: Organist Nancy Faust debuted at Comiskey Park. Faust, who played tunes by ear without the use of sheet music, remained a mainstay at Chicago White Sox home games for 41 seasons. She also played organ for other professional sports teams, including the Chicago Bulls from 1977 to 1984 and the Chicago Blackhawks from 1984 to 1988.

A commemorative plaque at The Rate states Faust entertained fans during thousands of games, being credited as the first sports organist to “incorporate popular and rock themes — including her trademark rendition of ‘Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)’ into performances.”

Harry Caray (standing in foreground), White Sox broadcaster in the center field stands at White Sox Park, 8-16-72. Tribune file photo by Don Casper..OUTSIDE TRIBUNE CO.- NO MAGS, NO SALES, NO INTERNET, NO TV, CHICAGO OUT.. 00282457A Harry Caray — White Sox broadcaster Harry Caray in the center field bleachers at Comiskey Park on Aug. 16, 1972. (Don Casper/Chicago Tribune)

1971: Broadcaster Harry Caray called his first White Sox game.

Chicago Mayor Harold Washington was reelected on April 7, 1987. (Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Mayor Harold Washington was reelected April 7, 1987. (Chicago Tribune)

1987: Chicago Mayor Harold Washington won reelection.

Michael Jordan, left, is congratulated by Chicago White Sox teammate Julio Vinas after he knocked in Jordan on a two-run homer in the sixth inning during the Windy City Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago, on April 7, 1994. The exhibition game ended in a 4-4 tie in 10 innings. (Mark Elias/AP) — Chicago White Sox’ Michael Jordan, left, is congratulated by teammate Julio Vinas after he knocked in Jordan with a two-run homer in the sixth inning during the Windy City Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago on April 7, 1994. The exhibition game ended in a 4-4 tie in 10 innings. (Mark Elias/AP)

1994: Michael Jordan singled, doubled and knocked in two runs for the White Sox in an exhibition game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

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