Growing up on the far south side of Chicago, I was a White Sox fan. Comiskey Park was my first and favorite ballpark. The Last Comiskey book launch celebrated the release of the book chronicling the last season of that great ballpark.
Held at Chicago History Museum, the event started with a gathering of media and baseball fans. I wrote “baseball fans” because whether a Cubs or Sox supporter, we all appreciate the history of baseball. I caught up with old friend author George Castle and met several other Chicago media veterans including Tom Shaer, Chris Boden, Rich King and Sharon Pannozzo.
Tom Shaer
Chris Boden
Rich King
Sharon Pannozzo
Shaer hosted the night, which started with a condensed version of the Last Comiskey documentary. That was followed by Shaer discussing the book with author Ken Smoller. Former Sox stars Jack McDowell, Ron Kittle and Donn Pall joined them for a panel discussion. In addition to covering the last season, the players also recalled their big moments. “BlackJack” discussed winning the Cy Young award, Kittle talked about winning Rookie of the Year, and Pall reminisced about playing for both of his hometown teams.
Jack McDowell
George Castle and Ron Kittle
Donn Pall
Fittingly, the night ended with longtime Sox organist Nancy Faust playing “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” a song she used to signal every Sox win. Faust is said to be the first organist to play specific songs for batters, pitchers and significant game moments. Her organ perch was one of the most popular attractions at old Comiskey Park.
Nancy Faust
The book itself is an amazing 186-page journey through the 1990 season. It is full of pictures, quotes and stories from former Sox players and personnel. It’s like a big reunion in book form. Author Smoller did an outstanding job of packing so much into it.
As I drove home, I realized I moved to the North Side shortly after the 1990 baseball season. I wasn’t at the last home game of the old Comiskey Park, but I saw plenty of games that season. Since moving north, I don’t get to Guaranteed Rate Field, the new home of the Sox, very often. It’s a beautiful ballpark, but no park will ever capture the magic of the old park. Thanks to Last Comiskey, I have a tangible bit of nostalgia. Look for Last Comiskey to make my list of best books of the year.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
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